@article {12300, title = {Childhood Stressors, Relationship Quality, and Cognitive Health in Later Life.}, journal = {The Journals of Gerontology, Series B }, year = {Forthcoming}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVES: The rising prevalence of cognitive impairment, Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease, and related disorders signals the need for a better understanding of how social factors may affect cognitive health for millions of Americans. Drawing from cumulative inequality theory, we aim to understand the implications of a stressful childhood on social relationships and cognitive health in later life.

METHODS: This study utilizes longitudinal data (2006-2016) from the Health and Retirement Study to examine pathways, both direct and indirect through social relationships in adulthood, from childhood stressors to cognitive health trajectories over time.

RESULTS: Respondents reporting a greater number of stressors in childhood had worse cognitive health over time, but those negative effects were not as steep as time progressed. Early-life stressors are also associated with less social support and more social strain in adulthood which, in turn, are associated with initial cognitive health. Finally, pathway analyses confirm that childhood stressors are indirectly associated with initial cognitive health through social strain and social support.

DISCUSSION: Findings reveal that a stressful childhood creates chains of risks that have lifelong implications for cognitive health, both directly and indirectly by creating obstacles for developing healthy and supportive social relationships.

}, keywords = {cognitive impairment, Early-Life Stressors, Social Relationships}, issn = {1758-5368}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbac007}, author = {Thomas, Patricia A and Williams-Farrelly, Monica M and Sauerteig, Madison R and Ferraro, Kenneth F} } @article {13405, title = {Early Origins of Frailty: Do Later-Life Social Relationships Alter Trajectories of Decline?}, journal = {J Aging Health}, year = {2023}, pages = {8982643231185426}, abstract = {

Social relationships are widely regarded as salubrious, but do they mediate the influence of childhood experiences on frailty in later life? Drawing from cumulative inequality theory, we assess the influence of childhood experiences and adult relationships on frailty trajectories. We analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study to examine the influence of six domains of childhood experiences and social relationships on frailty trajectories over 8~years. Mediation analyses were completed with structural equation models. Risky adolescent behavior, chronic disease, and impairments during childhood are associated directly with higher risk of initial frailty, but not over time. More social roles and higher social support mediate the relationship between childhood experiences and frailty, and the effect of more social roles continues over time. This study provides compelling evidence that supportive social relationships mediate the risk and severity of frailty in later life associated with noxious childhood experiences.

}, keywords = {adult relationships, childhood experiences, Social Relationships}, issn = {1552-6887}, doi = {10.1177/08982643231185426}, author = {Williams-Farrelly, Monica M and Ferraro, Kenneth F} } @article {12785, title = {Friendship in Later Life: A Pathway between Volunteering Hours and Depressive Symptoms.}, journal = {The Journals of Gerontology, Series B }, volume = {78}, year = {2023}, pages = {673-683}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVES: Friendships are essential in the face of social network changes in later life and friendships may be important for reducing depression risk. Social participation through volunteering is also associated with fewer depressive symptoms. What is less well-understood is whether friendships serve as a pathway in the link between volunteering and depression.

METHODS: We used panel data from the Health and Retirement Study (2010, 2014, 2018). Negative binomial regression within the SEM modeling framework was employed to analyze the association between volunteering and friendship, focusing on the indirect effect of friendships for understanding the volunteering and depressive symptoms relationship.

RESULTS: Volunteer hours were positively associated with friendship (1-99 hours: β=0.17, p<.001, 100-199 hours: β=0.15, p<.001, 200 hours and more: β=0.23, p<.001) and negatively associated with number of depressive symptoms (1-99 hours: β=-0.07, p=.06, 100-199 hours: β=-0.14, p<.001, 200 hours and more: β=-0.17, p<.001). Friendship mediated the relationship between volunteer hours and depressive symptoms (indirect effects; 1-99 hours: β=-0.01, (95\% CI=[-0.02, -0.00], p=.03), 100-199 hours: β=-0.01, (95\% CI=[-0.02, -0.00], p=.03), 200 hours and more: β=-0.02, (95\% CI=[-0.03, -0.00], p=.03).

DISCUSSION: Our findings underscored the role of volunteering in generating and maintaining friendships, as well as for friendships as a pathway between volunteer hours and depressive symptoms. Providing opportunities to maintain and grow friendships in later life may be a possible intervention strategy for older adults at risk of depression.

