Confidant Network Types and Well-Being Among Older Europeans

Howard Litwin · Kimberly J. Stoeckel

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Aging and Gerontology Research Aging, Health, and Disability Health disparities and outcomes

Abstract

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To derive a typology of confidant networks among older adults in Europe and to examine them in relation to country differences and well-being (CASP-12). DESIGN AND METHODS: The study population was composed of persons aged 65 and older in 16 countries from the 4th wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (N = 28,697). K-means cluster analysis was applied to data from a newly implemented name-generating network inventory. CASP-12 scores were regressed on network type controlling for country and potential sociodemographic and health confounders. RESULTS: Six prototypical confidant network types were discerned, including proximal and distal family-based networks of varying configurations, as well as friend-based and other-based network types. Regional country differences in network type constellations were observed. Better well-being was found to be associated with network types with greater social capital. Respondents with no named confidants had the lowest CASP-12 scores, and those embedded in "other" network types also exhibited a negative association with well-being. IMPLICATIONS: The study demonstrates the utility of name-generating network inventories in understanding the social capital of older persons. It also shows that accessible family ties are strong correlates of well-being in this population. Finally, it documents the importance of improving the means to detect the small but significant subgroup of isolated older people-those who have no confidants on whom they may rely.

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References

2000Influences of socioeconomic status, social network, and competence on subjective well-being in later life: A meta-analysis.2007Social Network Types Among Older Adults: A Multidimensional Approach 2010Social Network Type and Subjective Well-being in a National Sample of Older Americans 2009Social Network Types and Subjective Well-being in Chinese Older Adults 2008Profiles of social relations among older adults: a cross-cultural approach 2005Altruism Relates to Health in an Ethnically Diverse Sample of Older Adults

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