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Sheng Z, Kuang J, Yang L, Wang G, Gu C, Qi Y, Wang R, Han Y, Li J, Wang X. Predictive models for delay in medical decision-making among older patients with acute ischemic stroke: a comparative study using logistic regression analysis and lightGBM algorithm. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1413. [PMID: 38802838 PMCID: PMC11129384 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18855-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the factors affecting delayed medical decision-making in older patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) using logistic regression analysis and the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) algorithm, and compare the two predictive models. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 309 older patients aged ≥ 60 who underwent AIS. Demographic characteristics, stroke onset characteristics, previous stroke knowledge level, health literacy, and social network were recorded. These data were separately inputted into logistic regression analysis and the LightGBM algorithm to build the predictive models for delay in medical decision-making among older patients with AIS. Five parameters of Accuracy, Recall, F1 Score, AUC and Precision were compared between the two models. RESULTS The medical decision-making delay rate in older patients with AIS was 74.76%. The factors affecting medical decision-making delay, identified through logistic regression and LightGBM algorithm, were as follows: stroke severity, stroke recognition, previous stroke knowledge, health literacy, social network (common factors), mode of onset (logistic regression model only), and reaction from others (LightGBM algorithm only). The LightGBM model demonstrated the more superior performance, achieving the higher AUC of 0.909. CONCLUSIONS This study used advanced LightGBM algorithm to enable early identification of delay in medical decision-making groups in the older patients with AIS. The identified influencing factors can provide critical insights for the development of early prevention and intervention strategies to reduce delay in medical decisions-making among older patients with AIS and promote patients' health. The LightGBM algorithm is the optimal model for predicting the delay in medical decision-making among older patients with AIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwen Sheng
- Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jinke Kuang
- Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Li Yang
- Qingdao University, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Guiyun Wang
- Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Cuihong Gu
- Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yanxia Qi
- Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ruowei Wang
- Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuehua Han
- Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiaojiao Li
- Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
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Furfaro E, Pelle E, Rivellini G, Zaccarin S. Which support is provided in which country? Patterns among older adults in Europe. Eur J Ageing 2024; 21:15. [PMID: 38705880 PMCID: PMC11070411 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-024-00808-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper proposes comparative research on support provided outside the household by older adults in Europe. In studying social support, the network perspective is widely used, investigating, in particular, the ego-centered support networks of individuals. The analysis is based on data from Wave 7 of the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). It examines the characteristics of ego-support networks of individuals aged 65 and over in 12 European countries, which are grouped into a novel welfare regime typology. Through Multiple Correspondence Analysis, we jointly looked into the categorical variables describing the recipients (alters) of the support provided by older adults and the welfare regime classification. As a main result, countries grouped in "High degree of familialism by default" category specialized in supporting family-related alters, particularly with childcare or personal care. In contrast, the elders in countries belonging to "High degree of de-familialisation" typology provided a more varied but less demanding support, to non-relatives alters and less oriented to care. The analyses show that the SHARE provides a solid opportunity to face the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Furfaro
- Department of Statistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elvira Pelle
- Department of Communication and Economics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giulia Rivellini
- Department of Statistical Science, Università Cattolica, Milan, Italy
| | - Susanna Zaccarin
- Department of Economics, Business, Mathematics and Statistics, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
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Torres Z, Oliver A, Tomás JM, Kondo N. Exploring social network typologies and their impact on health and mental well-being in older adults: Evidence from JAGES. Soc Sci Med 2024; 348:116792. [PMID: 38537453 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The types of social networks, their prevalence, and their relationship to health outcomes in older age have been different across countries and cultures. Most of the literature has focused on USA or in European countries and little is known about the social network typologies among older adults from Japan. This study aimed to identify these patterns of social network typologies and examine the differences in sociodemographic and related to health variables. METHODS 23894 participants from the JAGES project (2019), aged 65 or older (M = 74.74, DT = 6.39) from Japan. Statistical analyses included Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) followed by ANOVAs, Chi square and multinomial logistic regressions tests to compare the profiles. RESULTS Four profiles were identified: family (66.9%), spouse (16.6%), diverse (14.5%), and neighbor/others (1.9%). The profiles differ statistically (p < 0.001) in all sociodemographic characteristics and in the means of depression, loneliness, self-perceived health, and happiness. Compared with the "family" network, younger men, with fewer chronic illnesses but higher levels of depression and loneliness were more likely to be in the "spouse" profile, older women with lower socioeconomic status, but less lonely and happier in the "diverse" profile and adults who still working, have lower socioeconomic status and are less happy into the "neighbors/others" group. DISCUSSION We discuss the differences between the profiles found, the potential differences with previous studies and the specific cultural Japanese nuances that may explain the characteristics of the network types founded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaira Torres