}, keywords = {Emotional Health, Mental Health, pro-social behaviors, social engagement, Social Relationships}, issn = {1758-5368}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbac168}, author = {Lim, Emily and Peng, Changmin and Burr, Jeffrey A} } @article {13562, title = {Social relationships and epigenetic aging in older adulthood: Results from the Health and Retirement Study.}, journal = {Brain, behavior and immunity}, volume = {114}, year = {2023}, pages = {349-359}, abstract = {

Growing evidence suggests that social relationship quality can influence age-related health outcomes, although how the quality of one{\textquoteright}s relationships directly relates to the underlying aging process is less clear. We hypothesized that the absence of close relationships as well as lower support and higher strain within existing relationships would be associated with an accelerated epigenetic aging profile among older adults in the Health and Retirement Study. Adults (N~=~3,647) aged 50-100~years completed ratings of support and strain in relationships with their spouse, children, other family members, and friends. They also provided a blood sample that was used for DNA methylation profiling to calculate a priori-specified epigenetic aging measures: Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, GrimAge, and Dunedin Pace of Aging methylation (DunedinPoAm38). Generalized linear models that adjusted for chronological age, sex, and race/ethnicity and applied a false discovery rate correction revealed that the absence of marital and friend relationships related to an older GrimAge and faster DunedinPoAm38. Among those with existing relationships, lower support from a spouse, child, other family, and friends and higher strain with friends related to an older PhenoAge and GrimAge and faster DunedinPoAm38. In secondary analyses that further adjusted for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, lower support from other family members and friends was associated with greater epigenetic aging. Findings suggest that the absence of close relationships and lower support within existing relationships-particularly with family members and friends-relate to accelerated epigenetic aging in older adulthood, offering one mechanism through which social relationships might influence risk for age-related declines and disease.

}, keywords = {biological aging, DNA Methylation, epigenetic clock, Social Relationships, Social strain, Social Support}, issn = {1090-2139}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbi.2023.09.001}, author = {Rentscher, Kelly E and Klopack, Eric T and Crimmins, Eileen M and Seeman, Teresa E and Cole, Steve W and Carroll, Judith E} } @article {13550, title = {Supportive later-life social relationships mediate the risk of severe frailty in adults who had negative childhood experiences}, year = {2023}, publisher = {Regenstrief Institute, Indiana University}, keywords = {childhood experiences, Frailty, Social Relationships}, url = {https://www.regenstrief.org/article/supportive-relationships-mediate-frailty-risk-adults-who-had-negative-childhood-experiences/$\#$:~:text=News-,Supportive\%20later\%2Dlife\%20social\%20relationships\%20mediate\%20the\%20risk\%20of\%20severe,\%2C\%20falls\%2C\%20hospita}, author = {Regenstrief Institute} } @article {12604, title = {Within-Person Dynamics of Objective and Subjective Social Isolation in Midlife and Later Life.}, journal = {Journal of Aging and Health}, year = {2023}, abstract = {

ObjectivesTo investigate the within-person dynamics of objective and subjective social isolation among U.S. middle-aged and older adults and to explore gender differences in this relationship. Four waves of data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, 2006-2018, = 5437) and the multiple group random intercept cross-lagged panel model were used. Within-person deviation in expected subjective isolation predicted deviation in expected objective isolation years later. No corresponding cross-lagged effect of objective isolation on subjective isolation was found. Gender differences were detected: the within-person cross-lagged positive effect of subjective isolation on objective isolation was significant for men but not for women. This study provides evidence for a unidirectional relationship between subjective and objective isolation at the within-person level: higher than expected increase in subjective isolation predicts higher than expected increase in subsequent objective isolation. This within-person process is more salient in men than in women.

}, keywords = {Loneliness, social disconnectedness, social network, Social Relationships}, issn = {1552-6887}, doi = {10.1177/08982643221118449}, author = {Luo, Mengsha and Li, Lydia W} } @article {12077, title = {Change in Episodic Memory with Spousal Loss: The Role of Social Relationships.}, journal = {The Journals of Gerontology, Series B }, volume = {77}, year = {2022}, pages = {683-694}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVES: The spousal relationship is one of the most important social contexts in old age and the loss of a spouse/partner is associated with stress and cognitive decline. In the present study, we examined whether social relationships can buffer potential negative effects of spousal loss on cognition. We examined the role of social network, social activities, and perceived deficiencies in social relationships (loneliness).

METHOD: We used longitudinal data between 1998-2012 from 2,077 participants of the Health and Retirement Study, who had experienced spousal loss during the study period. Multilevel modeling was used to examine how time-varying indicators of social network, social activities, and loneliness were related to age-related trajectories of episodic memory prior to and after spousal loss. Analyses controlled for gender, race/ethnicity, education, time-varying functional health and being re-partnered/re-married.

