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Pan C, Yu L, Cao N. Reciprocal and Dynamic Associations between Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Disability among Chinese Older Adults. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:104975. [PMID: 38583487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.02.013] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine reciprocal and dynamic associations between Social Isolation (SI), loneliness, and disability among Chinese older adults. DESIGN This is a prospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The global trend of population aging has resulted in a significant rise in the prevalence of disabilities, SI, and loneliness among older adults. These factors can severely impact the health and well-being of older adults. Therefore, it is crucial to implement more efficient interventions aimed at reducing disabilities, addressing SI, and combating loneliness among older adults in order to improve their overall health and well-being. METHODS Using a large, nationally representative sample spanning 16 years, we employed the general cross-lagged panel model to explore the relationships among 50,348 older adults with a mean age of 81.83 at baseline. Disability was measured by a comprehensive index tool that incorporated multiple dimensions. SI was measured using an SI index, and loneliness was evaluated using a single-item measure. RESULTS SI emerged as a stronger predictor of disability than loneliness. Longitudinal analysis revealed accumulative disadvantages in the association between SI and disability. Additionally, disability was found to contribute to increased SI and loneliness. However, our study did not detect any variance in the strength of the cross-lagged effects between social isolation and disability. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The findings suggest that reducing SI is crucial for reducing disability among older adults. Initiating early interventions to minimize initial SI could aid in preventing later-life disability. Additionally, addressing disabilities may positively impact the reduction of loneliness and SI within this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoping Pan
- College of Medical Humanities and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Linwei Yu
- College of Medical Humanities and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Na Cao
- College of Medical Humanities and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China; School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.
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Schafer MH. Social contact during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of long-term connectedness and cumulative inequality in later life. SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH 2024; 120:103007. [PMID: 38763541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2024.103007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Though the COVID-19 crisis put many older adults at sudden risk of social isolation, the pandemic was far from the "great equalizer" some pundits and politicians initially claimed it would be. Drawing from Cumulative Inequality Theory, I consider how long-run patterns of social dis/connectedness contextualize key disparities in social contact that manifested during the pandemic. I incorporate data from four rounds of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (2005-2021), constructing multiple operationalizations of connectedness accumulation across pre-COVID years and examining several types of social contact during the pandemic, both in-person and remote. Results from ordered logistic regression show that those most durably connected were especially likely to incorporate digital tools for maintaining contact with family and friends. On the other hand, people experiencing more bouts of social disconnection were least likely to see friends during the pandemic, and were yet relatively tolerant of that level of engagement. Even while many older people's level of social dis/connectedness fluctuates over the course of 15 years, it was long-run accumulation patterns-not conditions observed most recently-that best explain their experience of social contact during the pandemic. Findings point to the role of crises in perpetuating and exacerbating key axes of inequality, and suggest points of attention and intervention in COVID's aftermath.
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Pettinicchio D, Maroto M. Economic precarity and changing levels of anxiety and stress among Canadians with disabilities and chronic health conditions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. CANADIAN REVIEW OF SOCIOLOGY = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SOCIOLOGIE 2024; 61:25-45. [PMID: 38263777 DOI: 10.1111/cars.12461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple event stressors converged to exacerbate a growing mental health crisis in Canada with differing effects across status groups. However, less is known about changing mental health situations throughout the pandemic, especially among individuals more likely to experience chronic stress because of their disability and health status. Using data from two waves of a targeted online survey of people with disabilities and chronic health conditions in Canada (N = 563 individuals, June 2020 and July 2021), we find that approximately 25% of respondents experienced additional increases in stress and anxiety levels in 2021. These increases were partly explained by worsening perceived financial insecurity and, in the case of stress, additional negative financial effects tied to the pandemic. This paper understands mental health disparities as a function of social status and social group membership. By linking stress process models and a minority stress framework with a social model of disability, we allude to how structural and contextual barriers make functional limitations disabling and in turn, life stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pettinicchio
- Department of Sociology/Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michelle Maroto
- Department of Sociology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Pan C, Yu L. Bidirectional and dynamic relationships between social isolation and activities of daily living among older adults in China. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04031. [PMID: 38275090 PMCID: PMC10811563 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Social isolation and disability in performing activities of daily living are increasingly recognised as significant public health concerns globally. We aimed to investigate their bidirectional associations and the related temporal dynamics in Chinese older adults. Methods We retrieved data from the six waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (2002-18) and used generalised cross-lagged modelling (GCLM) to assess the bidirectional associations between social isolation and disability in performing activities of daily living. Results We found that higher levels of social isolation were predictive of increased scores in disabilities in performing activities of daily living. Conversely, disabilities in performing activities of daily living showed less predictive power in relation to social isolation. The temporal dynamics analysis indicated a peak in the bidirectional associations after approximately six years, followed by decreasing trends. Conclusions Our results indicate that social isolation is dominant in the bidirectional relationship. Efforts focusing on reducing it can potentially minimise disabilities in performing activities of daily living among older adults. Reinstating preventive interventions beyond the six-year mark could help maintain their effectiveness.
