Social Support and Physical Activity in Older Adults: Identifying Predictors Using Data From the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

This study examined which of nine forms of social support were the strongest predictors of physical activity in older adults, and to what degree these associations were moderated by eight demographic indicators of groups at increased risk of social isolation. Baseline data from 21,491 adults aged 65 and older who were participants of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging were analyzed using multiple regression. Greater social network size, social contact with network members, and participation in community-related activities predicted greater physical activity, whereas being in a domestic partnership and perceiving more tangible support to be available were negatively associated. The strength and direction of these associations varied by sex, living arrangement, and income. Given the findings, various forms of social support should be incorporated in physical activity interventions but tailored to meet the needs of different segments of the aging population.

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

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/0733464816642584 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 37 (8) ◽

pp. 990-1011 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

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.

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Mental Health among Older Adults with Caregiving Needs: The Role of Social Networks

Social Work Research ◽

10.1093/swr/svz013 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 43 (3) ◽

pp. 157-167

Author(s):

Fengyan Tang ◽

Heejung Jang ◽

Elizabeth A Mulvaney ◽

Jane Seoyoon Lee ◽

Donald Musa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Relations ◽

Service Use ◽

Network Size ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Informal Social Support ◽

Social Network Size

Abstract A major challenge facing an aging society is the increased caregiving needs among community-dwelling older adults with chronic conditions. Reliance on social relations may help address caregiving needs and maintain older adults’ mental well-being. This study examines the roles of different aspects of social relations—social network size, social support, and service use—in the association between caregiving needs and mental health status (MHS). Using a sample of adults age 55 and over in an urban setting, authors tested the direct, mediation, and moderation effects models of social relations. Structural equation modeling was applied and latent variables of caregiving needs, MHS, and social network size were identified. Results showed that caregiving needs and informal social support (that is, network size, positive support, and negative strain) were directly related to MHS and that informal social support partially mediated the negative effect of caregiving needs on MHS; by contrast, service use moderated the association, indicating that those with caregiving needs who used more services were in better MHS than their counterparts with less service use. Findings point to the importance of social work interventions aimed at improving social relations and enhancing awareness and access to social services.

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EFFECTS OF SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORK ON AMERICAN OLDER ADULTS’ MEMORY FUNCTIONS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3383 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S929-S930

Author(s):

Ethan Siu Leung Cheung ◽

Kedong Ding

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Networks ◽

Social Network ◽

Memory Function ◽

Network Size ◽

Support Network ◽

Memory Functions ◽

Social Network Size ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: Previous studies have found older adults’ cognitive functions are strongly associated with their social networks, including memory. Yet, few studies have explored the influences of specific social network members, such as siblings and children. Further, little studies examined the impact of the size of older adults’ social networks. Hence, this study aimed to investigate how older adults’ relationships with their spouses, siblings, and children, as well as the size of their social networks, affect American older adults’ memory functions. Methods: Using the 2018 data from NHATS, 5547 samples were included. We adopted a multiple logistic regression model to test the impact of social support network sizes, and how associations of social support networks varied between spouses, siblings, and children. All models were calibrated for age, gender, education, income, and race/ethnicity. Results: Analysis showed that higher socioeconomic status (more education and without Medicaid), being female, and younger age were associated with increased odds of having good self-rated memory functions. Older adults with larger social support networks (>=3 individuals) were more likely to have better self-rated memory function (adjusted odds ratio, 1.182, p<0.05), while holding other variables. Having a spouse also increased odds of higher self-rating memory function, in contrast to having children. Conclusion: This study highlighted the importance of having a larger social network size for older adult’s memory function and indicated the necessity of developing intervention programs to expand older adults' social network size, especially for those with lower socioeconomic status.

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Social Support, Isolation, Loneliness, and Health Among Older Adults in the PRISM Randomized Controlled Trial

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.728658 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Sara J. Czaja ◽

Jerad H. Moxley ◽

Wendy A. Rogers

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Network Size ◽

Functional Impairments ◽

Social Connectivity ◽

Social Network Size ◽

Socially Isolated ◽

Aging Adults

Objectives: Social isolation and loneliness are serious public health issues given the association with negative physical, mental; and cognitive health outcomes and increased risk for mortality. Due to changes in life circumstances many aging adults are socially isolated and experience loneliness. We examined the relationships among four correlated but distinct constructs: social network size, social support, social isolation, and loneliness as they relate to indices of health and wellbeing among diverse subpopulations of older adults. Guided by WHO’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) we also examined factors that predict loneliness and social isolation.Methods: Analyses of baseline data from sample of older adults who participated in an intervention trial that examined the beneficial effects of a software system designed to support access to resources and information, and social connectivity. Participants included 300 individuals aged 65–98, who lived alone, were primarily of lower socio-economic status and ethnically diverse. Participants completed a demographics questionnaire, self-report measures of health, depression, social network size, social support, and loneliness.Results: Loneliness was strongly associated with depression and self-ratings of health. In turn, greater social isolation and less social support were associated with greater loneliness. Social isolation was associated with depression and lower self-ratings of health. The association between social isolation and health was mediated by loneliness. Individuals in the older cohorts (80+) reported less social support. With respect to loneliness, having a smaller social network, more functional limitations, and limitations in engaging meaningful activities was associated with higher levels of loneliness and greater social isolation.Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of social connectively to wellbeing for older adults and suggest that those in the older cohorts, who have a small social network, and with greater physical and functional impairments may be particularly vulnerable to being socially isolated and lonely. The findings provide guidance for future interventions. In this regard, we discuss how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) may be used to promote social connectivity and engagement. Strategies to make the usability and availability of these applications for aging adults are highlighted.