RESULTS: Having children living within 10 miles and providing help to others buffered negative effects of widowhood on episodic memory. In addition, within-person increase in providing help to others buffered against decline in episodic memory after spousal loss. Having friends in the neighborhood, more frequent social visits, providing help to others, volunteering, and lack of loneliness were related to higher episodic memory, while having relatives in the neighborhood was related to lower episodic memory.

DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that social networks, social activities, and loneliness are related to levels of cognitive function at the time of spousal loss and that social relationships can buffer negative effects of spousal loss on cognitive function. Implications for future research are discussed.

}, keywords = {Episodic Memory, longitudinal, Social Relationships, Spousal loss, Widowhood}, issn = {1758-5368}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbab231}, author = {H{\"u}l{\"u}r, Gizem and Elayoubi, Joanne and Nelson, Monica E and William E. Haley} } @article {11584, title = {Social isolation and loneliness before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study of US Adults over 50.}, journal = {The Journals of Gerontology, Series B }, volume = {77}, year = {2022}, pages = {e185-e190}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVES: The potential impact of social distancing policies during the COVID-19 pandemic on social isolation and loneliness is of increasing global concern. Although many studies focus primarily on loneliness, patterns of social isolation-particularly physical and digital isolation-are understudied. We examined changes in social isolation, physical isolation, digital isolation, and loneliness in US adults over 50 before and during the lockdown.

METHODS: Two waves of the Health and Retirement Study, a national panel sample of US adults over 50 years old, were used. Fixed-effects regression models were fitted to identify within-person change from 2016 to 2020 to examine the impact of social distancing policies during the pandemic.

RESULTS: There was an increase in physical isolation and social isolation among respondents during the COVID-19 social distancing policies. However, respondents experienced no change in digital isolation or loneliness. The increase in physical isolation was only present for people with high COVID-19 concern whereas people with low concern experienced no change in physical isolation.

DISCUSSION: Despite an increase in physical isolation due to the social distancing policies, US adults aged over 50 stayed connected through digital contact and were resilient in protecting themselves from loneliness.

}, keywords = {COVID-19, Digital isolation, Mental Health, Social Relationships, Social Support}, issn = {1758-5368}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbab068}, author = {Peng, Siyun and Roth, Adam R} } @article {12385, title = {Social Relationships, Wealth, and Cardiometabolic Risk: Evidence from a National Longitudinal Study of U.S. Older Adults.}, journal = {Journal of Aging and Health}, volume = {34}, year = {2022}, pages = {1048-1061}, abstract = {

To investigate multiple dimensions of social relationships related to biomarkers of cardiometabolic health and how their associations vary by wealth in older adults. Growth curve models were used to investigate the longitudinal associations between measures of both positive and negative social relationships and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) over a 10-year period from 2006 to 2016 and the moderation of this association by wealth in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Older adults with better social relationships had lower CMR on average. The protective effects of positive social relationships, however, waned at older ages, particularly for low-wealth individuals. Our results suggest that good social relationships promote healthy aging by buffering against harmful cardiometabolic consequences of psychosocial stress, particularly among relatively wealthy individuals. Efforts to improve old age health would be more effective when focusing simultaneously on fostering social connections and boosting financial resources.

}, keywords = {cardiometabolic risk, Social Relationships, Trajectories, Wealth}, issn = {1552-6887}, doi = {10.1177/08982643221087807}, author = {Shartle, Kaitlin and Yang, Yang Claire and Richman, Laura S and Belsky, Daniel W and Aiello, Allison E and Harris, Kathleen Mullan} } @article {11677, title = {Structural and Functional Aspects of Social Relationships and Episodic Memory: Between-Person and Within-Person Associations in Middle-Aged and Older Adults.}, journal = {Gerontology}, volume = {68}, year = {2022}, pages = {86-97}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVES: A growing body of research has documented associations between social relationships and cognitive function, while findings are less clear regarding specific aspects of social relationships that are relevant to change in cognitive function. Furthermore, it is unclear whether associations differ at the between-person and within-person levels.

METHOD: The present study used 8-year longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to examine the role of structural (partnered/married, number of social network partners, and contact frequency) as well as functional (support, strain, and loneliness) aspects of social relationships for episodic memory at the between-person and within-person levels. Analyses are based on up to 3 waves of data from 19,297 participants (mean age at baseline = 66 years, SD = 10, range = 50-104; 58\% women). Control variables include age at baseline, gender, education, functional health, and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS: Findings showed that at the between-person level, most structural and functional aspects were related to levels of memory performance, with participants with higher numbers of social network members, more frequent contact, and more positive experiences outperforming others. An exception was a higher number of family (child or relative) relationships. At the within-person level, on occasions where participants had a higher number of close family relationships than usual, had more social contact than usual, and felt less lonely than usual, they also showed higher than usual episodic memory performance. Finally, negative effects of social strain and loneliness on episodic memory performance at the between-person level were moderated by social network size, indicating that effects were more negative among individuals with larger social networks.