- Department of Methodology for the Behavioral Sciences, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Amparo Oliver
- Department of Methodology for the Behavioral Sciences, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José M Tomás
- Department of Methodology for the Behavioral Sciences, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Naoki Kondo
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Yoshidahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
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Ajrouch KJ, Hu RX, Webster NJ, Antonucci TC. Friendship trajectories and health across the lifespan. Dev Psychol 2024; 60:94-107. [PMID: 37650812 PMCID: PMC10872903 DOI: 10.1037/dev0001589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Friends are a vital source of social relations throughout the lifespan and across developmental stages. Our knowledge of how friendships develop over time, especially from childhood through adulthood, is limited. Furthermore, it is now recognized that this specific type of relationship influences health across the life course in unique ways. Using the Convoy Model of Social Relations as a guiding framework, this study charts the multiple and unique trajectories of friendship across adulthood and tests whether these trajectories influence health differentially by age. The sample for the study consisted of 553 adults from the longitudinal Social Relations Study. Respondents ranged in age from 13 to 77 at Wave 1 (1992), and included only those who reported a best friend in each wave, that is, Wave 2 (2005) and Wave 3 (2015). Approximately 65% of the respondents were women, and 24.5% were people of color. Latent growth curve analysis identified three trajectories of the presence of friends in one's network over time, two trajectories of positive friend quality, and three for negative quality. The most consistent findings are associated with positive friend relations over time. Gender was associated with friendship quality where women reported more positive friend relations over time, and increasing positive friend relations predicted better health 23 years later. These findings demonstrate that consistent and increasing positive friendships yield health benefits over time, whereas the presence of friends and negative quality does not have an effect. Overall, findings advance understanding of the long-term effects of social relations across the lifespan and life course. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine J. Ajrouch
- Departemnt of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology, Eastern Michigan University
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan
| | - Rita Xiaochen Hu
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan
| | | | - Toni C. Antonucci
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan
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Kemper-Koebrugge W, Adriaansen M, Laurant M, Wensing M. Care networks of home-dwelling older adults in the Netherlands: proof of concept of a network typology. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:800. [PMID: 38049753 PMCID: PMC10696757 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04404-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on care networks of home-dwelling older adults often focus on network composition. However, looking at network mechanisms (negotiation, navigation and contagion) can be helpful to improve the support generated by the care network. A European study on diabetes patients identified network types based on interaction, which can be beneficial (generative, proxy) or detrimental (struggling, avoidant) to support. This study explored whether these network types are present in care networks of home-dwelling older adults in the Netherlands, and how these types manifest in composition or mechanisms. METHODS The present study is a cross-sectional qualitative study of care networks supporting 19 home-dwelling older adults. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the older adult and their informal and formal caregivers between March and September 2016. Network composition and mechanisms were abstracted from content analysis of interview transcripts, then network type was determined for each network. RESULTS Three of the 19 networks had only one respondent and were excluded, yielding 16 for analysis: eight proxy networks, three generative networks, two avoidant networks, one struggling network, and two possibly hybrid networks. In the proxy networks, all negotiation and navigation were centralised by the proxy. In generative networks, negotiation was possible if the older adult could reciprocate, and the network supported this. In avoidant networks, informal and formal caregivers had to deal with an older adult who refused support. In the struggling network, the underlying problem could not be addressed. Furthermore, two networks could either be hybrid network types or networks in a transition process from generative to proxy network. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the network typology developed in the context of diabetes patients is relevant and mostly replicable in networks of multi-morbid older adults. We found that a care network typology based on mechanisms offered additional information beyond network composition. It also appears that the network type can change over time, but more research is needed to confirm this. This study suggests that interventions in avoidant or struggling networks are difficult. Also, actions of network participants seemed aimed at developing proxy networks. Interventions designed to develop or maintain generative networks seem underused.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Kemper-Koebrugge