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Leisure sedentary time and physical activity are higher in neighbourhoods with denser greenness and better built environments: An analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/apnm-2021-0438 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Irmina Klicnik ◽

John David Cullen ◽

Dany Doiron ◽

Caroline Barakat ◽

Chris Ardern ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Vegetation Index ◽

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Using Data ◽

Research Consortium ◽

Middle Aged Adults

Associations of environmental variables with physical activity and sedentary time using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, and the Canadian Urban Environment Research Consortium (Canadian Active Living Environments (Can-ALE) dataset, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI, greenness) dataset) were assessed. The main outcome variables were physical activity and sedentary time as measured by a modified version of the Physical Activity for Elderly Scale. The sample consisted of adults aged 45 and older (n = 36,580, mean age 62.6±10.2, 51% female). Adjusted ordinal regression models consistently demonstrated that those residing in neighbourhoods in the highest Can-ALE category (most well-connected built environment) reported more physical activity and sedentary time. For example, males aged 75+ in the highest Can-ALE category had 1.9 times higher odds of reporting more physical activity (OR = 1.9, 95%CI = 1.1-3.4) and 1.8 higher odds of reporting more sedentary time (OR = 1.8, 95%CI = 1.0-3.4). Neighbourhoods with higher greenness scores were also associated with higher odds of reporting more physical activity and sedentary time. It appears that an environment characterized by higher Can-ALE and higher greenness may facilitate physical activity, but it also facilitates more leisure sedentary time in older adults; research using device measured total sedentary time, and consideration of the types of sedentary activities being performed is needed. Novelty: ●Middle-aged and older adults living in neighbourhoods with higher Can-ALE scores and more greenness report more physical activity and leisure sedentary time ●Greenness is important for physical activity and sedentary time in middle-aged adults

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A longitudinal study of the impact of social network size and loneliness on cognitive performance in depressed older adults

Aging & Mental Health ◽

10.1080/13607863.2019.1571012 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (6) ◽

pp. 889-897 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Jisca S. Kuiper ◽

Nynke Smidt ◽

Sytse U. Zuidema ◽

Hannie C. Comijs ◽

Richard C. Oude Voshaar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Network ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Network Size ◽

Social Network Size ◽

The Impact

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Lifesaving in Every Way: The Role of Companion Animals in the Lives of Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adults Age 50 and Over

Research on Aging ◽

10.1177/0164027517752149 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 40 (9) ◽

pp. 859-882 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Anna Muraco ◽

Jennifer Putney ◽

Chengshi Shiu ◽

Karen I. Fredriksen-Goldsen

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Network ◽

Perceived Social Support ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Network Size ◽

Life Course Perspective ◽

Social Network Size ◽

Bisexual And Transgender

This study uses mixed-methods data and a life-course perspective to explore the role of pets in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults age 50 and over and addresses the following research questions: (1) How does having a pet relate to perceived social support and social network size? and (2) how do LGBT older adults describe the meaning of pets in their lives? The qualitative data ( N = 59) were collected from face-to-face interviews, and the quantitative data ( N = 2,560) were collected via surveys from a sample across the United States. Qualitative findings show that pets are characterized as kin and companions and provide support; we also explore why participants do not have pets. The quantitative findings show that LGBT older adults with a pet had higher perceived social support; those with a disability and limited social network size, who had a pet had significantly higher perceived social support than those without a pet.

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Physical Activity, Social Support, and Mood in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2687 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 726-726

Author(s):

Morgan Inman ◽

Clare Murphy ◽

Jessica Strong

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Perceived Social Support ◽

Negative Mood ◽

Social Activity ◽

Positive Mood ◽

Network Size ◽

Mood States

Abstract Research shows that increased physical activity is associated with improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression in older adults. Prior research has also found that loneliness and social isolation have a significant impact on the mental and physical well-being of older adults, with higher amounts of social connectedness and social activity associated with more frequent positive mood states. Overall social isolation is increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic and this could have a large impact on the physical and mental health of older adults. A group of 36 community dwelling older adults (Mean age = 70.5) completed questionnaires measuring physical activity, social activity, and social support, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyses found that perceived social support and average social network size significantly predicted positive mood states (F(2,33)=3.32, p<0.05) accounting for 16.7% of the variance, with a large effect. After adding average number of hours of sedentary activity the model was not significant. Perceived social support was more predictive of positive mood (β=0.32) compared to network size (β=0.17). There was a trend for the same three variables to predict negative mood (F(3,32)=2.76, p=0.06) accounting for 22% of the variance. Sedentary behaviour was the most predictive (t=2.68, p<0.05, β= 0.49). This suggests that perceived social support is most predictive of positive mood, and sedentary behaviour is predictive of negative mood during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Effects of Self-Perceptions of Aging on Social Disconnectedness and Loneliness in Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.143 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 38-39

Author(s):

Rita Hu

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Social Contact ◽

Well Being ◽

Network Size ◽

Self Perceptions ◽

Perceptions Of Aging ◽

Using Data ◽

Retirement Study

Abstract Research shows that self-perceptions of aging (SPA) predict physical, mental, cognitive, and emotional well-being in older adults. Few studies have examined SPA’s effects on social well-being. Using data from the 2014–2018 Health and Retirement Study, we examined SPA’s effects on older adults’ social connectedness and loneliness (age 65+, N = 3,808). SPA was measured by eight items. Social connectedness was operationalized by network size, social contact, and social participation. The UCLA Loneliness Scale assessed loneliness. Linear regression results show that more positive SPA is correlated with increased social connectedness (b = 0.05 SE = 0.01 p = 0.0003) and decreased loneliness (b = -0.09 SE = 0.02 p < 0.0001) in four years, controlling for sociodemographic and health characteristics. Further, loneliness is a mediator between SPA and social connectedness. Findings suggest that older adults with negative SPA are at risk of both objective and subjective social isolation.

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