DISCUSSION: Both structural and functional aspects of social relationships contribute to between-person differences in levels and fluctuations of episodic memory performance. Ups and downs of relationships to relatives, social contact, and feelings of loneliness contribute to ups and downs of episodic memory. Potential mechanisms underlying these associations are discussed.

}, keywords = {Episodic Memory, longitudinal change, Social networks, Social Relationships, Social Support}, issn = {1423-0003}, doi = {10.1159/000514949}, author = {H{\"u}l{\"u}r, Gizem} } @article {11934, title = {The Effect of Receiving a Diagnosis of Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s Disease and Related Dementias on Social Relationships of Older Adults.}, journal = {Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders}, volume = {50}, year = {2021}, pages = {401-406}, abstract = {

INTRODUCTION: Although early diagnosis has been recognized as a key strategy to improve outcomes of Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease and related dementias (ADRD), the effect of receiving a diagnosis on patients{\textquoteright} well-being is not well understood. This study addresses this gap by examining if receiving a dementia diagnosis influences social relationships.

METHODS: Data from the 3 waves (2012, 2014, and 2016) of the Health and Retirement Study were utilized as part of this study. This study examined whether receiving a new diagnosis of ADRD changed subsequent social relationships (social networks, social engagement, and social support). Regression analyses with inverse probability weighting were performed to estimate the impact of receiving a dementia diagnosis on changes in social relationships.

RESULTS: Receiving a new diagnosis of ADRD reduced both informal and formal social engagement. We found no statistically significant impacts of receiving a diagnosis of ADRD on social networks and social support.

CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that receiving a new diagnosis of ADRD may have unintended impacts on social relationships. Practitioners and policymakers should be aware of these consequences and should identify strategies to alleviate the negative impact of receiving a diagnosis of ADRD and methods to mobilize support networks after receiving a diagnosis.

}, keywords = {Diagnosis of dementia, Propensity score analysis, Social Relationships}, issn = {1421-9824}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1159/000519581}, author = {Amano, Takashi and Reynolds, Addam and Scher, Clara and Jia, Yuane} } @article {11116, title = {Grandparenthood and risk of mortality: Findings from the Health and Retirement Study.}, journal = {Social Science \& Medicine}, volume = {268}, year = {2021}, pages = {113371}, abstract = {

Grandparenthood constitutes a significant role for older adults and may have important health implications. Our study examines the grandparenthood-mortality nexus, controlling for an array of potentially confounding variables. Longitudinal survey data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were used, comprising twelve biennial waves from 1992 to 2014 with linked data on vital status derived from the National Death Index. The sample included 27,463 participants aged >=51 years with at least one child. Cox proportional hazard models tested the association between grandparenthood and mortality risk with adjustment for socio-demographic variables, for social variables including characteristics of and contact with children, and for health variables, including measures of general, functional and mental health. Grandparenthood overall was unassociated with mortality risk in both women and men. However, the subpopulation of younger, partnered grandmothers with a larger number of grandchildren tended to exhibit a substantial increase in mortality risk as compared to women without grandchildren.

