scholarly journals INTEREST GROUP SESSION—DISASTERS AND OLDER ADULTS: HARNESSING THE POWER OF SOCIAL NETWORKS DURING DISASTERS TO FACILITATE PREPARATION AND RECOVERY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S390-S390
Author(s):  
Judith Robertson R Phillips ◽  
Katie E Cherry
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Voluntary Organizations ◽  
Formal Groups ◽  
Psychological Recovery ◽  
Relief Efforts

Abstract With the increasing occurrences of disasters throughout the world, researchers, communities, and organizations have become interested in how the use of social networks during and after a disaster can ease the psychological recovery of older adults who are affected by traumatic disaster events such as hurricanes and wildfires. This symposium will focus on the power of social networks and highlight the importance of preparedness, informal and formal groups, and interventions to assist recovery of older adults. First, Dr. Judith Phillips will present data on how informal and formal social network groups affected the psychological well-being of older adults who experienced exposure to multiple wildfires. Second, Dr. Denise Eldemire-Shearer will address how both formal and informal social network groups in Jamaica are informed and mobilized to provide support to older adults on the island during hurricanes and other water-related disasters. Third, Dr. Lisa Brown will introduce the Skills for Psychological Recovery intervention and provide an overview and modifications needed when using with older adults; she will also demonstrate an exercise. Fourth, Dr. Debra Dobbs will present themes examining the role of community engagement in hurricane preparedness which were gathered from focus groups and interviews with assisted living administrators in Florida. Lastly, Dr. Mary Helen McSweeney-Feld will address how voluntary organizations active during disasters aid older adults with disaster relief efforts. Together these presenters will provide evidence of the power of various social networks that will lessen the vulnerability of older adults after disasters.

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 IMPACT OF INFORMAL AND FORMAL SOCIAL NETWORKS DURING A WILDFIRE ON PSYCHOLOGICAL RECOVERY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S390-S390
Author(s):  
Judith Robertson R Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Well Being ◽  
San Diego County ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Formal Groups ◽  
Psychological Recovery ◽  
Victim Group ◽  
Emotional Social Support ◽  
Informal Groups

Abstract Having the support of a social network can play an important role towards psychological well-being for those impacted by a disaster. The purpose of this study was to investigate how type (emotional, tangible, informational) and source (family, friends, others) of social support during three Southern California wildfires impacted the psychological well-being of three victim-groups (based on severity of exposure) of community-residing adults (N= 203; meanage = 63.4 years; range 50-94 years) who responded to surveys about their experiences during the 2007, 2014, and 2017 northern San Diego County, CA wildfires. Analyses revealed that emotional social support from friends and neighbors was the most frequently received type and source of support, especially for the primary victim-group, those with residential loss. All victim-groups exhibited healthy psychological well-being. Discussion will focus on how informal groups differed and were similar to formal groups in providing social support during a disaster to encourage psychological recovery.

scholarly journals Is Living Alone “Aging Alone”? Solitary Living, Network Types, and Well-Being

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (8) ◽  
pp. 1406-1415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Djundeva ◽  
Pearl A Dykstra ◽  
Tineke Fokkema
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Country Level

Abstract Objectives When identifying older adults who may be at risk of being without necessary supports, policy makers and scholars tend to focus on those living alone, neglecting differences within that group. We examine how their social networks contribute to subjective well-being, why some of them fare better and compare their well-being to older adults coresiding with others. Method Data are from the fourth wave of the Survey of Health and Retirement in Europe (N = 53,383). A network typology for older people living alone (N = 10,047) is constructed using a latent class analysis. Using ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions, we examined differences in subjective well-being (life satisfaction, satisfaction with social network, depression) by network type, adding adults coresiding with others (N = 43,336) as comparison group. Results We find four social network types among older adults living alone. The likelihood of having “restricted” and “child-based” networks is greater in Eastern and Southern European countries, whereas the likelihood of having “friend-oriented” networks is greater in Western and Northern European countries. Across countries, only those with “restricted” networks tend to have the poorest well-being. Those with “diverse” networks have even better well-being than coresiding older adults. Discussion Our study shows the importance of drawing distinctions within the group of older adults living alone. Most (two thirds) are not vulnerable and at risk, but fare just as well or even better than peers who coreside with others. Country-level factors shape the opportunities to build satisfactory networks, but subjective well-being depends more strongly on individual resources, including social networks, than country-level factors.

scholarly journals MEASUREMENT OF SOCIAL NETWORKS OF ELDERS USING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CONTEXT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE: A SCOPING REVIEW

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S72-S72
Author(s):  
Sijia Wei ◽  
Eleanor S McConnell ◽  
Kayla Wright-Freeman ◽  
Amanda Woodward ◽  
Bada Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Digital Devices ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Care Technology

Abstract Social networks impact the health and wellbeing of older adults. The importance of social networks drives the need to reliably measure social networks. Advancements and innovations in the internet, electronic and digital devices, social media and health care technology enriches our ability to collect social network and health data to overcome limitations in social network measurement. This scoping review will review approaches utilizing technology to assist the measurement and analysis of social networks among older adults in the context of health and social care. Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was followed; PubMed (MEDLINE), Sociological Abstracts, SocINDEX, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for related articles. Conference abstracts and proceedings were included. We discuss the gaps and advances in measurement of social networks of older adults using technology and implications for future research in social networks of older adults as a lever for improving health and well-being.

