scholarly journals Influence of the Social Network on Married and Unmarried Older Adults’ Mental Health

2017 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 1109-1113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey E Stokes ◽  
Sara M Moorman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
The Social

scholarly journals Decade Review of Social Support in Family Gerontology: Methods, Theories, and Directions for Future Research

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 563-563
Author(s):  
Amber Seidel ◽  
Jeremy Yorgason ◽  
Áine Humble ◽  
Roxanne Humphris
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Socioemotional Selectivity ◽  
The Social ◽  
Dyadic Analyses

Abstract Social support has a rich foundation in family gerontology benefiting older adults, such as bolstering mental health, decreasing social isolation, and connecting them in families and communities. This study draws from a decade review of 995 empirical articles focusing on family gerontology from 13 of the top journals in gerontology, family, and relationships. Of the 995 articles, 86 were coded as social support or social network. Of these 86 articles, less than 3% included dyadic analyses, 95% were quantitative with just over 30% longitudinal. Over 30 different theories were identified with many building their work off multiple theories. Two key theories appear in over 30% of the articles, social support and socioemotional selectivity. Only 4% did not cite any theoretical framework. Overall, this presentation will review the methods, theories, and key findings of the social network/social support subtheme of a decade review of family gerontology and identify related gaps.

Comparing the social networks of service users with long term mental health needs living in community with those in a general adult in-patient unit

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110175
Author(s):  
Roberto Rusca ◽  
Ike-Foster Onwuchekwa ◽  
Catherine Kinane ◽  
Douglas MacInnes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Practical Support ◽  
The Social

Background: Relationships are vital to recovery however, there is uncertainty whether users have different types of social networks in different mental health settings and how these networks may impact on users’ wellbeing. Aims: To compare the social networks of people with long-term mental illness in the community with those of people in a general adult in-patient unit. Method: A sample of general adult in-patients with enduring mental health problems, aged between 18 and 65, was compared with a similar sample attending a general adult psychiatric clinic. A cross-sectional survey collected demographic data and information about participants’ social networks. Participants also completed the Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale to examine well-being and the Significant Others Scale to explore their social network support. Results: The study recruited 53 participants (25 living in the community and 28 current in-patients) with 339 named as important members of their social networks. Both groups recorded low numbers in their social networks though the community sample had a significantly greater number of social contacts (7.4 vs. 5.4), more monthly contacts with members of their network and significantly higher levels of social media use. The in-patient group reported greater levels of emotional and practical support from their network. Conclusions: People with serious and enduring mental health problems living in the community had a significantly greater number of people in their social network than those who were in-patients while the in-patient group reported greater levels of emotional and practical support from their network. Recommendations for future work have been made.

scholarly journals Promoting Participation in Daily Activities Through Reablement: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Trine A. Magne ◽  
Kjersti Vik
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Sense Of Security ◽  
The Social

A well-known prediction is that the growing elderly population will place a strain on our healthcare systems. At the same time, healthcare is becoming increasingly patient-centered and individualized, with the patient becoming an active participant rather than a mere object of healthcare. The need for change may be met by using a reablement service, utilizing the rehabilitation mindset through home-based services. Rehabilitation and reablement aim to provide opportunities for individuals to participate to a maximum of their potential. This study is part of a larger research project exploring different aspects of reablement in municipalities. It aims to describe how older adults engage in daily activities within the context of reablement and to explore participation in daily activities. A qualitative design was chosen, and the study is explorative in nature due to limited research on participants’ experience with reablement. Ten older adults age 70 to 94 years old were recruited and interviewed. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using systematic text condensation (STC) strategies. This study provides insights on how older adults experience participation in daily activities and important aspects for performing these activities and living independently as long as possible. Based on the older adults’ experiences, three main themes were identified when receiving reablement. First, what to achieve with reablement and feeling a sense of security to participate in daily activities. Second, how to carry out wanted activities using different skills and last, how the social network is important for enabling active living. This calls for healthcare workers to address and facilitate these in reablement. Our findings show the importance of collaborating with the social network and strengthening participation in daily activities to establish and develop existing reablement services.

scholarly journals Social Network Types and Mental Health Among LGBT Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. S84-S94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun-Jun Kim ◽  
Karen I. Fredriksen-Goldsen ◽  
Amanda E. B. Bryan ◽  
Anna Muraco
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network

Do Older Adults Have Social Lifestyles That Place Fewer Demands on Hearing?

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (09) ◽  
pp. 697-711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Hsiang Wu ◽  
Ruth A. Bentler
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Index Score ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
The Social

Background: Listening demand, or auditory lifestyle, is an important factor that needs to be considered when selecting a hearing aid and specific amplification features. Although elderly adults often report having fewer listening demands, auditory lifestyles of people in different age groups have not been objectively quantified and compared. Although it is assumed that the social lifestyles of older adults, e.g., retirement, place fewer demands on hearing, this assumption has not been examined empirically. Purpose: The purposes of the current study were to (1) objectively characterize and compare the auditory lifestyle of younger and older adults with hearing impairment and (2) examine the relationships between age, social lifestyle, and auditory lifestyle. Research Design: This is a nonexperimental study using a correlational design. Study Sample: Twenty-seven adults with bilateral hearing impairment aged 40–88 yr were recruited and served as subjects. Data Collection and Analysis: To objectively quantify auditory lifestyle, participants carried noise dosimeters to measure sound levels in their daily lives for 1 wk. To help interpret the dosimeter data, participants used paper-and-pencil journals to describe their listening activities and environments. The auditory lifestyle was also subjectively quantified by the Auditory Lifestyle and Demand Questionnaire (ALDQ). Three self-report inventories were used to characterize participants' social lifestyles: Social Network Index, Welin Activity Scale, and Social Convoy Questionnaire. Results: A total of 1,267 journal entries covering 2,032 hr of dosimeter recordings were obtained from participants for analyses. Although younger and older participants reported spending comparable time in a given category of listening event, the dosimeter-measured sound level was higher for younger listeners. For auditory lifestyle quantified by dosimeter, correlation analyses revealed that older age was associated with lower Social Network Index scores (smaller social networks) and fewer listening demands. Regression models further indicated that the Social Network Index score more accurately predicted listening demand than age. Finally, path analysis suggested that the effect of age on listening demand was mediated by the Social Network Index score. Self-report auditory lifestyle measured by the ALDQ was not associated with age and social lifestyle. Conclusions: The results indicate that older listeners tend to encounter quieter listening situations than younger listeners. The data are also consistent with the hypothesis that older adults have less active social lifestyles that place fewer demands on hearing. Therefore, the current study suggests the important role of social lifestyle in listening demand and the need to consider this factor in clinical management of hearing loss.

scholarly journals Associations Between Social Support, Social Networks, and Financial Exploitation in Older Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (8) ◽  
pp. 990-1011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott R. Beach ◽  
Richard Schulz ◽  
Rodlescia Sneed
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Social Network Size ◽  
Financial Exploitation ◽  
The Social

Social support and social networks are important correlates of elder mistreatment. This study tests hypothesized associations between perceived social support, social network size, and financial exploitation (FE). A population-based survey of 903 older adults (60+) in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) found that lower perceived social support and larger social networks were simultaneously associated with higher risk for FE since age 60, controlling for known risk factors. The same associations were found for FE in the last 6 months. Older adults with larger social networks combined with lower perceived social support were most likely to report FE. When it comes to the role of social relationships and risk for FE, “more may not always be better.” Encouragement to widen the social network by “making new friends” should be stressed less than making sure these new network members will truly be supportive of the older adult.

scholarly journals ICT as an instrument for social and emotional ageing. A qualitative study with older adults with cognitive impairments

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Older Person ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Perception Of Control ◽  
The Social ◽  
Insight Into

Inspired by theories from the field of social and emotional aging, we studied the use of ICTs by older adults with cognitive impairments. By means of qualitative interviews (N=30) with older adults with cognitive impairments and their relatives, we got a detailed picture of the role of ICTs in their daily lives. First, our data showed that older adults with cognitive impairments used ICTs to enhance their social and emotional wellbeing. This involved social interaction, feelings of belongingness, and engagement in hobbies and regular daily activities. Second, our research provided insight into the strategies applied when ICT use became too difficult, with a considerable role for the social network. When the network offered help upon request or proactively encouraged the older person, this increased the perception of control. This also applied to the indirect use of ICTs, when someone from the social network operated the devices. Denying the older person the use of ICTs undermined the perception of control. The findings provide insight into how the potential of ICT can be exploited for this target group. We end the paper with practical recommendations.

scholarly journals Association of Social Relationships and Depression Among Older Mexican Adults: Does a Rural or Urban Context Matter?

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 505-505
Author(s):  
Paige Downer ◽  
Rebeca Wong
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Urban Communities ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Rural Community ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Perceived Support ◽  
Mexican Adults

Abstract Social characteristics such as strong community and family ties have been associated with positive mental health outcomes in older adults. However, this evidence is based primarily on non-Hispanic White populations and may vary according to living in a rural versus urban community. We hypothesize that the positive impact of available social networks, perceived support, and social participation on older Mexican adults’ likelihood for high depressive symptoms (i.e., depression) will be greater for those living in rural (community < 2,500 people) than urban communities. Data came from the 2012 Wave of the Mexican Health and Aging Study. Depressive symptoms were measured using a 9-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Social participation is the respondent’s self-reported participation in hobbies, religious activities, volunteering, and visits with neighbors. Available social network is measured as having relatives and/or good friends living in the neighborhood. Perceived support is the respondent’s perception of friends/family’s willingness to help with finances and personal care. The final sample of 6,266 respondents was majority (62.4%) female, mean age of 69 years, 17.8% lived in a rural community, and 34.5% with depression. Logistic regression models stratified by rural/urban indicated that available social network and perceived social support were not associated with depression in rural or urban communities. In general, the social participation activities were associated with significantly lower odds of depression for older adults living in urban but not rural communities. This research highlights the influence of older adults’ community on their social relationships and mental health.

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