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.

The Oxford Handbook of Social Networks

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Computational Social Science ◽  
The Social ◽  
Diverse Field ◽  
The Rich

Social networks fundamentally shape our lives. Networks channel the ways that information, emotions, and diseases flow through populations. Networks reflect differences in power and status in settings ranging from small peer groups to international relations across the globe. Network tools even provide insights into the ways that concepts, ideas and other socially generated contents shape culture and meaning. As such, the rich and diverse field of social network analysis has emerged as a central tool across the social sciences. This Handbook provides an overview of the theory, methods, and substantive contributions of this field. The thirty-three chapters move through the basics of social network analysis aimed at those seeking an introduction to advanced and novel approaches to modeling social networks statistically. The Handbook includes chapters on data collection and visualization, theoretical innovations, links between networks and computational social science, and how social network analysis has contributed substantively across numerous fields. As networks are everywhere in social life, the field is inherently interdisciplinary and this Handbook includes contributions from leading scholars in sociology, archaeology, economics, statistics, and information science among others.

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 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.

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.

Longitudinal changes in social networks, health and wellbeing among older Koreans

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (9) ◽  
pp. 1915-1936 ◽  
Author(s):  
BORIN KIM ◽  
SOJUNG PARK ◽  
TONI C. ANTONUCCI
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
The Social ◽  
Restricted Type

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the changes in social network types among older adults in South Korea, and it examines whether, and to what extent, these changes influence their health and psychological wellbeing. Data were obtained from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing. The sample was restricted to respondents over 65 years of age who participated in both the 2006 and 2008 surveys (N = 3,501). The social network types for both years were derived by Latent Class Analysis. Changes in network types over time were then identified. A series of multivariate regression analyses were conducted to examine the effects of social network changes on self-rated health, depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Restricted, Family, Friend and Diverse network types were derived in each wave of the study. Although the direction of social network changes was not always towards the Restricted type, the Restricted network was the most prevalent and stable type among older Koreans. Older adults who remained in or transitioned to restricted types of social networks were more likely to have poor self-rated health, higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower levels of life satisfaction. This study adds to the limited body of literature on longitudinal network typology, and it expands the knowledge of social network types among older adults in diverse social and cultural contexts.

scholarly journals TYPES OF SOCIAL NETWORKS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH MOBILITY AND DISABILITY IN LATE LIFE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S178-S179
Author(s):  
Talha Ali ◽  
Michael Elliott ◽  
Toni C Antonucci ◽  
Belinda Needham ◽  
Jonathan Zelner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Representative Study

Abstract Social networks are critical in maintaining late-life functional health, but, previous studies have focused on isolated dimensions of social networks. We examined whether network types, representing multiple interrelated network characteristics, are associated with mobility and disability among older adults in America. Data are from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, a nationally representative study of 3,005 adults aged 57-85 years at baseline (2005-2006). In a previous analysis, five social network types were derived at baseline, based on nine observed network characteristics. Functional outcomes were examined during two follow-up waves in 2010-2011 and 2015-2016. Mobility-related function was assessed as the time (in seconds) to complete a 6-meter walk. Disability was defined as experiencing any difficulty in performing one of six activities of daily living (ADLs). We estimated the effect of network types on risk of ADL disability onset using logistic regression, and on mobility using generalized linear mixed models. Social network type was associated with mobility over time, such that older adults in the “restricted” network had significantly slower walking times than those in the “diverse” network. There was no association between network types and risk of disability onset in the primary analysis. However, sensitivity analyses showed a protective effect of the “partner-centered” network on a 5-year, but not a 10-year, risk of disability onset. Network types can elucidate older adults’ varied interpersonal and caregiving networks, and identify adults at risk of being socially isolated. However, the utility of network types in predicting late-life functional health may be limited.

scholarly journals The Effects of Grandchild Care on Mental Health Among Chinese Elderly: The Mediating Effects of Social Networks

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 349-349
Author(s):  
Dan Tang ◽  
Jie Qiu ◽  
Kun Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Grandchild Care ◽  
The Social ◽  
Older Chinese

Abstract Using the data of 2014 baseline survey of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS), which provides a sample of older Chinese who had grandchild younger than 18 years old, this study examines the associations among grandchild care, social networks, and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults. The older adults are divided into three groups basing on the frequency of their behaviors of taking care of grandchildren. The three groups are ‘no care, providing care occasionally, providing care frequently’. The mediating and moderating effects of social networks between grandchild care and depressive symptoms are tested. Results show that older adults who provide grandchild care report superior social networks and better mental health than those who don’t provide grandchild (reference group). After controlling the related variables, the older adults who provide grandchild occasionally benefit more than those who take care of grandchild frequently. Grandchild care is related to larger social networks, and the social networks are fully mediating the association between grandchild care and depressive symptoms.