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- HAN University of Applied Sciences School of Social Studies, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Marian Adriaansen
- HAN University of Applied Sciences School of Health Studies, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Miranda Laurant
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- HAN University of Applied Sciences School of Health Studies, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Wensing
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Kennedy DP, Bradbury TN, Karney BR. Typologies of duocentric networks among low-income newlywed couples. NETWORK SCIENCE (CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS) 2023; 11:632-656. [PMID: 38223900 PMCID: PMC10783164 DOI: 10.1017/nws.2023.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The social networks surrounding intimate couples provide them with bonding and bridging social capital and have been theorized to be associated with their well-being and relationship quality. These networks are multidimensional, featuring compositional (e.g., the proportion of family members vs. friends) and structural characteristics (e.g., density, degree of overlap between spouses' networks). Most previous studies of couple networks are based on partners' global ratings of their network characteristics or network data collected from one member of the dyad. This study presents the analysis of "duocentric networks" or the combined personal networks of both members of a couple, collected from 207 mixed-sex newlywed couples living in low-income neighborhoods of Harris County, TX. We conducted a pattern-centric analysis of compositional and structural features to identify distinct types of couple networks. We identified five qualitatively distinct network types (wife family-focused, husband family-focused, shared friends, wife friend-focused, and extremely disconnected). Couples' network types were associated with the quality of the relationships between couples and their network contacts (e.g., emotional support) but not with the quality of the couples' relationship with each other. We argue that duocentric networks provide appropriate data for measuring bonding and bridging capital in couple networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Benjamin R. Karney
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
- University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Urbaniak A, Walsh K, Batista LG, Kafková MP, Sheridan C, Serrat R, Rothe F. Life-course transitions and exclusion from social relations in the lives of older men and women. J Aging Stud 2023; 67:101188. [PMID: 38012947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2023.101188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing interest across European contexts in promoting active social lives in older age, and counteracting pathways and outcomes related to social isolation and loneliness for men and women in later life. This is evidenced within national and European level policy, including the 2021 Green Paper on Ageing and its concern with understanding how risks can accrue for European ageing populations in the relational sphere. Research indicates that life-course transitions can function as a source of these risks, leading to a range of potentially exclusionary impacts for the social relations of older men and women. Findings presented in this paper are drawn from the qualitative component of a larger European mixed-methods study on exclusion from social relations (GENPATH: A life course perspective on the GENdered PATHways of social exclusion in later life, and its consequences for health and well-being). We use data from 119 in-depth interviews from four jurisdictions: Austria, Czechia, Ireland and Spain. This research employed an approach that focused on capturing lived experienced insights related to relational change across the life course, the implications of these changes for multifaceted forms of exclusion from social relations and the role of gender in patterning these changes and implications. We focused on transitions that commonly emerged across those jurisdictions for older people: onset of ill-health, bereavement, retirement and relocation. We found that these transitions translate into multidimensional experiences of exclusion from social relations in the lives of older men and women by constraining their social networks, support networks, social opportunities and intimate relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Urbaniak
- University of Vienna, Sociology Department, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Krakowie, ul. Rakowicka 27, 31-510 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Kieran Walsh
- National University of Ireland, Galway, NUI Galway, Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, Institute for Lifecourse & Society, Corrib Village, Ireland.
| | - Lucie Galčanová Batista
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Social Studies, Office for Population Studies, Dpt. of Sociology, Jostova 10, 60200 Brno, Czechia.
| | - Marcela Petrová Kafková
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Social Studies: Brno, Czechia, Joštova 218, 602 00 Brno-střed, Czechia.
| | - Celia Sheridan
- National University of Ireland, Galway, NUI Galway, Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, Institute for Lifecourse & Society, Corrib Village, Ireland.
| | - Rodrigo Serrat
- University of Barcelona, Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Franziska Rothe
- NOVA Norwegian Social Research, Oslo Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 4, St. Olavs plass, NO-0130 Oslo, Norway.