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Lin J, Zajdel M, Keller KR, Gilpin Macfoy FO, Shaw P, Curtis B, Ungar L, Koehly L. Life under stay-at-home orders: a panel study of change in social interaction and emotional wellbeing among older Americans during COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1777. [PMID: 36123662 PMCID: PMC9484850 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14103-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent research has shown the mental health consequence of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, but longitudinal data are relatively scarce. It is unclear whether the pattern of isolation and elevated stress seen at the beginning of the pandemic persists over time. This study evaluates change in social interaction over six months and its impact on emotional wellbeing among older adults. METHODS We drew data from a panel study with six repeated assessments of social interaction and emotional wellbeing conducted monthly May through October 2020. The sample included a total of 380 White, Black and Hispanic participants aged 50 and over, of whom 33% had low income, who residing in fourteen U.S. states with active stay-at-home orders in May 2020. The analysis examined how change in living arrangement, in-person interaction outside the household, quality of relationship with family and friends, and perceived social support affected trajectories of isolation stress, COVID worry and sadness. RESULTS While their living arrangements (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.95, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.87, 1.03) and relationship quality (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.82, 1.01) remained stable, older adults experienced fluctuations in perceived social support (linear Slope b = -1.42, s.e. = 0.16, p < .001, quadratic slope b = 0.50, s.e. = 0.08, p < .001, cubic slope b = -0.04, s.e. = 0.01, p < .001) and increases in in-person conversations outside the household (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.29). Living with a spouse/partner stabilized isolation stress (change in linear slope b = 1.16, s.e. = 0.48, p < .05, in quadratic slope b = -0.62, s.e. = 0.26, p < .05, and in cubic slope = 0.09, s.e. = 0.04, p < .05) and COVID worry (change in quadratic slope b = -0.66, s.e. = 0.32, p < .05 and in cubic slope = 0.09, s.e. = 0.04, p < .05) over time. Individuals with better relationship quality with friends had decreased sadness over time (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.82, 0.99). Changes in social support were associated with greater fluctuations in isolation stress and COVID worry. CONCLUSIONS During the pandemic, social interactions are protective and lack of stability in feeling supported makes older adults vulnerable to stress. Efforts should focus on (re)building and maintaining companionship and support to mitigate the pandemic's negative impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jielu Lin
- Social Network Methods Section, Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, 31 Center Drive, Building 31, Room B1B37, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Melissa Zajdel
- Social Network Methods Section, Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, 31 Center Drive, Building 31, Room B1B37, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Krystyna R Keller
- Social Network Methods Section, Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, 31 Center Drive, Building 31, Room B1B37, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Fiona O Gilpin Macfoy
- Social Network Methods Section, Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, 31 Center Drive, Building 31, Room B1B37, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Philip Shaw
- Neurobehavioral Clinical Research Section, Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Brenda Curtis
- Technology and Translational Research Unit, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute On Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lyle Ungar
- Department of Computer and Information Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura Koehly
- Social Network Methods Section, Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, 31 Center Drive, Building 31, Room B1B37, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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Granbom M, Jönson H, Kottorp A. Older Adults Living in Disadvantaged Areas: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Baseline Study on Homes, Quality of Life, and Participation in Transitioning Neighborhoods. (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e41255. [PMID: 36222809 PMCID: PMC9607888 DOI: 10.2196/41255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Swedish policy states that older adults should be able to age safely with continued independence and lead active lives. However, this plays out differently in different Swedish municipalities depending upon degree of demographic change, globalization, and urbanization. Internationally, older adults living in disadvantaged areas have worse physical and mental health, activity restrictions, and reduced life expectancy. In Sweden, research on how disadvantaged areas impact older adults’ quality of life is virtually nonexistent. We argue that disadvantaged areas exist in both urban and rural contexts. Objective We aimed to investigate how older adults’ homes and neighborhoods influence their community participation, quality of life, identity, and belonging in urban and rural disadvantaged areas in Sweden, and how these person–context dynamics are experienced by older adults in transitioning neighborhoods. Methods The study has a mixed methods design and includes 3 phases. Adults 65 years and older living in certain urban and rural disadvantaged areas in the south of Sweden will be included. Phase 1 is an interview study in which qualitative data are collected on neighborhood attachment, identity, and belonging through semistructured interviews and photo-elicitation interviews with 40 subjects. A variety of qualitative data analysis procedures are used. In phase 2, a survey study will be conducted to explore associations between observable and self-rated aspects of housing and neighborhood (physical, social, and emotional), participation, and quality of life; 400 subjects will be recruited and added to the 40 phase-1 subjects for a total of 440. The survey will include standardized measures and study-specific questions. Survey data will be analyzed with mainstream statistical analyses and structural equation modeling to understand the interactions between quality of life, home and neighborhood factors, and sociodemographic factors. In phase 3, the integration study, survey data from the 40 participants who participated in both data collections will be analyzed together with qualitative data with a mixed methods analysis approach. Results As of the submission of this protocol (August 2022), recruitment for the interview study is complete (N=39), and 267 participants have been recruited and have completed data collection in the survey study. We expect recruitment and data collection to be finalized by December 2022. Conclusions With an increasing proportion of older adults, an increasing number of disadvantaged areas, and an increasing dependency ratio in more than 50% of Swedish municipalities, these municipalities are transforming and becoming increasingly segregated. This study will add unique knowledge on what it is like to be older in a disadvantaged area and deepen knowledge on housing and health dynamics in later life. Further, the design of the current study will allow future follow-up studies to facilitate longitudinal analysis (if funding is granted) on aging in a transforming societal context. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/41255
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Håkan Jönson
- School of Social Work, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anders Kottorp
- Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
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Litwin H, Levinsky M. Does personality shape the personal social networks of older Europeans? Eur J Ageing 2022; 19:717-727. [PMID: 35018168 PMCID: PMC8734542 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-021-00678-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to clarify whether personality traits predict the structure, function and quality of egocentric confidant networks in later life. Data were drawn from Waves 7 and 8 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) (N = 39,172). We regressed network size, contact frequency and network satisfaction on the Big-5 personality traits, using a single path analysis structure, controlling for country, sociodemographic background and health status. The findings showed that the personality traits were related to the social network outcomes, but their effect was modest and less predictive than the contextual factors. The country predictors explained the most variance, generally, with some surprising results. For example, confidant networks were the largest in Scandinavia and Central Europe, and smallest in the Mediterranean region and Eastern Europe. Among the personality traits, extraversion was the most consistent positive predictor, but conscientiousness was also predictive. Neuroticism was a negative predictor, but not of network size. The sociodemographic variables, particularly partner status, explained more variance than the personality traits did. In sum, the SHARE database offers a comprehensive and differentiated view of the complex interpersonal milieus in which older Europeans are embedded. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10433-021-00678-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Litwin
- Israel Gerontological Data Center, Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michal Levinsky
- Israel Gerontological Data Center, Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
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Oliveira-Figueiredo DSTD, Felisbino-Mendes MS, Velasquez-Melendez G. Association between social network and functional disability in brazilian elderly. Rev Bras Enferm 2021; 74:e20200770. [PMID: 34161502 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2020-0770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to verify the association between social network and functional disability in elderly Brazilians. METHODS a cross-sectional study with secondary data of 11,177 elderly people, available on Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics' website. Social network components were having trusted friends/relative, living with their spouse, practicing social activity, performing voluntary or paid work. The outcome was functional disability, measured by the difficulty in performing instrumental and basic activities of daily living. Logistic regression models were used. RESULTS disability prevalence for instrumental activities was 28.0% (95%CI: 26.7-29.4), and for basic activities, 15.5% (95%CI: 14.4-16.6). Not having components social network components was associated with greater chances of functional disability, especially among women. CONCLUSION there was an association between not having social network components with functional disability. There are differences in this association according to sex. Strengthening actions that expand social network can reduce the chance of this outcome in elderly people.
