Network type, transition patterns and well-being among older Europeans

Litwin, Howard; Levinsky, Michal; Schwartz, Ella

doi:10.1007/s10433-019-00545-7

Cited by 38 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…In the sample, we saw the struggle to maintain a generative network. Networks undergo age-related changes in which older persons lose network ties because of life events and lose non-kin relationships when they become more selective (3,11). Participants were not focused on maintaining a generative network or exploring possibilities for reciprocity from the older person, even though shaping reciprocal relationships is crucial to give an older person a feeling of independence and a foundation for a caring relationship (23,24).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These studies clarify structures of support and care, which emerge from interaction and act as context for interaction (5,12). Recognition of different network constellations makes it possible to identify strengths and weaknesses in informal support and to see which network types are more likely to request formal help than others (5,11,13).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many studies in the last decades have focused on the constellation of these networks (3,(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11). These studies clarify structures of support and care, which emerge from interaction and act as context for interaction (5,12).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Care Networks of Home-dwelling Older Persons in the Netherlands: Proof of Concept of a Network Typology

Kemper-Koebrugge¹,

Adriaansen²,

Laurant³

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Background Studies on care networks of home-dwelling older persons often focus on network constellation. However, looking at network interaction can be helpful to improve the support generated by the care network. A European study on diabetes patients found network types based on the interaction within a network, 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 persons in the Netherlands and how these network types manifest in constellation or ways of interaction (negotiation, navigation and contagion). Methods The present study is a secondary analysis of a cross‐sectional qualitative study of 16 care networks with home‐dwelling older persons, informal caregivers and formal care providers conducted between March and September 2016. First, navigation, negotiation and contagion were analysed for each network; then the network type was determined for each network. ResultsWe found nine proxy networks, four generative networks, two avoidant networks and one struggling network. In the proxy networks, all negotiation and navigation were centralised by the proxy. In generative networks, negotiation was possible if the older person could be reciprocal and the network supported this. In avoidant networks, informal and formal caregivers had to deal with an older person who refused support. In the struggling network, the underlying problem could not be addressed. Furthermore, two networks seemed to show a transition process from generative to proxy network.ConclusionWe concluded that the network typology on interaction offered extra information about the functioning of the care network. It seems 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 were aimed at developing proxy networks. Interventions maintaining or developing generative networks seem underused.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Care Networks of Home-dwelling Older Persons in the Netherlands: Proof of Concept of a Network Typology

Kemper-Koebrugge¹,

Adriaansen²,

Laurant³

et al. 2021

Preprint

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“…Howard Litwin [11,15,16,20] has proposed several typologies of older people's personal social networks, studying Israeli elders and older Soviet Jews who emigrated to Israel, highlighting the family role in social support and social relations. A more recent study with older European demonstrates that a greater family closeness brings beneficial changes to the social network in old age [22].…”

Section: Family-centered Networkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Longer relationships are associated with predominantly familial networks [2,16]. A recent study evidenced that older Europeans [22] experienced diverse network transition, although, over time, close-family-based networks tended to prevail. Those in close-family networks had better life satisfaction and fewer depressive symptoms than the elderly with other network types, which points to greater family closeness as beneficial.…”

Section: Family-centered Networkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intergenerational Support Networks and Wellbeing in Old Age

Guadalupe¹,

Vicente²

2021

Improving Quality of Life - Exploring Standard of Living, Wellbeing, and Community Development

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Family is the main informal support system for the older population. Focusing on social network types, the chapter discusses the relevance of family-centered networks, restricted and diverse networks for wellbeing, and psychosocial risk in the aging process. Social network types and social support effectiveness are also pointed out as good predictors of health, mental health, and social or community participation. Familistic cultures represent different demands on informal support and social care, bringing enormous importance to the heiresses generations. Interpersonal relationships between generations are fueled by reciprocity in support throughout the life cycle. Intergenerationality closes its cycle when the offspring support their parents in older ages. Normativity in this cycle is broken with childlessness, which is less and less exceptional today. The emphasis on family ties in social care and the childless population’s increase transform future support expectations, challenging societies.

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