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Ali T, Elliott MR, Antonucci TC, Needham BL, Zelner J, de Leon CFM. Network Types and Functional Health in Old Age: It is Not Just the Size of the Network That Matters. J Aging Health 2023:8982643231209351. [PMID: 37863092 PMCID: PMC11031614 DOI: 10.1177/08982643231209351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Findings on the effect of network size and support on functional health are mixed. We examine whether network types, that simultaneously incorporate multiple network characteristics, are associated with functional health in late life. METHODS Data are from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N = 3005). We estimated the longitudinal effect of membership in five multidimensional network types on disability in six activities of daily living using negative binomial regression, and on mobility (assessed using a timed walk test) using a generalized linear mixed model. RESULTS Compared to those in the large without strain network, older adults in the small, restricted, high contact network had fewer disabilities but worse mobility, while those in the large network with strain also had worse mobility. DISCUSSION Care plans focusing on function and mobility should consider multiple aspects of older adults' social networks including network size, diversity, and relationship strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talha Ali
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Michael R. Elliott
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Toni C. Antonucci
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Belinda L. Needham
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jon Zelner
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Zwar L, König HH, Hajek A. Changes in Network Size, Quality, and Composition among Informal Caregivers in Different Welfare Clusters: Longitudinal Analyses Based on a Pan-European Survey (SHARE). Gerontology 2023; 69:1461-1470. [PMID: 37812929 DOI: 10.1159/000534187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study analyzed the association between transitions into informal caregiving, inside and outside their own household, and changes in network size, quality, and composition among older adults (≥50 years) in four different welfare systems in Europe. METHODS Data from waves 4, 6, and 8 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe was used and included up to 110,823 participants (aged ≥50 years) from 12 countries. Participants were asked about informal caregiving inside and outside the household and their network size, quality (emotional closeness, contact frequency), and composition (family, friends, men, women). Adjusted linear and Poisson fixed effects regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS Participants transitioning into any caregiving (inside or outside the household) had a larger network. More women and family members were found among all those transitioning into caregiving, but only outside caregiving was associated with more men and friends in the network. Transitioning into caregiving outside was associated with reduced network closeness and contact. Changes among caregivers outside were similar in all welfare states but were more pronounced among caregivers inside the household of Eastern Europe. CONCLUSION Different patterns of changes in network size, quality, and composition were found among adults transitioning into caregiving inside and outside the household. All parameters changed among caregivers outside the household. However, the welfare system played a key role in the network changes among inside household caregivers. Thus, the micro as well as the macro context of caregiving is important for the support network of informal caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Zwar
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - André Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Feng N. Social disadvantage, context and network dynamics in later life. Eur J Ageing 2023; 20:19. [PMID: 37243805 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-023-00767-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
How do personal networks evolve as individuals age? To what degree do social disadvantage and contextual factors matter for network dynamics in later life? This paper answers these two questions based on egocentric network data of older adults over a ten-year period. Specifically, I use longitudinal and nationally representative data on 1,168 older adults from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. I use between-within models to separate the within- and between-individual effects of sociodemographic characteristics and contextual factors on three aspects of social connectedness in later life: network size, frequency of contact, and proportion of kin. Patterns of network change vary among people of different races and ethnicities as well as educational levels. Black and Hispanic respondents have a significantly smaller network size and a higher average frequency of contact with confidants. Moreover, Hispanic respondents have a higher proportion of kin in the network, compared to White respondents. Similarly, older adults with less education have a smaller network size, higher frequency of contact and higher proportion of kin in their confidant networks compared to those who attended college. Older adults who have better mental health are more likely to have a higher frequency of contact and higher proportion of kin. When an older adult starts to work for pay, their frequency of contact with confidants tends to increase. Older adults living in neighborhoods with stronger social ties are more likely to have a larger network size, higher frequency of contact, and lower proportion of kin in their confidant network. The above results show that disadvantaged backgrounds and contextual factors are associated with certain less favorable network characteristics, which helps to explain the concentration of social disadvantage on certain populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Feng
- Department of Sociology, Cornell University, 347 Uris Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
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11