scholarly journals THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL NETWORK ON RESILIENCE OF COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS LIVING ALONE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S907-S908
Author(s):  
Sangmi Park ◽  
Tae Hui Kim ◽  
Soyeon Choi ◽  
Kyuwon Lee ◽  
Jisoo Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Older People ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Health Care Service ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Emotional Status

Abstract Resilience is one of the components for successful aging and is related to wellbeing in late life. Studies have shown that older people living alone have low resilience. However, most of these studies were mainly conducted on unhealthy participants. The aim of this study is to examine the factors that contribute to resilience of healthy older adults living alone. Older people living alone who are not subject to public health care service provided to the economically or physically challenged or depressed people were recruited. Data collected from 295 participants were used to conduct hierarchical multiple regression analyses, controlling demographic characteristics, level of cognitive and physical functions, and emotional status. A self-reported questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Lubben Social Network Scale(LSNS), and Multidimensional Individual and Interpersonal Resilience Measure(MIIRM) were used to measure study variables. A hierarchical model accounted for 48.8% of the variance in resilience. In model 1(demographics), the religion(β=.178, p<.001) and the perceived economic status(β=-.176, p<.001) variables were significantly related to resilience. The subjective health(β=-.109, p=.038) in model 2(level of function) and the loneliness(β=-.379, p<.001) in model 3(emotional status) had a significant effect on resilience. In model 4, the size(β=-.115, p=.029) and the frequency(β=.160, p=.003) of social networks significantly predicted resilience. The results showed that protecting older adults’ social networks could lead to promote their health and wellbeing. What can be inferred from this finding is that even though the members are small, the social network they often have contact with is important for the resilience of older adults living alone.

scholarly journals Social Relationships and Functional Impairment in Aging Cancer Survivors: A Longitudinal Social Network Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 607-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L Guida ◽  
Cheryl L Holt ◽  
Cher M Dallal ◽  
Xin He ◽  
Robert Gold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Functional Impairment ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Major Life Events ◽  
Major Life ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors

Abstract Background and Objectives The intersection of cancer, treatment, and aging accelerates functional decline. Social networks, through the provision of social support and resources, may slow the progression of functional deterioration. Socioemotional selectivity theory posits that aging and major life events, like cancer, cause an intentional social network pruning to procure and maintain emotionally fulfilling bonds, while shedding weaker, less supportive relationships. However, it is relatively unknown if such network changes impact functional impairment in cancer survivors. This study examined the relationships between changes in the egocentric social network and functional impairment in older adult cancer survivors and a similarly aged group without cancer (older adults). Research Design and Methods Data were analyzed from 1,481 community dwelling older adults (n = 201 cancer survivors) aged 57–85 years, from Waves 1 and 2 (2005–2006 and 2010–2011) of the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project. Associations were analyzed with multiple logistic regression. Results Cancer survivors and older adults reported similar levels of functional impairment and social network change. Adding 2 new relationships exhibited protective effects against functional impairment, irrespective of cancer status (odds ratio [OR]: 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41–0.99). Declines in frequent contact were associated with higher odds of functional impairment among cancer survivors (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.15–3.20). Social network components were not significantly associated with functional impairment in older adults. Discussion and Implications Adding new relationships may reduce disability in older adults and increasing network contact may help cancer survivors remain independent. Social network interventions may improve quality of life for older adults.

scholarly journals DOES SOCIAL NETWORK QUALITY DIFFER BETWEEN FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM? APPLICATION OF SNSQUAL MODEL

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 493-508
Author(s):  
Suzana Marković ◽  
◽  
Sanja Raspor Janković ◽  
Matina Gjurašić
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Online Environment ◽  
Service Excellence ◽  
The Social ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Bivariate Statistical Analysis ◽  
Network Quality ◽  
Using Data

Although numerous studies investigated service quality in online environment, the social network quality has been inadequately captured by previous empirical research. Thus, the present study focuses on measuring social network quality. Specifically, it aims to examine potential differences in perceived social network quality between two popular social networks, namely Facebook and Instagram. The empirical data are based on gathering primary data using questionnaire based on SNSQUAL model, developed by Phillips et al. (2016). Descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis were conducted using data collected from undergraduate and graduate students who use social networks on regular bases. The study results show significant differences in 16 out of 27 social network quality items, revealing that Instagram’s social network quality was rated significantly higher than Facebook’s. These findings may contribute to the development of service excellence approach that aims to enhance social networks’ performance.

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