}, keywords = {Aging, Longitudinal research, Social Relationships, Survival, Well-being}, issn = {1873-5347}, doi = {10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113371}, author = {Ellwardt, Lea and Hank, Karsten and Carlos F. Mendes de Leon} } @mastersthesis {10952, title = {Life Course Origins of Frailty in Later Life}, volume = {Doctor of Philosophy}, year = {2020}, school = {Purdue University}, address = {West Lafayette, IN}, abstract = {Frailty, generally characterized as a clinical state of increased vulnerability resulting from age-related decline in reserve and function across multiple physiologic systems, has been gaining attention in recent years due to its high correlates with a number of poor health outcomes including falls, hospitalization, and mortality. Although policy makers, health practitioners, and researchers have acknowledged that frailty is a major public health issue, few have investigated the life course predictors of this devastating and costly syndrome. The purpose of this dissertation is (1) to identify the early and later-life predictors of initial frailty and frailty growth over time among older US adults, (2) to examine if childhood exposures influence frailty directly and/or indirectly through adult risks and resources, and (3) to examine the role that social relationships play in frailty trajectories among older adults. Drawing from cumulative inequality theory, this dissertation uses longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to examine the effects of childhood exposures, adult risks/resources, and social relationships on frailty trajectories among adults 65 and older. The empirical investigation is presented in two main chapters.}, keywords = {adult resources, adult risks, Childhood exposures, Frailty, Social Relationships}, url = {https://hammer.figshare.com/articles/thesis/Life_Course_Origins_of_Frailty_in_Later_Life/12730973/1}, author = {Farrelly, Monica} } @article {2020-17231-00120200304, title = {Perceived social isolation, social disconnectedness and falls: The mediating role of depression.}, journal = {Aging \& Mental Health}, year = {2020}, month = {03/2020}, type = {Journal}, abstract = {Objectives: to estimate the association of social disconnectedness and perceived social isolation with the risk of falls and also investigate whether depression mediated this association.Method: Biennial longitudinal survey data from 2006 to 2012 waves of the U.S. Health and Retirement Study of adults aged 65 and older (N = 22,153 observations) were examined. The outcome variable was number of self-reported falls over the observation period. Independent variables included social isolation (social disconnectedness, perceived social isolation) and number of depressive symptoms. Generalized Estimating Equation regressions were performed to address the research questions.Results: Regression models indicated that social disconnectedness is associated with a 5\% increase in the risk of falls. Perceived social isolation (lack of perceived social support and loneliness combined) was associated with a 33\% increase in falls risk. For each increase in the number of depressive symptoms, the risk o}, keywords = {Loneliness, Mental Health, population-based study, Social Relationships}, issn = {1360-7863}, url = {http://proxy.lib.umich.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true\&db=psyh\&AN=2020-17231-001\&site=ehost-live\&scope=site}, author = {Lien Quach and Jeffrey A Burr} } @mastersthesis {10366, title = {Social Relationships and Progression of Frailty: Exploring the Reciprocal Association of Social Ties and Physical Vulnerability in Later Life}, volume = {PhD}, year = {2019}, note = {Copyright - Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works; Last updated - 2019-10-03}, pages = {140}, school = {Michigan State University}, type = {phd}, abstract = {Frailty is described as a state of heightened vulnerability and functional impairment due to the cumulative declines across multiple physiological systems. When faced with stressor events, older adults with frailty are in higher risk of adverse health outcomes. While the prevalence of frailty generally increases with age, there are considerable heterogeneity in onset and progression of frailty among older population. Growing attention is given to identifying the psychosocial factors related to the development of frailty. Social relationships often serve as a vital context of health, where older adults experience multidimensional and dynamic exchange with close others as they age. In this dissertation, two studies are conducted to investigate complex and reciprocal nature of social relationships and frailty progression in older adulthood. The data are from the six waves (2006-2016) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative study of older adults in U.S. aged 50 and older. The first study utilized the convoy model of social relations to provide comprehensive investigation of how different aspects of social relations are associated with frailty progression over a decade. There were three distinctive subpopulations following a different frailty progression trajectory. When social network and relational quality with spouse, children, family, and friends were examined, higher frequency of contact with friends were associated with lesser frailty. Negative relationship quality with social ties were detrimental to frailty progression, such that strain with spouse and kin (children and extended family) had an additive effect on belonging to high frailty or steep increase frailty trajectory groups. The perceived loneliness partially explained the negative effect of spousal strain, but the negative effect of large family size and strain with kin were independent from loneliness. The second study explored the health contexts of older couple{\textquoteright}s marital quality, specifically focusing on the presence of frailty and depression within- and across-person in the marital relationship. Using three waves of dyadic data from HRS, I found that one{\textquoteright}s own and partner{\textquoteright}s higher frailty and higher depression all had independent associations with one{\textquoteright}s higher marital strain. For one{\textquoteright}s marital support, one{\textquoteright}s own higher frailty, higher depression, and partner{\textquoteright}s higher depression had negative effects. There was an across-person interaction effect of frailty, such that one{\textquoteright}s marital quality was affected by their partner{\textquoteright}s higher level of frailty only when their own health was good. Having a husband with higher frailty was associated with higher marital strain for wives. Most effects were stable over time. Overall, the findings illustrate the significance of social relationship context as a predictor for different trajectory of frailty progression. The size, frequency of contact, positive, and negative quality were linked to frailty differentially by relationship type, underscoring the benefits of comprehensive examination of social experiences. Further, the level of frailty and depression were linked to perceived marital quality of both members of the couple, especially in damaging manner when healthier spouse is faced with partner{\textquoteright}s health problems. Taken together, my dissertation demonstrated the importance of studying linked lives in context of health conditions prevalent in older adulthood. The findings can be useful to practitioners and policy makers in understanding the intricate link between social relations and frailty as well as in identifying modifiable factors for frailty prevention.}, keywords = {0344:Social research, 0351:Gerontology, 0621:Psychology, Aging, Frailty, Gerontology, Health and Retirement Study, Marriage, Older Adults, Psychology, Social Relationships, Social research}, isbn = {9781085749725}, url = {https://search.proquest.com/docview/2296357161?pq-origsite=gscholar}, author = {Ji Hyun Lee} } @article {9078, title = {Social Relationships and Salivary Telomere Length Among Middle-Aged and Older African American and White Adults.}, journal = {Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences}, year = {2019}, month = {2017 May 09}, abstract = {

Objectives: A common mechanism underlying premature morbidity may be accelerated biological aging as reflected by salivary telomere length (STL). This study examined the extent to which social relationships, both positive and negative, can be protective or confer risk relative to biological aging.