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Goldman AW. Olfaction in (Social) Context: The Role of Social Complexity in Trajectories of Older Adults' Olfactory Abilities. J Aging Health 2023; 35:108-124. [PMID: 35739641 DOI: 10.1177/08982643221108020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Olfaction is an important correlate of later-life health, including cognition and mortality risk. Environmental enrichment protects against olfactory decline, yet little research considers the social context as a source of sensory enrichment or stimulation. This study examines how exposure to social complexity (i.e., diversity or novelty in social networks and activities) shapes later-life olfaction. Methods: Cross-sectional and longitudinal ordered logit models analyze data from 1,447 older adults interviewed at Rounds 1 and 2 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. Results: Exposure to greater social complexity (larger social networks, greater network diversity) is associated with significantly better olfaction at baseline. Increases in network diversity and fewer network losses significantly protect against olfactory decline over time. Discussion: Findings highlight the social context as an important, yet relatively overlooked source of sensory enrichment, and underscore the need for biological applications to integrate social life dynamics into studies of health trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa W Goldman
- Department of Sociology, 6019Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
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Torres Z, Oliver A, Tomás JM. Mapping Protective Performance of Social Network Types on Health and Quality of Life in Older People in European Regions. J Aging Health 2022:8982643221142078. [DOI: 10.1177/08982643221142078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To identify social network profiles using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), to study the relationships of these profiles with health markers, mental health, quality of life, and cognitive functioning, and to compare profiles across European regions. Methods: 27,272 participants from the Wave 8 of the SHARE project, aged 65 or older (M = 74.95, SD = 7.17) from Europe. Statistical analyses included LPAs followed by MANOVAs to compare the profiles and the health markers. Results: Five profiles were identified: family, friends, spouse, diverse, and others. A no network group was also added. The prevalence of the specific profiles differed across European regions. Individuals with no network and those categorized into the others profile presented the worst health outcomes. Discussion: The “friends” network is more protective toward cognitive functioning and physical health and the “spouse” and “family” ones are more protective toward mental health. The variability according to European regions is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaira Torres
- Department of Methodology for the Behavioral Sciences, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Oliver
- Department of Methodology for the Behavioral Sciences, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José M. Tomás
- Department of Methodology for the Behavioral Sciences, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Nie J, Fan R, Wu Y, Li D. By Internal Network or by External Network?-Study on the Social Network Mechanism of Reducing the Perception of Old-Age Support Risks of Rural Elders in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15289. [PMID: 36430008 PMCID: PMC9690998 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, it is a general trend for China to enter a deep aging society, and the aging situation of the rural population is particularly severe. As informal endogenous resources in rural areas, social networks play an essential role in ensuring elders' later life. Data were drawn from a questionnaire survey of 1126 rural elders in 11 provinces of China. Descriptive statistics and an ordinary least square regression model were conducted to explore the impact of social networks on the perception of old-age support risks of rural elders. There was a significant positive association between the social network size and the reduction in perception of old-age support risks of rural elders. The reduction effect was mainly reflected in the internal network size, whereas it was not evident in the external network size. There was a significant positive association between the heterogeneity of the network and the perceived level of old-age support risks of rural elders. There was a significant positive association between the communication frequency of external network relationships and the perceived level of old-age support risks of rural elders. We found a significant negative association between the ratio of communication frequency between the internal and external network relationships and the perception of old-age support risks of rural elders. Compared with the external network, the internal network had a more evident reduction effect on the social network mechanism of perception of old-age support risks of rural elders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dan Li
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-150-0291-7385
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14
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Pavlidis G, Motel-Klingebiel A, Aartsen M. Exclusion from social relations in later life: on the gendered associations of social networks with mental wellbeing. Aging Ment Health 2022:1-9. [PMID: 36016471 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2116397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: This study addresses the gendered risks of loneliness and depression in later life from a social exclusion perspective. Exclusion from social relations (ESR) in older age is an unwanted situation associated with increased loneliness and depressive symptoms, with gender differences in the perception of solitude, and the evaluation of existing social networks, potentially accounting for the increased susceptibility of older women.Method: Secondary analyses was conducted in a sample of 60,918 participants in the Survey on Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Older persons' subjective perception of solitude (i.e. solitude satisfaction), and their satisfaction with established relations (i.e. network satisfaction), were examined in gender-stratified regression models, predicting loneliness and depressive symptomatology, controlling for network size, demographics, and health.Results: There was no convincing evidence for significant associations between solitude satisfaction (SoS) and loneliness among older men, nor between network satisfaction (NeS) and loneliness for both genders. Low SoS and low NeS were independently associated with more depressive symptoms and an increased probability of depression, especially among older women. This vulnerability could not be attributed to increased loneliness, as only among older women, low SoS was associated with lower levels of loneliness, and lower levels of loneliness was anaemically associated with more depressive symptoms.Conclusions: The perception of solitude, and the evaluation of social relations, are associated with gendered risks of depression among older persons who are challenged by objective and subjective ESR states.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Pavlidis
- Division of Ageing and Social Change, Department of Culture and Society, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Andreas Motel-Klingebiel
