scholarly journals Social Networks, Community Engagement, and Cognitive Impairment among Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 330-337
Author(s):  
Jinlei Li ◽  
Zijuan Wang ◽  
Zhiwei Lian ◽  
Zhikai Zhu ◽  
Yuanli Liu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Community Activities

Aims: To examine the association of social networks and community engagement with cognitive impairment among community-dwelling Chinese older adults. Methods: From November 2017 to May 2018, we selected 1,115 elderly individuals from 3 Chinese communities (Beijing, Hefei, and Lanzhou) using a random-cluster sampling method, and recorded data on demographics, social network characteristics, community activities, and cognitive function. The odds ratios (ORs) of these associations were adjusted for potential confounders in logistic regression models. Results: The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 25.7% (n = 287). An adequate social network (OR 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33–0.91) and enough social support from friends (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.29–0.62) were negatively associated with cognitive impairment. Family support was not significantly associated with cognitive impairment (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.34–1.21). Taking part in elderly group travel, communication with others using WeChat, and community activities such as Tai Chi and walking together were negatively associated with cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Social network characteristics and community engagement were found to be related to cognitive function among community-dwelling Chinese elderly adults.

scholarly journals Social networks moderate the association between physical fitness and cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults: a population-based study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Foh Foong ◽  
Rahimah Ibrahim ◽  
Tengku Aizan Hamid ◽  
Sharifah Azizah Haron
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Hierarchical Multiple Regression ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Physical fitness declines with age. Low levels of physical fitness appear to be a risk factor of cognitive impairment. Literature elucidates social networking as a potential moderator for the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive impairment. Present study aimed to examine the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive function among community-dwelling older Malaysians, and if social network moderates said relationship. Methods Data of 2322 representative community-dwelling older adults were obtained from the first wave of the “Longitudinal Study on Neuroprotective Model for Healthy Longevity” national survey. Cognitive function, physical fitness and social network was assessed through Malay-version of Mini-Mental State Examination, 2-min step test and Lubben Social Network Scale-6 respectively. Moderated hierarchical multiple regression was employed to investigate if social networks moderate the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive function. Results A positive association between physical fitness and cognitive function were found upon controlling for covariates. Moderated hierarchical multiple regression revealed social networks to be a moderator of the association between physical fitness and cognitive function. When physical fitness was low, those with small social network revealed lowest cognitive function. Conclusions Social networks moderated the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive function as older adults with low levels of physical fitness and small social networks revealed lowest cognitive function. Therefore, community support or peer-based interventions among physically unfit older adults should be implemented to promote cognitive function.

Is Social Network a Protective Factor for Cognitive Impairment in US Chinese Older Adults? Findings from the PINE Study

Gerontology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 246-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengting Li ◽  
Xinqi Dong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Global Cognition

Background: Social network has been identified as a protective factor for cognitive impairment. However, the relationship between social network and global and subdomains of cognitive function remains unclear. Objective: This study aims to provide an analytic framework to examine quantity, composition, and quality of social network and investigate the association between social network, global cognition, and cognitive domains among US Chinese older adults. Methods: Data were derived from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE), a community-engaged, population-based epidemiological study of US Chinese older adults aged 60 and above in the greater Chicago area, with a sample size of 3,157. Social network was assessed by network size, volume of contact, proportion kin, proportion female, proportion co-resident, and emotional closeness. Cognitive function was evaluated by global cognition, episodic memory, executive function, working memory, and Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination (C-MMSE). Linear regression and quantile regression were performed. Results: Every 1-point increase in network size (b = 0.048, p < 0.001) and volume of contact (b = 0.049, p < 0.01) and every 1-point decrease in proportion kin (b = -0.240, p < 0.01) and proportion co-resident (b = -0.099, p < 0.05) were associated with higher level of global cognition. Similar trends were observed in specific cognitive domains, including episodic memory, working memory, executive function, and C-MMSE. However, emotional closeness was only significantly associated with C-MMSE (b = 0.076, p < 0.01). Social network has differential effects on female versus male older adults. Conclusion: This study found that social network dimensions have different relationships with global and domains of cognitive function. Quantitative and structural aspects of social network were essential to maintain an optimal level of cognitive function. Qualitative aspects of social network were protective factors for C-MMSE. It is necessary for public health practitioners to consider interventions that enhance different aspects of older adults' social network.

scholarly journals Do Communication Patterns Affect the Association between Cognitive Impairment and Hearing Loss among Older Adults in Vietnam?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1603
Author(s):  
Tran Dai Tri Han ◽  
Keiko Nakamura ◽  
Kaoruko Seino ◽  
Vo Nu Hong Duc ◽  
Thang Van Vo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Communication Devices ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