Method: Data from the Health and Retirement Study and multiple regression were used to examine cross-sectional associations between STL, self-reported social support, and negative interaction (e.g., conflict, criticism) with family in a nationally representative sample of African American and non-Hispanic White middle-aged and older adults (N = 4,080).

Results: Social support from family was associated with shorter STL. Negative interaction with family had no main effect on STL but interactions characterized by high social support and more frequent negative interactions were associated with longer STL. Negative interaction with family was negatively associated with STL for African Americans and Whites but the magnitude of the effect was greater for African Americans.

Discussion: Study findings highlight the role of social relationships in physiological deterioration among middle-aged and older adults and identify a potential mechanism whereby race is linked to accelerated biological aging. Findings highlight the importance of considering positive and negative aspects of social relationships to understand the consequences of social connections for cellular aging in diverse populations.

}, keywords = {African Americans, Social Relationships, Telomeres, Women and Minorities}, issn = {1758-5368}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbx049}, author = {Karen D Lincoln and Donald A Lloyd and Ann W Nguyen} } @article {9080, title = {Neighborhood disorder and sleep problems in older adults: Subjective social power as mediator and moderator}, journal = {Gerontologist}, volume = {58}, year = {2018}, abstract = {

Background and Objectives: Contextual contributors to sleep problems are important to examine among older adults because sleep problems are associated with a number of adverse outcomes in late life. We examine whether disordered neighborhoods are a key contextual determinant of sleep problems in late life, as well as how subjective social power-a sense of personal control and subjective social status-mediates and moderates this association. Central to this contribution is the use of econometric techniques that holistically control for time-stable factors that may bias estimated associations.

Research Design and Methods: Three waves (2006, 2010, 2014) of the psychosocial subsample of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 7,130) are analyzed with random-effects models that adjust for repeated observations, as well as fixed-effects models that additionally control for all time-stable confounders.

Results: Neighborhood disorder is associated with greater sleep problems in random-effects models, but this association is substantially weakened in a fixed-effects model. Personal control mediates this association, but does not moderate it. Subjective social status does not mediate the association, but does moderate it.

Discussion and Implications: Although neighborhood disorder is associated with sleep problems in older adults, this association is likely to be overestimated in analyses that do not compressively control for time-stable confounders. Rather than acting as dual mediators and moderators, perceived control and subjective social status play distinct roles in this association, with seniors at lower levels of subjective social status especially at risk for sleep problems due to neighborhood disorder.

}, keywords = {Neighborhoods, Psychosocial, Sleep, Social Relationships}, issn = {1758-5341}, doi = {10.1093/geront/gnx049}, author = {Bierman, Alex and Lee, Yeonjung and Schieman, Scott} } @mastersthesis {10325, title = {Social Relationships and Obesity in Later Life}, volume = {PhD}, year = {2018}, note = {Copyright - Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works; Last updated - 2018-07-04}, pages = {243}, school = {University of Massachusetts Boston}, type = {phd}, abstract = {The majority of U.S. older adults are overweight or obese. Social relationships are a key factor linked to obesity among younger age groups, but there are no known investigations of this association among older adults. This study examined the association between quantitative and qualitative indicators of social relationships and obesity among middle-aged and older adults. Further, this study investigated psychosocial and health behavior variables as mediators and moderators of the association between social relationships and obesity as well as explored demographic differences in this relationship. Using the 2004, 2006, and 2010 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, a series of ordinary least squared (OLS) regression models were used to examine the hypothesized association between social relationships and obesity both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Psychosocial and health behaviors variables were sequentially added into the OLS regression models to explore the potential mediation of these variables and interaction terms were utilized to estimate their moderation effects. The sample was stratified by age, gender, and race to investigate demographic differences in the cross-sectional and longitudinal regression model analyses. In summary, the analyses showed that only qualitative indicators of social relationships were significantly related to obesity for the full sample. Specifically, results indicated that higher positive social support and lower negative social support were associated with lower waist circumference cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Daily exercise was observed to be a full mediator of these associations and anxiety was a partial mediator; both variables also acted as moderators. Longitudinal analyses also revealed that higher positive support and lower negative support were associated with decreased self-reported BMI from 2004 to 2010. In the stratified analyses, higher loneliness was associated with lower waist circumference for those 65 and older compared to middle-aged adults and higher social participation and weekly contact with friends were associated with lower waist circumference for non-Hispanic blacks compared to non-Hispanic whites. There were generally no other significant demographic differences. Findings from this study highlight several conceptual, programmatic, and policy implications and recommendations based upon these findings are presented. Healthcare providers are encouraged to inquire about older adults{\textquoteright} levels of social support and loneliness in order to achieve a more comprehensive assessment of wellness. Service providers and policymakers are encouraged to develop and fund programs that provide widespread and ample opportunities for older adults to engage socially, particularly those that incorporate or encourage physical activity and healthy eating.}, keywords = {0384:Behavioral psychology, 0451:Social psychology, 0493:Aging, Aging, Behavioral psychology, Health and environmental sciences, Obesity, Psychology, Social psychology, Social Relationships, Social structural location, Social Support, Weight Change}, isbn = {9780438003767}, url = {https://scholarworks.umb.edu/doctoral_dissertations/392/}, author = {Jane Tavares} } @article {9082, title = {Friendship and depression among couples in later life: The moderating effects of marital quality.}, journal = {Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Apr 26}, abstract = {

