scholarly journals Social network characteristics and cognitive functioning in ethnically diverse older adults: The role of network size and composition.

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 956-963 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neika Sharifian ◽  
Jennifer J. Manly ◽  
Adam M. Brickman ◽  
Laura B. Zahodne
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Ethnically Diverse ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Network Characteristics

scholarly journals SOCIAL NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN ETHNICALLY DIVERSE OLDER ADULTS

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 431-431
Author(s):  
N Sharifian ◽  
J J Manly ◽  
N Schupf ◽  
A M Brickman ◽  
L B Zahodne
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Ethnically Diverse ◽  
Network Characteristics

Social network characteristics moderate associations between cortical thickness and cognitive functioning in older adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neika Sharifian ◽  
Afsara B. Zaheed ◽  
Emily P. Morris ◽  
Ketlyne Sol ◽  
Jennifer J. Manly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Cortical Thickness ◽  
Network Characteristics

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.

Loneliness, social network size, and mortality in older adults and the role of cortisol

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Natasja Schutter ◽  
Tjalling J. Holwerda ◽  
Hannie C. Comijs ◽  
Paul Naarding ◽  
Rien H.L. Van ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Social Network Size

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

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (9) ◽  
pp. 859-882 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Relationships between medical students’ co-regulatory network characteristics and self-regulated learning: a social network study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derk Bransen ◽  
Marjan J. B. Govaerts ◽  
Dominique M. A. Sluijsmans ◽  
Jeroen Donkers ◽  
Piet G. C. Van den Bossche ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Regulatory Network ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Tie Strength ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Self Regulated Learning ◽  
Regulated Learning

Abstract Introduction Recent conceptualizations of self-regulated learning acknowledge the importance of co-regulation, i.e., students’ interactions with others in their networks to support self-regulation. Using a social network approach, the aim of this study is to explore relationships between characteristics of medical students’ co-regulatory networks, perceived learning opportunities, and self-regulated learning. Methods The authors surveyed 403 undergraduate medical students during their clinical clerkships (response rate 65.5%). Using multiple regression analysis, structural equation modelling techniques, and analysis of variance, the authors explored relationships between co-regulatory network characteristics (network size, network diversity, and interaction frequency), students’ perceptions of learning opportunities in the workplace setting, and self-reported self-regulated learning. Results Across all clerkships, data showed positive relationships between tie strength and self-regulated learning (β = 0.095, p < 0.05) and between network size and tie strength (β = 0.530, p < 0.001), and a negative relationship between network diversity and tie strength (β = −0.474, p < 0.001). Students’ perceptions of learning opportunities showed positive relationships with both self-regulated learning (β = 0.295, p < 0.001) and co-regulatory network size (β = 0.134, p < 0.01). Characteristics of clerkship contexts influenced both co-regulatory network characteristics (size and tie strength) and relationships between network characteristics, self-regulated learning, and students’ perceptions of learning opportunities. Discussion The present study reinforces the importance of co-regulatory networks for medical students’ self-regulated learning during clinical clerkships. Findings imply that supporting development of strong networks aimed at frequent co-regulatory interactions may enhance medical students’ self-regulated learning in challenging clinical learning environments. Social network approaches offer promising ways of further understanding and conceptualising self- and co-regulated learning in clinical workplaces.

scholarly journals Social Networks and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 237802312098525
Author(s):  
Balazs Kovacs ◽  
Nicholas Caplan ◽  
Samuel Grob ◽  
Marissa King
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Network Data ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Social Network Data ◽  
Social Network Size

We utilize longitudinal social network data collected pre–COVID-19 in June 2019 and compare them with data collected in the midst of COVID in June 2020. We find significant decreases in network density and global network size following a period of profound social isolation. While there is an overall increase in loneliness during this era, certain social network characteristics of individuals are associated with smaller increases in loneliness. Specifically, we find that people with fewer than five “very close” relationships report increases in loneliness. We further find that face-to-face interactions, as well as the duration and frequency of interactions with very close ties, are associated with smaller increases in loneliness during the pandemic. We also report on factors that do not moderate the effect of social isolation on perceived loneliness, such as gender, age, or overall social network size.

Edentulism and Trajectories of Cognitive Functioning Among Older Adults: The Role of Dental Care Service Utilization

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 744-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sae Hwang Han ◽  
Bei Wu ◽  
Jeffrey A. Burr
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Service Utilization ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Health Care Expenditures ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Dental Services

Objective: This study examined the associations between edentulism, dental care service utilization, and cognitive functioning trajectories among older adults. Method: Longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2014) were employed to examine individuals aged 51 and older who were identified as having normal cognition at baseline ( N = 12,405). Cognitive functioning was measured with a modified version of the Telephone Interview for Cognition Status. Edentulism was self-reported as total tooth loss at baseline. Dental care service utilization was measured by self-report of having visited a dentist at least once during the previous 2 years. Results: The results indicated that edentulism and dental care service utilization were independently associated with cognitive decline during the observation period. Findings also showed that dental care service utilization moderated the association between edentulism and cognitive decline. Discussion: The findings suggested that providing access to dental services may promote cognitive health and potentially reduce health care expenditures.

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