- Division of Ageing and Social Change, Department of Culture and Society, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Marja Aartsen
- Department for Ageing and Housing studies, Nova-Norwegian Social research, Oslo, Norway
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Pavlidis G, Hansen T, Motel-Klingebiel A, Aartsen M. Network and solitude satisfaction as modifiers of disadvantages in the quality of life of older persons who are challenged by exclusion from social relations: a gender stratified analysis. APPLIED RESEARCH IN QUALITY OF LIFE 2022; 17:2859-2875. [PMID: 35342486 PMCID: PMC8934721 DOI: 10.1007/s11482-022-10045-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study examined from a gender-sensitive perspective the associations of exclusion from social relations (ESR) with the quality of life (QoL) of excluded older persons. Being satisfied with existing relations (i.e., network satisfaction) may be particularly important for the QoL of older persons with small networks, whereas the QoL of "network-less" older persons may be associated with their perception of solitude (i.e., solitude satisfaction). This study examined the moderating role of network satisfaction (NS) in the gendered associations between network size and QoL, as well as the gendered associations of solitude satisfaction (SS) with the QoL of older "network-less" persons. In addition, the comparative disadvantages in the QoL of "network-less" older persons with low-to-high SS, compared to the QoL of socially embedded persons with low-to-high NS were examined. Cross-sectional gender stratified secondary analyses of data from participants (N = 72.433) in the Survey on Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) did not provide convincing evidence that a higher NS is particularly important for the QoL of older persons with smaller networks. Among older "network-less" persons, lower SS was associated with lower QoL, comparatively more so among older women. Older persons embedded in a social network with low NS, as well as older "network-less" persons with low SS, have comparatively the lowest levels of QoL. It was concluded that the subjective evaluation of social relations and the subjective evaluation of solitude are associated with gendered disadvantages in the QoL of older persons challenged by ESR.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Pavlidis
- Division of Ageing and Social Change, Department of Culture and Society, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Thomas Hansen
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department for Ageing and Housing studies, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreas Motel-Klingebiel
- Division of Ageing and Social Change, Department of Culture and Society, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Marja Aartsen
- Department for Ageing and Housing studies, Nova-Norwegian Social Research, Oslo, Norway
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Thulin E, Vilhelmson B, Elldér E. Fading togetherness? Exploring Generational Changes in Shared Time Use among the Older Population in Sweden. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2022; 101:104674. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Xiao S, Shi L, Xue Y, Zheng X, Zhang J, Chang J, Lin H, Zhang R, Zhang C. The relationship between activities of daily living and psychological distress among Chinese older adults: A serial multiple mediation model. J Affect Disord 2022; 300:462-468. [PMID: 34954333 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have shed light on the mechanisms underlying the link between activities of daily living (ADL) and psychological distress. This study aimed to explore the multiple mediating roles of loneliness and sleep quality in this relationship among Chinese older adults. METHODS A total of 3250 older adults completed the Barthel Index, UCLA 20-item Loneliness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale Questionnaire. Serial multiple mediation analysis was conducted using Hayes' PROCESS macro. RESULTS ADL was found to directly impact psychological distress through three significant mediation pathways: (1) loneliness (B=-0.124, 95% CI=-0.140, -0.109), which accounted for 23.98% of the total effect, (2) sleep quality (B=-0.050, 95% CI=-0.063, -0.039), which accounted for 9.67% of the total effect, and (3) loneliness and sleep quality (B=-0.015, 95% CI=-0.020, -0.012), accounting for 2.91% of the total effect. The total mediating effect was 36.56%. LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional design we used limited causal interpretations. Future studies could examine longitudinal changes in outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the role of loneliness and sleep quality as serial mediators of the relationship between ADL and psychological distress. Thus, for the early detection and prevention of psychological distress, it is necessary to conduct loneliness and sleep quality interventions for older adults with ADL limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujuan Xiao
- School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Shi
- School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaqing Xue
- School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiachi Zhang
- School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinghui Chang
- School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huang Lin
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruibin Zhang
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chichen Zhang
- School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Health Management, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Institute of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Sung P, Malhotra R, Cheng GHL, Chan AWM. Transitions in Social Network Types over Time among Older Adults. Gerontology 2022; 68:817-828. [PMID: 35026756 DOI: 10.1159/000521213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Network typology studies have identified heterogeneous types of older adults' social networks. However, little is known about stability and change in social network types over time. We investigate transitions in social network types among older adults, aged 60 years and older, and factors associated with such transitions. METHODS We used data on 1,305 older adults, participating in 2 waves of a national, longitudinal survey, conducted in 2016-2017 and 2019, in Singapore. Latent transition analysis identified the distinct types of social networks and their transition patterns between the waves. Multinomial logistic regression examined the association of baseline and change in physical, functional, and mental health and baseline sociodemographic characteristics with network transitions into more diverse or less diverse types. RESULTS We found 5 social network types at both waves, representing the most to the least diverse types - diverse, unmarried and diverse, extended family, immediate family, and restricted. Between waves, about 57% of respondents retained their social network type, whereas 24% transitioned into more diverse types and 19% into less diverse types. Those who were older and less educated and those with worsening functional and mental health were more likely to transition into less diverse types versus remaining in the same type. DISCUSSION The findings capture the dynamics in social network composition among older adults in the contemporary aging society. We highlight sociodemographic and health disparities contributing to later life social network diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pildoo Sung