Objectives: The aims of the study were to examine within-person associations between social interactions with friends (one{\textquoteright}s own and partner{\textquoteright}s) and depressive symptoms over time among couples in later life and to investigate whether marital quality moderated the associations.

Methods: We used longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (2004-2012) to examine a sample of coupled individuals (dyad N = 6,833). Dyadic growth curve models were employed to test the study hypotheses.

Results: Results indicated that more frequent social interactions with friends were associated with fewer depressive symptoms of individuals and there were cross-spousal effects for this association. Further, marital quality moderated the within-person association between social interaction with friends and depressive symptoms such that the association was stronger for individuals experiencing poor marital quality compared to those with better marital quality.

Discussion: Friendship is an important contributor to individuals{\textquoteright} mental health in later life, with its benefits having far-reaching consequences for one{\textquoteright}s significant other. The implications of friendship interactions for other health domains also require investigation within the marital context.

}, keywords = {Depressive symptoms, Marriage, Social Relationships}, issn = {1758-5368}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbx046}, author = {Sae Hwang Han and Kyungmin Kim and Jeffrey A Burr} } @article {9000, title = {Life Course Trajectories of Later-Life Cognitive Functions: Does Social Engagement in Old Age Matter?}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}, volume = {14}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Apr 07}, abstract = {This study identified differential patterns of later-life cognitive function trajectories and examined to what extent life course factors and social engagement are associated with group trajectories. Data came from seven waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS 1998-2010; n = 7374; Observations = 41,051). Latent class growth analysis identified cognitive function trajectory groups, and multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the factors associated with group trajectories. Five heterogeneous trajectories were identified: stable high, stable moderate, stable low, high-to-moderate, and moderate-to-low. Findings suggest that, after adjusting for life course factors, individuals who became volunteers were more likely to belong to one of the two least vulnerable trajectories, stable high or high-to-moderate. Our findings suggest that, despite the cumulative life course factors evident in cognitive decline, social engagement in old age may serve as a potential protective resource.}, keywords = {Cognitive Ability, Older Adults, Social Relationships, Trajectories}, issn = {1660-4601}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph14040393}, author = {So Jung Park and Kwon, Eunsun and Lee, Hyunjoo} } @article {9452, title = {Neighborhood cohesion, neighborhood disorder, and cardiometabolic risk.}, journal = {Social Science \& Medicine}, volume = {198}, year = {2017}, pages = {70-76}, abstract = {Perceptions of neighborhood disorder (trash, vandalism) and cohesion (neighbors trust one another) are related to residents{\textquoteright} health. Affective and behavioral factors have been identified, but often in studies using geographically select samples. We use a nationally representative sample (n = 9032) of United States older adults from the Health and Retirement Study to examine cardiometabolic risk in relation to perceptions of neighborhood cohesion and disorder. Lower cohesion is significantly related to greater cardiometabolic risk in 2006/2008 and predicts greater risk four years later (2010/2012). The longitudinal relation is partially accounted for by anxiety and physical activity.}, keywords = {Depressive symptoms, Neighborhoods, Social Relationships}, issn = {1873-5347}, doi = {10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.12.025}, author = {Jennifer W Robinette and Susan T Charles and Tara L Gruenewald} } @article {8898, title = {Perceived Neighborhood Social Cohesion and Preventive Healthcare Use.}, journal = {American Journal of Preventative Medicine}, volume = {53}, year = {2017}, pages = {e35-e40}, abstract = {

INTRODUCTION: Neighborhood social cohesion has been linked with better health and health behaviors, but its association with patterns of preventive healthcare use remains understudied. The hypothesis was that people with higher perceived neighborhood social cohesion would display increased use of preventive healthcare services.

