Social Support Networks and Expectations for Aging in Place and Moving

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship of social support networks with expectations for aging in place and moving in a sample of relatively healthy, community-dwelling adults (N = 4,611). Results indicated that those with aging in place expectation and those with moving expectation were comparable in sociodemographics, self-rated health, and social support networks. Knowledge of home-and community-based services (HCBS) availability was associated with respondents reporting an older age at which they expected regular help and moving. When compared with those who did not offer an age prediction, knowledge of HCBS availability, information sources for personal care, and social activity engagement were important in understanding the choices of age ranges at which respondents expected to age in place and to move. Findings point to the importance of expanding social support networks, providing opportunities for social activity, and strengthening information networks with the emphasis on targeting older adults and their caregivers.

Age Differences in Daily Social Activities

“…Variation in the performance of tasks in the presence of others along the dimension of age may reflect differences in health, work status, and family structure between younger and older populations (Cornwell, 2011; Marcum, 2011). For example, older people may spend less time with others because of the need to do more private personal care activities due to the unique physiology of aging bodies (Aldwin & Gilmer, 2004); alternatively, they may need to rely on others for help with such tasks (Tang & Lee, 2011). Younger people tend to live in larger families—with children, and at least another adult present in the home—than older people, who are more likely to live alone or with only a spouse (at least in the U.S. noninstitutionalized population; Bures, 2009; Kobrin, 1976).…”

Interpersonal Relationships and Subjective Well-being among Older Adults in Sheltered Housing

“…At the same time, older adults who would ideally like to live in sheltered housing, in order to have the reassurance of care in case of emergency, will likely remain living in the community for a longer period. Even though it is often thought that older adults wish to receive care and assistance in their own house for as long as possible (Fausset et al, 2011;Gitlin, 2003;Tang & Lee, 2011), some people might become isolated or feel lonely when ageing in place (Sixsmith & Sixsmith, 2008). We conclude that intermediate housing schemes such as sheltered housing, or at least a residential context with comparable opportunities for interpersonal relationships, are essential and valuable for specific groups of older adults.…”

Age Differences in Daily Social Activities

“…Variation in the performance of tasks in the presence of others along the dimension of age may reflect differences in health, work status, and family structure between younger and older populations (Cornwell, 2011;Marcum, 2011). For example, older people may spend less time with others because of the need to do more private personal care activities due to the unique physiology of aging bodies (Aldwin & Gilmer, 2004); alternatively, they may need to rely on others for help with such tasks (Tang & Lee, 2011). Younger people tend to live in larger families-with children, and at least another adult present in the home-than older people, who are more likely to live alone or with only a spouse (at least in the U.S. noninstitutionalized population; Bures, 2009;Kobrin, 1976).…”