Social Relationships and Functional Impairment in Aging Cancer Survivors: A Longitudinal Social Network Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

The intersection of cancer, treatment, and aging accelerates functional decline. Social networks, through the provision of social support and resources, may slow the progression of functional deterioration. Socioemotional selectivity theory posits that aging and major life events, like cancer, cause an intentional social network pruning to procure and maintain emotionally fulfilling bonds, while shedding weaker, less supportive relationships. However, it is relatively unknown if such network changes impact functional impairment in cancer survivors. This study examined the relationships between changes in the egocentric social network and functional impairment in older adult cancer survivors and a similarly aged group without cancer (older adults).

Resea

SUBMITTER: Guida JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7368143 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature