scholarly journals Need to Belong and Social Ties in Late Life

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 926-926
Author(s):  
Zexi Zhou ◽  
Yijung Kim ◽  
Shiyang Zhang ◽  
Karen Fingerman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
Similar Amount ◽  
Need To Belong ◽  
Social Encounters

Abstract According to socioemotional selectivity theory, older adults are more selective and tend to shrink their social network to their closest ties. However, a heightened need to belong, which is characterized by a stronger desire for acceptance and motivation to affiliation, may alter this common pattern. We know little about how the need to belong shapes social network structure, especially in late life. This study investigated the associations between the need to belong, size of social network, and engagement with social ties among older adults. Participants (N = 314) aged over 65 years from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study completed a baseline interview regarding their close ties (i.e., social convoy members), and weak ties, as well as a self-report measure of need to belong. They completed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys reporting their social encounters every 3 hours over 5 to 6 days. Need to belong was unrelated to the number of close ties. In contrast, participants with a higher need to belong reported more less close (but still important) ties and weak ties than those with a lower need to belong, but spent a similar amount of time (i.e., proportion of EMA involving social encounters) with either their close ties or weak ties. These results suggest that the need to belong may motivate older adults to go beyond their closest ties to weaker ties, and highlight the discrepancies between the sense of being connected to social partners and the actual engagement with them in this process.

Daily social media use, social ties, and emotional well-being in later life

2022 ◽  
pp. 026540752110672
Author(s):  
Yijung K Kim ◽  
Karen L Fingerman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Social Network Structure ◽  
Social Encounters

Older American adults are increasingly utilizing communication technologies, but research has seldom explored older adults’ daily social media use and its interface with other “offline” social ties. To explore a complementary and/or compensatory function of social media in later life, this study employed data from the Daily Experiences and Well-Being Study (2016–2017) to examine associations between daily social media use, daily social encounters, social network structure, and daily mood. Community-dwelling older adults ( N = 310; Mage = 73.96) reported on their overall social network structure (diversity in types of social ties and size of network), their daily social encounters in-person and by phone, social media use, and emotional well-being for 5 to 6 days. Multilevel models revealed that daily social media use was associated with daily mood in the context of daily social encounters and the size of the social network. Individuals reported less negative mood on days with more social media use and more in-person encounters. More daily social media use was associated with more positive mood for individuals with a relatively small social network but not for their counterparts with larger social networks. Findings suggest that social media is a distinct form of social resource in later life that may complement the emotional benefits of daily social encounters and compensate for the age-related reduction in social network size. Future research should consider how socially isolated older adults might use computer-mediated communication such as social media to foster a sense of social connection.

scholarly journals EXPANDING SOCIAL TIES AS A GOAL IN LATER LIFE: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S175-S175
Author(s):  
Danielle Oleskiewicz ◽  
Karen Rook
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Provision ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Network Composition

Abstract Older adults often winnow their social ties to focus on emotionally rewarding ties (Charles & Carstensen, 2010). Some older adults, however, have small social networks that preclude much winnowing or aversive social ties from which disengagement is difficult. These individuals might be motivated to expand, rather than contract, their social ties. The current study sought to extend knowledge regarding potential links between social network characteristics and older adults’ interest, effort, and success in creating new social ties. We expected that small social networks and negative social ties might motivate interest and effort directed toward forming new social ties but that positive social ties might foster success in efforts to form new ties. In-person interviews were conducted with participants (N = 351, Mean age = 74.16) in a larger study of older adults’ social networks and well-being. The interviews assessed participants’ social networks, as well as their interest, effort, and success in making new social ties. Participants’ social network composition, rather than size, was associated with greater motivation to establish new social ties. Negative social ties were associated with greater interest and effort directed toward forming new social ties. Positive social ties were related to greater success (due, in part, to their support provision) and, unexpectedly, were also related to greater interest and effort directed toward forming new ties. Older adults sometimes seek to expand, rather than contract, their social ties, and characteristics of their social networks appear to play a role in fueling and influencing the success of such efforts.

scholarly journals Narcissism, Social Encounters, and Mood in Late Life

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 388-388
Author(s):  
Shiyang Zhang ◽  
Yee To Ng ◽  
Karen Fingerman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Interaction Terms ◽  
Social Events ◽  
Social Encounters

Abstract Social contacts have a strong impact on older adult’s well-being. However, narcissism (i.e., feelings of self-importance) may undermine interpersonal connections. Research with young adults has found that being narcissistic may generate feelings of boredom, irritation, and pride because narcissistic young adults oftentimes have difficulty maintaining attention, have greater sensitivity to negative social events (e.g. social rejections), and have an exaggerated sense of self-worth. Yet, we know little about narcissism in late life, particularly in a daily context. This study examined the associations between narcissism, social encounters, and mood (i.e., bored, irritated, lonely, proud) throughout the day. Older adults aged 65 + (N = 307) from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study completed a measure of narcissism in a baseline interview. Then, in ecological momentary assessments (EMA), they reported social encounters and mood every 3 hours for 5 to 6 days. We found no significant associations between narcissism and number of social encounters throughout the day. Multilevel models revealed that older adults who scored higher on narcissism felt more bored and prouder throughout the day. Interaction terms involving narcissism and social encounters showed that during assessment periods when they had social encounters, participants who scored higher on narcissism reported a similar level of loneliness as when they were alone, whereas their peers who scored lower on narcissism experienced decreases in loneliness. Findings suggest that narcissism does not predict social encounters. However, older adults who are higher in narcissism may be less likely to be influenced by their social encounters.

Informal Caregiving and Social Capital: A Social Network Perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 272-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam R. Roth
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personal Networks ◽  
Personal Network ◽  
Network Change ◽  
Bonding Capital

A large literature emphasizes the importance of social relationships during the caregiving process. Yet these issues are seldom presented in a social network framework that examines the structure of caregivers’ personal networks. In this study, I examine how older caregivers experience changes in personal network structure. Using two waves from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, I investigate whether caregivers are more or less likely to exhibit bridging or bonding capital potential compared to noncaregivers. I find that older adults transitioning into caregiving are more likely to develop the ability to bridge social ties within their personal networks than noncaregivers despite potential constraints in their personal freedom. Caregivers in the latter stages, meanwhile, do not differ from noncaregivers in terms of network change. These findings have implications for older adults’ potential to pool resources across social domains as well as negotiate stress and well-being during the caregiving process.

scholarly journals Daily Social Media Use, Social Ties, and Emotional Well-Being in Later Life

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 301-302
Author(s):  
Karen Fingerman ◽  
Yijung Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Positive Mood ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Media Use

Abstract Research has seldom explored older adults’ daily social media use and its interface with ‘offline’ social ties. Using data from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study (N = 310; Mage = 73.96), we investigated whether more daily social media use was associated with the same-day negative or positive mood in later life, and how these associations varied with older adults’ daily social encounters and social network structure. More daily social media use was associated with less same-day negative mood. Additionally, more daily social media use was associated with less negative mood on days with more in-person encounters, compared to the days with fewer in-person encounters. More daily social media use was also associated with more positive mood for individuals with a relatively small social network, but not for their counterparts. Post-hoc analyses supported a compensatory function of social media for those older adults lacking social connections in their daily lives.

scholarly journals Empathy and Close Social Ties in Late Life

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 1648-1657
Author(s):  
Meng Huo ◽  
Jamie L Fuentecilla ◽  
Kira S Birditt ◽  
Karen L Fingerman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Social Experiences ◽  
Social Worlds ◽  
Daily Experiences ◽  
Social Network Structure ◽  
Social Partners

Abstract Objectives Older adults with stronger social ties often lead longer, healthier, and happier lives, but these ties may differ based on older adults’ ability to share and understand others’ emotions (i.e., empathy). This study asked how empathy was associated with the way that older adults construct and engage in their social worlds. Method We drew on the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study to examine how older adults’ empathy was associated with the structure (e.g., network size and contact), function (e.g., support), and quality (e.g., affection and conflict) of their close social ties. Participants (N = 333) self-rated empathy and listed their social partners using three concentric convoy circles. Results Empathy was not associated with older adults’ social network structure, but more empathic older adults exchanged support with more social partners and reported greater affection for their social partners. We did not observe a significant link between older adults’ empathy and conflict with social partners. Discussion Examining empathy advances our understanding of individual differences in older adults’ close social ties. This study suggests that empathy may play a promising role with regard to promoting older adults’ social experiences and strengthening their close ties.

scholarly journals Empathy and Coping: Older Adults’ Social Encounters and Mood Throughout the Day