From Social Integration to Social Isolation: The Relationship Between Social Network Types and Perceived Availability of Social Support in a National Sample of Older Canadians

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 715-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oksana Harasemiw ◽  
Nancy Newall ◽  
Shahin Shooshtari ◽  
Corey Mackenzie ◽  
Verena Menec
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Perceived Availability ◽  
The Social ◽  
Health And Well Being

It is well-documented that social isolation is detrimental to health and well-being. What is less clear is what types of social networks allow older adults to get the social support they need to promote health and well-being. In this study, we identified social network types in a national sample of older Canadians and explored whether they are associated with perceived availability of different types of social support (affectionate, emotional, or tangible, and positive social interactions). Data were drawn from the baseline questionnaire of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging for participants aged 65–85 (unweighted n = 8,782). Cluster analyses revealed six social network groups. Social support generally declined as social networks became more restricted; however, different patterns of social support availability emerged for different social network groups. These findings suggest that certain types of social networks place older adults at risk of not having met specific social support needs.

Mobilizing the Young: The Role of Social Networks

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 861-880
Author(s):  
Cameron D. Anderson ◽  
Laura B. Stephenson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Young People ◽  
Differential Effect ◽  
Political Engagement ◽  
The Political ◽  
The Social ◽  
Single Dataset

AbstractDisaffection of youth from politics is a well-documented phenomenon in many countries. In this article, we consider whether the social networks of young people have the same influence on political engagement as they have been found to have for older adults. We use a single dataset to test the effects of discussion and disagreement on the political engagement of young people (30 and under) and older adults. We find that social network discussion has a stronger effect on the engagement of young people but that disagreement has no clear differential effect.

The Effect of Social Network Size and Composition on the Link Between Discrimination and Health Among Sexual Minorities

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 1214-1221
Author(s):  
Katelin E. Leahy ◽  
William J. Chopik
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Social Network Size ◽  
Stress And Health ◽  
Lgbt Individuals

Objectives: Previous research has examined the link between discrimination and health in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (LGBT) individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine if health-promoting variables, like social networks, might disrupt this association. Method: Participants were 2,560 LGBT older adults who reported on the composition of their social network, level of discrimination, stress, and health/well-being. Results: Moderated mediation results indicated that social network size disrupted the associations between discrimination, stress, and health outcomes when social networks were (a) larger and (b) comprised of LGBT individuals (but not straight individuals), regardless of age. Discussion: Larger social networks that include fellow LGBT individuals helped buffer experiences of stress and discrimination on health outcomes among LGBT older adults. Implications for how protective factors can reduce the negative effects of discrimination and stress are discussed.

scholarly journals WEALTH AND HEALTH IN PREDICTING ELDERS’ SOCIAL CAPABILITIES IN CHINA: MEDIATING ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORK

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S369-S369
Author(s):  
Yalu Zhang ◽  
Qin Gao ◽  
Fuhua Zhai ◽  
Paul Anand
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Mediation Analysis ◽  
Freedom Of Expression ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Capabilities Approach ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Positive Direct

Abstract Despite an established positive link between social wealth, health, and social capability among older adults, the effect and mechanisms among these factors are understudied. This paper uses the WHO Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) data and a mediation analysis method, combing social capital theory and a social capabilities approach, to provide new evidence on the effects of financial resource, physical function, and cognitive function on the social capabilities of older adults (aged 55 and above) in China and the possible mediating role of social network in this relationship. The descriptive analysis results show that urban older adults (n=5,274), on average, had lower freedom of expression, lower sense of living safety, and less frequent community participation, while having better self-perceived health, higher physical and cognitive functions, more household income, and higher educational background than their rural peers (n=5,270). The Baron and Kenny’s mediation analysis results show that social networks accounted for a substantial proportion of the effects of wealth and health on social capabilities, but wealth and health still had strong, positive direct effects of its own. Higher mediating effects of social networks were found in the association between functions and social capabilities of freedom of expression (9.46%) and sense of safety (36.33%) among rural older adults. Results of this study urge for further social policies and intervention programs to enhance older adults’ social capabilities, including social cohesion, sense of trust and safety, physical and mental functioning, and subjective well-being.

scholarly journals Multidimensional Social Network Types and Their Correlates in Older Americans

2022 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Talha Ali ◽  
Michael R Elliott ◽  
Toni C Antonucci ◽  
Belinda L Needham ◽  
Jon Zelner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Birth Cohort ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Network Type

Abstract Background and Objectives Social support networks of older adults have been linked to their health and well-being; however, findings regarding the effects of specific network characteristics have been mixed. Additionally, due to demographic shifts increasing numbers of older adults live outside of traditional family structures. Previous studies have not systematically examined the resulting complexity and heterogeneity of older adults’ social networks. Our objectives were to examine this complexity and heterogeneity by developing a multidimensional typology of social networks that simultaneously considers multiple structural and functional network characteristics, and to examine differences in network type membership by sociodemographic characteristics, health characteristics, and birth cohort. Research Design and Methods Participants included 5,192 adults aged 57–85 years in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project at rounds 1 (2005–2006) and 3 (2015–2016). Data were collected on social relationships including network size, diversity, frequency of contact, and perceived support and strain in relationships. We used latent class analysis to derive the network typology and multinomial logistic regression to examine differences in network type membership by sociodemographic characteristics, health characteristics, and birth cohort. Results Older adults were classified into 5 distinct social network types: (i) large, with strain; (ii) large, without strain; (iii) small, diverse, low contact; (iv) small, restricted, high contact; and (v) medium size and support. Membership in these network types varied by age, gender, marital status, race/ethnicity, education, mental health, and birth cohort. Discussion and Implications Network typologies can elucidate the varied interpersonal environments of older adults and identify individuals who lack social connectedness on multiple network dimensions and are therefore at a higher risk of social isolation.

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