Multidimensional Social Network Types and Their Correlates in Older Americans

Abstract

Background and Objectives Social support networks of older adults have been linked to their health and well-being; however, findings regarding the effects of specific network characteristics have been mixed. Additionally, due to demographic shifts increasing numbers of older adults live outside of traditional family structures. Previous studies have not systematically examined the resulting complexity and heterogeneity of older adults’ social networks. Our objectives were to examine this complexity and heterogeneity by developing a multidimensional typology of social networks that simultaneously considers multiple structural and functional network characteristics, and to examine differences in network type membership by sociodemographic characteristics, health characteristics, and birth cohort. Research Design and Methods Participants included 5,192 adults aged 57–85 years in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project at rounds 1 (2005–2006) and 3 (2015–2016). Data were collected on social relationships including network size, diversity, frequency of contact, and perceived support and strain in relationships. We used latent class analysis to derive the network typology and multinomial logistic regression to examine differences in network type membership by sociodemographic characteristics, health characteristics, and birth cohort. Results Older adults were classified into 5 distinct social network types: (i) large, with strain; (ii) large, without strain; (iii) small, diverse, low contact; (iv) small, restricted, high contact; and (v) medium size and support. Membership in these network types varied by age, gender, marital status, race/ethnicity, education, mental health, and birth cohort. Discussion and Implications Network typologies can elucidate the varied interpersonal environments of older adults and identify individuals who lack social connectedness on multiple network dimensions and are therefore at a higher risk of social isolation.

Does living alone mean being alone? Personal networks of solo-living adults in midlife

“…Consistent with previous research among older adults in general populations (Ali et al, 2022;Fiori et al, 2006Fiori et al, , 2007Fiori et al, , 2008Li & Zhang, 2015;Litwin, 2001;Litwin & Shiovitz-Ezra, 2010;Litwin & Stoeckel, 2014) and those living alone (Djundeva et al, 2019), we identified diverse and restricted networks in middleaged adults living alone. This indicates that these two network types are relatively robust across age groups and living arrangements.…”

“…According to the social convoy model, social relationships have an impact on well-being (Antonucci et al, 2010). Personal networks offer opportunities for interpersonal interactions, engagement, and support, all of which contribute to well-being (Ali et al, 2022). Previous studies revealed varying associations of network types and well-being, although consistently showing that individuals in diverse networks tend to feel happier and less lonely compared with those in restricted networks (Fiori et al, 2006(Fiori et al, , 2007Li & Zhang, 2015;Litwin, 2001;Litwin & Shiovitz-Ezra, 2010).…”

“…Personal networks vary in structural features, such as the network size, compositional aspects (e.g., the proportion of kin and non-kin ties), the frequency of contact with network members, and the geographic dispersion of social partners (i.e., proximity). Studying multiple structural features at once is challenging, as they are complexly interconnected and unlikely to be universal across individuals, making them particularly heterogeneous (Ali et al, 2022; Antonucci et al, 2010; Fiori et al, 2006). According to the social convoy model , each personal network is characterized by unique structural patterns (Kahn & Antonucci, 1980).…”

Flourishing despite Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Findings from a Nationally Representative Survey of Canadians Aged 50 and Older

“…Previous research has found higher levels of depression among older adults who lack close social relationships [ 54 ]. Older adults who lack a close confidant or marital partner may also experience higher levels of loneliness [ 55 ], which is an identified risk factor for depression and suicidality [ 56 ], as well as declines in overall self-rated health [ 57 ]. Having social support via a partner or confidant may be particularly important for older adults with serious chronic conditions such as COPD.…”

The role of social networks in the self-management support for young women recently diagnosed with breast cancer

“…While the findings offer immediate implications for practice a more nuanced understanding of the processes involved in mobilising support and how they relate to different network and individual characteristics is likely to inform the development of interventions with high level of sensitivity to individual circumstances. These would need to be further tested and refined in the next stages of the study and may include exploring interactions between key predictors of network engagement, and the development of a network typology that can help to better understand the health and well-being outcomes for women with breast cancer diagnosis [66,[88][89][90][91][92][93][94][95][96][97][98][99].…”