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

SUBMITTER: Ali T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8756185 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature