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Psychosocial Outcomes of Age Integration Status: Do Age-Integrated Social Networks Benefit Older Adults?

Author

Listed:
  • Carly Roman

    (Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA)

  • Christopher R. Beam

    (Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
    Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA)

  • Elizabeth Zelinski

    (Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
    Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA)

Abstract

Increased longevity means that older adults have more opportunities to have age-integrated social networks, which include both same-aged peers and intergenerational social ties. Compared to those with peer-only, or intergenerational-only social networks, those with age-integrated networks may experience greater psychosocial benefits due to the age-diverse nature of their social networks. Data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study was used to examine age integration status associations with well-being and social engagement in a nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. We hypothesized that age-integrated older adults have greater well-being and social engagement than older adults with peer-only or intergenerational-only networks. Weighted ordinary least squares regression analyses were conducted to test associations of well-being and social engagement with age integration status, controlling for sociodemographic and health covariates. Older adults with age-integrated social networks did not differ in well-being from those with peer-only or intergenerational-only networks, although they had greater social engagement than those with intergenerational-only networks.

Suggested Citation

  • Carly Roman & Christopher R. Beam & Elizabeth Zelinski, 2022. "Psychosocial Outcomes of Age Integration Status: Do Age-Integrated Social Networks Benefit Older Adults?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12322-:d:927590
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    References listed on IDEAS

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