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rahul Malhotra
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Grand H-L Cheng
- School of Arts and Social Sciences, The Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Angelique Wei-Ming Chan
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Sun H, Schafer M. Close ties, near and far away: patterns and predictors of geographic network range among older Europeans. Eur J Ageing 2021; 19:699-716. [PMID: 34975361 PMCID: PMC8706776 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-021-00671-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing number of older adults maintain connections in their core discussion networks at variant distances, raising concerns about the lack of discussants in proximity and the consequences on their social life. This study examines the typical geographic layouts for aging Europeans' core discussion networks and their implications for network function and quality. With a sample of community-dwelling respondents aged 50 and above from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe, the present research identifies seven geographic layouts that extend previously identified family and diverse network types by adding spatial nuance. Individuals in mid-range and distant-family networks typically lack a discussant nearby but sustain high emotional closeness with family discussants at a distance and express high overall satisfaction with their network. Proximate-diverse networks with a strong representation of non-kin members nearby turn out to be less advantageous than prior research might suggest, providing relatively frequent contact but the lowest level of network satisfaction. Results also identify how individual characteristics link to the geographic layouts and describe their prevalence across European regions. Overall, relatively dispersed layouts are common for older adults across multiple countries and do not necessarily indicate lower emotional closeness and network satisfaction. The present study highlights the importance of looking beyond the mere presence of proximate connections in older adults' core networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haosen Sun
- Department of Sociology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Markus Schafer
- Department of Sociology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
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Cornwell B, Schumm LP, Laumann EO, Goldman AW, Compernolle EL. Tracking Egocentric Social Network Change Across Three Rounds of National Survey Data. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:S266-S275. [PMID: 34918152 PMCID: PMC8678444 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) has collected 3 rounds of data on older adults' egocentric social networks. We describe the structure of network data collection for different components of the sample and the data that are available for those groups. We also describe survey techniques that were used to track specific personnel changes that occurred within respondents' networks during the 10-year study period. METHOD Descriptive statistics are presented for measures of network size, composition, and internal structure at all 3 rounds, respondent-level summary measures of change in these characteristics between and across rounds, and measures of change associated with the loss and addition of network members across Rounds 1, 2, and 3. Procedures that were used to clean the network change data are also explained. RESULTS The NSHAP network change module provides reliable information about specific changes that occurred within respondents' confidant networks. For returning baseline respondents, there is considerable overlap with respect to which confidants are named in successive rosters, but the norm is for Round 3 networks to be composed primarily of new confidants. DISCUSSION These data provide new insights into the dynamic nature of networks in later life. Data limitations, and directions for future research, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L Philip Schumm
- Department of Health Studies, University of Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Alyssa W Goldman
- Department of Sociology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
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Cheng GHL, Sung P, Chan A, Ma S, Malhotra R. Transitions between social network profiles and their relation with all-cause mortality among older adults. Soc Sci Med 2021; 292:114617. [PMID: 34871852 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of social network in mortality among older adults has been acknowledged. However, existing studies typically overlook the interplay among social network indicators, and seldom consider the change in social network over time. We take a person-centered approach to identify transitions between social network profiles, and examine the linkage of such transitions with subsequent mortality risk. METHODS Data came from 2738 older Singaporeans enrolled in a longitudinal study. Latent transition analysis examined nine social network indicators assessed at two time points, two years apart to reveal the corresponding transitions between social network profiles. Adjusted Cox regression then associated the identified transitions with all-cause mortality risk in the subsequent four years. RESULTS We observed three diverse social network profiles (that featured diversified social interaction and involved both household and non-household members) and three relatively restricted social network profiles (that focused on household or non-household members). Compared to sustained diverse profiles over time, sustained restricted profiles or a transition from diverse to restricted profiles entailed increased mortality risk. The mortality risk following a restricted-to-diverse profile transition could be as low as that associated with sustained diverse profiles. CONCLUSIONS Dynamics of social network profiles have implications for mortality risk in later life. To promote longevity, initiatives are needed to help older people to maintain or shift to diverse social network profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grand H-L Cheng
- School of Arts and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong(1).
| | - Pildoo Sung
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Angelique Chan
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Stefan Ma
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore
| | - Rahul Malhotra
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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Freed SA, Sprague BN, Stephan AT, Doyle CE, Tian J, Phillips CB, Ross LA. Feasibility and Enjoyment of Exercise Video Games in Older Adults. Front Public Health 2021; 9:751289. [PMID: 34805074 PMCID: PMC8602072 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.751289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Several interventions have been developed to enhance social connectedness among older adults. However, little research has demonstrated their performance in a social distancing environment. Exergames are not only beneficial to older adults' physical and cognitive health, but they also allow players to interact with each other at a distance, which can reduce loneliness and increase social connection. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate older adults' perceptions of two commercially available exergames. Methods: Twenty healthy community-dwelling older adults (M age = 73.30, SD = 5.95, range = 65–84 years, 80% women) were recruited in this pilot study between July 2019 and February 2020. They were asked to play two exergames for 10 min each on the Xbox One with Kinect console: Just Dance and Kinect Sports Rivals. After gameplay, they provided both quantitative and qualitative feedback on these games. Results: Participants reported an average rating for exergame enjoyment. Greater enjoyment was significantly related with younger age and greater extraversion but not gender. Participants were highly motivated to do well on the games but reported lower scores for likelihood of playing these games in the future. Greater likelihood of future play was associated with younger age but not gender or extraversion. “Not aerobic or strengthen enough; not enough exertion,” and “slower movements, repetition, clear purpose of doing the exercise” were some factors that would influence their decision to buy and play these games. Discussion: The preliminary results of this pilot study suggest that exergames may help address social isolation and loneliness—particularly during times of social distancing. Before applying exergames as a social isolation or loneliness intervention for older adults, study replication in larger representative studies and future work that examines important design issues related to older adults' experiences with these games is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Freed
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, United States
| | - Briana N Sprague
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Abigail T Stephan
- Department of Education and Human Development, Institute for Engaged Aging, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - Cassidy E Doyle
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, United States
| | - Junyan Tian
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, United States
| | - Christine B Phillips
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Engaged Aging, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - Lesley A Ross
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Engaged Aging, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
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Cohn-Schwartz E, Roth AR, Widmer ED. Joint social contact and network overlap of spouses facing later adulthood household transitions in Switzerland. ADVANCES IN LIFE COURSE RESEARCH 2021; 48:100395. [PMID: 36695135 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcr.2020.100395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Personal network overlap and joint social contact of spouses have positive implications for social support and marital quality. Although these collective aspects of marriage constitute a valuable resource for couples, the factors impacting them during the later stages of life are underexplored. When faced with critical role losses in later life one compensatory mechanism for internal continuity is to jointly invest in relational dimensions of one's marriage. Accordingly, this research hypothesizes that some later adulthood transitions lead to greater overlap in conjugal networks and more joint contact between partners. Using two waves of data from a nationally representative sample of Swiss couples, it was found that both transitions of children leaving the household and retirement were related to increases in personal network overlap and shared social contact between partners but differently for male and female partners. Results are discussed in the light of mechanisms promoted by continuity theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Cohn-Schwartz
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.
| | - Adam R Roth
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University, USA
| | - Eric D Widmer
- Department of Sociology and Center LIVES, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES One's personal social network constitutes a contextual framing factor for late-life cognitive function. This study examined the association between network type at baseline and changes in three cognitive measures: immediate recall, delayed recall, and fluency, two years hence, among Europeans aged 50 and older. PARTICIPANTS Data were taken from Waves four and five of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe of adults aged 50 and above (N = 50,071). MEASUREMENTS The latent class analysis was applied to a set of criterion variables. The procedure yielded five distinct network types: multi-tie (6%), family-rich (23%), close-family (49%), family-poor (12%), and friend-enhanced (10%). The network types were then regressed on the cognition measures at follow-up, controlling for the respective baseline cognition scores, as well as for age, gender, education, self-rated health, mobility difficulty, and country. RESULTS Respondents in family-poor network types had poorer cognition scores at follow-up, compared to those in the modal close-family network, while those in multi-tie networks had consistently better scores. The family-rich network and the friend-enhanced network also had a somewhat better cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS Having varied sources of network ties, e.g. friendship ties and/or several types of family relationships, is beneficial to the cognitive health of older adults over time. Networks based mainly on ties with relatives other than spouse and children, on the other hand, have poorer cognitive outcomes. Older people in this latter group face an increased risk for cognitive decline and should receive assistance in enhancing their interpersonal environments.
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Gyasi RM, Phillips DR, Asante F, Boateng S. Physical activity and predictors of loneliness in community-dwelling older adults: The role of social connectedness. Geriatr Nurs 2021; 42:592-598. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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