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 638-638
Author(s):  
Meng Huo ◽  
Yee To Ng ◽  
Kira Birditt ◽  
Karen Fingerman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Positive Mood ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Experiences ◽  
Daily Experiences ◽  
Social Encounters ◽  
And Coping

Abstract Scholars have proposed empathy as a key characteristic of strong social ties, but little is known about the role empathy plays when tensions occur in these ties. We examined whether older adults’ empathy was associated with their (a) coping strategies for interpersonal tensions, and (b) momentary mood when tensions occurred throughout the day. Data were from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study. Older adults (n = 302) rated empathy, reported avoidant, constructive, and destructive coping strategies, and indicated tensions and mood every 3 hours each day over 5 to 6 days. More empathic older adults used constructive strategies more often and destructive strategies less often than less empathic older adults. Interpersonal tensions were associated with reduced positive mood throughout the day, but this link was attenuated by older adults’ empathy. This study advances our understanding of empathy and social experiences in later life with a focus on the negative moments.

scholarly journals Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Older Adults With Auditory, Vision, and Dual Sensory Impairment

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 1353-1375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Simning ◽  
Meghan L. Fox ◽  
Steven L. Barnett ◽  
Silvia Sorensen ◽  
Yeates Conwell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sensory Impairment ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Sensory Impairments ◽  
Dual Sensory Impairment

Objective: The objective of the study is to examine the association of auditory, vision, and dual sensory impairment with late-life depressive and anxiety symptoms. Method: Our study included 7,507 older adults from the National Health & Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative sample of U.S. Medicare beneficiaries. Auditory and vision impairment were determined by self-report, and depressive and anxiety symptoms were evaluated by the two-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) and two-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2), respectively. Results: Auditory, vision, and dual impairment were associated with an increased risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms in multivariable analyses accounting for sociodemographics, medical comorbidity, and functional impairment. Auditory, vision, and dual impairment were also associated with an increased risk for depressive and anxiety symptoms that persist or were of new onset after 1 year. Discussion: Screening older adults with sensory impairments for depression and anxiety, and screening those with late-life depression and anxiety for sensory impairments, may identify treatment opportunities to optimize health and well-being.

scholarly journals When Less Is More: Downsizing, Sense of Place, and Well-Being in Late Life

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 440-441
Author(s):  
Kyrsten Costlow ◽  
Shinae Choi ◽  
Beverly Roskos ◽  
Patricia Parmelee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sense Of Place ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Pull Factors ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
Less Is More ◽  
The Past

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the decision-making process and outcomes associated with downsizing to a smaller home in late life. Older adults who had downsized in the past year (n = 68) completed self-report measures of push-pull factors driving the decision to move, relocation controllability, sense of place (SOP), move satisfaction, and psychological well-being. It was hypothesized that the relation between push-pull factors and relocation outcomes (i.e., move satisfaction and psychological well-being) would be serially mediated by control and SOP. Haye’s PROCESS macro was used to test serial multiple mediator models for each of the relocation outcomes. Placing greater importance on push relative to pull factors was associated with lower levels of well-being in three domains: environmental mastery (b = -5.52, p = .002), purpose in life (b = -3.94, p = .01), and self-acceptance (b = -3.61, p = .007). Results of serial mediation analyses suggested that older adults whose downsizing decisions were more strongly influenced by push factors felt less control over relocation, found it more difficult to develop SOP in the new home, and, in turn, experienced lower levels of psychological well-being and move satisfaction. These findings can be used to inform older adults’ downsizing decisions and develop supports for relocating older adults.

Talk or Walk? Gait Speed over Self-Report in Association with Cognitive Speed in Healthy Older Adults

GeroPsych ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-52
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Costello ◽  
Shane J. Sizemore ◽  
Kimberly E. O’Brien ◽  
Lydia K. Manning
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Subjective Report ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Relative Value ◽  
Cognitive Speed ◽  
Age Range

Abstract. This study explores the relative value of both subjectively reported cognitive speed and gait speed in association with objectively derived cognitive speed. It also explores how these factors are affected by psychological and physical well-being. A group of 90 cognitively healthy older adults ( M = 73.38, SD = 8.06 years, range = 60–89 years) were tested in a three-task cognitive battery to determine objective cognitive speed as well as measures of gait speed, well-being, and subjective cognitive speed. Analyses indicated that gait speed was associated with objective cognitive speed to a greater degree than was subjective report, the latter being more closely related to well-being than to objective cognitive speed. These results were largely invariant across the 30-year age range of our older adult sample.

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