This study examined the prevalence of cognitive impairment among older adults in central Vietnam and the roles of communication (with or without communication devices) in the association between cognitive impairment and hearing loss. This cross-sectional study was performed on 725 randomly selected community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years from Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. Participants attended a face-to-face survey. Sociodemographic characteristics, social interaction with or without communication devices, health status and cognitive function using the Mini-Mental State Examination were reported. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to quantify the association between hearing loss and cognitive function by frequency of communication with and without devices. Mild and severe cognitive impairment had prevalence rates of 23.6% and 19.3%, respectively. Cognitive impairment was more prevalent among older adults with hearing-loss, vision loss and difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment was not significant when older adults had frequent communication with others using devices. This study presented the relatively high prevalence of cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults in Vietnam. Frequent communication using devices attenuated the association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals The Role of Daily Social Interactions in Detecting Mild Cognitive Impairment

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 598-598
Author(s):  
Ruixue Zhaoyang ◽  
Stacey Scott ◽  
Eric Cerino ◽  
Martin Sliwinski
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Normal Cognitive Function ◽  
Social Markers

Abstract Social relationships play an important role in cognitive health and aging. However, it is unclear how older adult’s cognitive function affects their everyday social interactions, especially for those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study examined whether older adults with intact cognition vs. MCI differed in their daily social interactions. Community-dwelling older adults from the Einstein Aging Study (N=244, 70-91 yrs) reported their social interactions five times daily for 14 consecutive days using smartphones. Compared to those with normal cognitive function, older adults with MCI reported less frequent positive social interactions (p=0.012) and in-person social activities (p=0.006) on a daily basis. These two groups, however, did not show significant differences in their social relationships assessed by a conventional global questionnaire. The results support that, relative to global social relationships, daily social interactions are more sensitive, ecologically valid social markers that can facilitate the early detection of MCI.

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.

Gender differences in social network of cognitive function among community‐dwelling older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 467-473
Author(s):  
Sungwon Lee ◽  
Seungwon Lee ◽  
Eun Lee ◽  
Yoosik Youm ◽  
Hyun Sang Cho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Takes Two to Tango: Cognitive Impairment and Sexual Activity in Older Individuals and Dyads

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda J Waite ◽  
James Iveniuk ◽  
Ashwin Kotwal
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Probit Regression ◽  
Early Dementia

Abstract Objectives This paper examines the association between cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early dementia (ED), and sexual activity in a large, longitudinal sample of community-dwelling older adults. We focus here on sexual activity, which includes both sexual activity with a partner and masturbation. Methods We analyzed 3777 older individuals and members of 955 intimate dyads using the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (2010 and 2015). We used ordered-probit regression, cross-lagged panels models, and probit regression. Results We find that older adults with cognitive limitations, either MCI or early dementia, are about as likely to be sexually active with a partner as those with normal cognitive function. This is the case both in the cross section and longitudinally. Both men and women with early dementia are less likely to have masturbated, however. Among married and cohabiting couples, we find no association between cognitive impairment in either the husband, the wife, or in both partners and their joint sexual activity. Women whose measured cognitive function is lower than their husband’s are less likely to report any masturbation. Discussion Sex with a partner, a fundamentally social activity, seems to be conserved in the face of cognitive limitation but masturbation, a solitary activity, does not. We argue that the intimate dyad plays an important role in conserving partnered sexual activity. Results can inform strategies to maintain sexual well-being of older adults with cognitive impairment and their partners as part of overall strategies to improve quality of life.

scholarly journals Social Networks among the Older Chinese Population in the USA: Findings from the PINE Study

Gerontology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 238-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
XinQi Dong ◽  
E-Shien Chang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Socioeconomic Characteristics ◽  
The Social ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Older Chinese

Background: Social network research has become central to studies of health and aging. Its results may yield public health insights that are actionable and improve the quality of life of older adults. However, little is known about the social networks of older immigrant adults, whose social relationships often develop in the context of migration, compounded by cultural and linguistic barriers. Objectives: This report aims to describe the structure, composition, and emotional components of social networks in the Chinese aging population of the USA, and to explore ways in which their social networks may be critical to their health decision-making. Methods: Our data come from the PINE study, a population-based epidemiological study of community-dwelling older Chinese American adults, aged 60 years and above, in the greater Chicago area. We conducted individual interviews in participants' homes from 2011 until 2013. Based on sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, this study computed descriptive statistics and trend tests for the social network measures adapted from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project study. Results: The findings show that older Chinese adults have a relatively small social network in comparison with their counterparts from other ethnic and racial backgrounds. Only 29.6% of the participants could name 5 close network members, and 2.2% could name 0 members. Their network composition was more heavily kin oriented (95.0%). Relationships with network members differed according to the older adults' sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Subgroup variations included the likelihood of discussing health-related issues with network members. Conclusion: This study highlights the dynamic nature of social networks in later-life Chinese immigrants. For healthcare practitioners, developing cost-effective strategies that can mobilize social network support remains a critical undertaking in health intervention. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine the causal impact of social networks on various domains of health.

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