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Lee H, Schafer M. Are Positive Childhood Experiences Linked to Better Cognitive Functioning in Later Life?: Examining the Role of Life Course Pathways. J Aging Health 2021; 33:217-226. [PMID: 33228449 PMCID: PMC7906946 DOI: 10.1177/0898264320972547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: We examine whether childhood family well-being is associated with cognitive functioning and to what extent the association between the family context and cognitive functioning is explained by adulthood resources. Methods: Data are drawn from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project Wave 3 (2015/2016; N = 3361). We measured cognitive functioning using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Childhood family factors included family-life happiness, family structure, and family socioeconomic status. Education, social connectedness, self-mastery, and self-rated health were assessed as adulthood resources. Results: Respondents who grew up in a happy family had significantly higher levels of cognitive functioning. The formal mediation test suggests that a happy family life during childhood has a positive association with later cognition, in part, by enhancing self-mastery in adulthood. Discussion: Our findings provide evidence that positive childhood experiences are linked to later life cognition. The sense of control people have over their life circumstances is one potential pathway explaining this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haena Lee
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Markus Schafer
- Department of Sociology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Roth AR. Social networks and health in later life: a state of the literature. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2020; 42:1642-1656. [PMID: 32643785 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Late life is a period frequently marked by decline in personal health and heightened need for social support. Consequently, the social networks in which individuals are embedded assume an increasingly central role in the health and wellbeing of older adults. In the present article, I review the state of the literature on social networks and health in later life. By drawing on insights from the sociology of ageing and the life course, I address new developments and current challenges within the field. Chief among these developments and challenges is the recognition that the ageing process does not occur in a vacuum. Rather, individuals are consistently exposed to numerous changes to their social lives which have strong implications for current and future health outcomes. Upon highlighting the latest innovations within the field of networks and health, I conclude with useful directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam R Roth
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Indiana University Network Science Institute, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Roth AR. Informal Caregiving and Network Turnover Among Older Adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2018; 75:1538-1547. [PMID: 30476323 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gby139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Personal network turnover, a combination of lost and added network contacts, is suggested to affect health as well as moderate access to social support and resources. This article tests whether the caregiving process is associated with network turnover in later life and whether the process is different for men and women.
Methods
Network turnover was assessed using two waves of personal network data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. Network contacts were uniquely identified in each wave making it possible to document contact loss and addition. Rates of change were modeled using Poisson regression.
Results
Respondents transitioning into caregiving lost and added network contacts at higher rates than non-caregivers. Conversely, respondents providing care during both waves and respondents transitioning out of the role saw no significant levels of network turnover. The analysis provided minimal evidence of gender differences.
Discussion
Findings suggest that the initial shift into the caregiving role is associated with notable personal network change. This is an important consideration given that long-term network instability may lead to poor health and limited access to social resources whereas adaptive network change tends to elicit more positive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam R Roth
- Department of Sociology, Washington State University, Pullman
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Wolfe JD, Bauldry S, Hardy MA, Pavalko EK. Multigenerational Attainments, Race, and Mortality Risk among Silent Generation Women. JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 59:335-351. [PMID: 29949716 DOI: 10.1177/0022146518784596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study extends health disparities research by examining racial differences in the relationships between multigenerational attainments and mortality risk among "Silent Generation" women. An emerging literature suggests that the socioeconomic attainments of adjacent generations, one's parents and adult children, provide an array of life-extending resources in old age. Prior research, however, has demonstrated neither how multigenerational resources are implicated in women's longevity nor how racial disparities faced by Silent Generation women may differentially structure the relationships between socioeconomic attainments and mortality. With data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Mature Women, the analysis provided evidence of a three-generation model in which parent occupation, family wealth, and adult child education were independently associated with women's mortality. Although we found evidence of racial differences in the associations between parental, personal, and spousal education and mortality risk, the education of adult children was a robust predictor of survival for black and white women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D Wolfe
- 1 University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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