METHODS: Participants (N=7,168) were drawn from the 2006 wave of the Health and Retirement Study-a prospective and nationally representative panel study of American adults aged >50 years-and tracked for one wave (2 years). Analyses were conducted in 2016.

RESULTS: After adjusting for sociodemographic factors and baseline health, each SD increase in neighborhood social cohesion was associated with a higher likelihood that people would obtain influenza vaccinations (OR=1.09, 95\% CI=1.04, 1.15) or cholesterol tests (OR=1.10, 95\% CI=1.02, 1.19). Further, women were more likely to receive mammograms/x-rays (OR=1.10, 95\% CI=1.01, 1.19) or Pap tests (OR=1.08, 95\% CI=1.00, 1.17). However, men were not more likely to receive prostate exams (OR=1.06, 95\% CI=0.96, 1.17).

CONCLUSIONS: With additional research, findings from this study may inform the development of new strategies that increase the use of preventive healthcare services and enhance the quality of life among people moving through the ranks of this aging society.

}, keywords = {Medicare/Medicaid/Health Insurance, Older Adults, Perception, Preventative Care, Social Relationships}, issn = {1873-2607}, doi = {10.1016/j.amepre.2017.01.007}, author = {Eric S Kim and Ichiro Kawachi} } @mastersthesis {8725, title = {The Effects of Gender and Social Isolation on Depression among Older Americans}, volume = {M.A.}, year = {2016}, pages = {49}, school = {University of Central Oklahoma}, type = {Thesis}, abstract = {The number of older adults is expected to increase in the near future. Since women live longer than men, women tend to have more complex social networks than men, and women report higher rates of depression than men, it is important to determine whether gender and social isolation affect the rates of depressive symptoms reported by older adults. This thesis seeks to determine the relationship between gender and social isolation and the influence of these variables on depressive symptoms in older adults using selected data from two sections of the 2012 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was performed in SPSS in order to determine the main effects relationship between the dependent variable, depression, and independent variables, gender and social isolation. Two additional models were examined to test whether social isolation had a mediating and/or moderating effect on gender{\textquoteright}s relationship to depressive symptoms. As expected, women average more depressive symptoms than men; however, several aspects of social support, such as living with a spouse or partner, contact with children, contact with friends, and neighborhood cohesion, decreased depressive symptoms. Contact with children, contact with friends, and neighborhood cohesion moderated depressive symptoms. All five social isolation variables {\textemdash} living with a spouse or partner, contact with children, contact with family, contact with friends, and neighborhood cohesion {\textemdash} mediated depressive symptoms for gender. These results suggest that social isolation not only has a direct effect, but also moderates and mediates depressive symptoms for gender. This research supports the hypothesis that depressive symptoms are associated with gender and social isolation.}, keywords = {Depressive symptoms, Gender Differences, Isolation, Older Adults, Social Relationships, Women and Minorities}, isbn = {9781339938912}, url = {http://proxy.lib.umich.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1820912961?accountid=14667}, author = {Jennifer E. Darling} } @mastersthesis {8722, title = {The impact of social network and neighborhood characteristics on the driving status of older adults: The moderating role of gender}, volume = {Ph.D.}, year = {2016}, month = {05/2016}, pages = {189}, school = {University of Massachusetts Boston}, type = {Dissertation}, address = {Boston}, abstract = {Due to the automobile-dependent nature of the U.S., the rapidly growing population of older adults, and the association of several age-related impairments and unsafe driving, understanding the factors that impact changes in older adults{\textquoteright} driving behavior has important implications for policy and practice. Previous research has demonstrated the effect of sociodemographic characteristics and health factors on the driving status of older adults, however, the impact of broader social and environmental factors in decisions about driving is less established. The purpose of the current study is to advance understanding of the impact of the quality of social relationships as well as neighborhood social factors and physical attributes, controlling for sociodemographic and health characteristics, on the driving status of older adults. A second aim of this study is to assess the moderating role of gender in the investigated associations. Guided by the socioecological theoretical model, multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted, using the large, nationally representative Health and Retirement Study dataset (waves 2006-2008 and 2008-2010) to investigate the predictors of changes in driving status. Results suggest that social relationship quality, particularly relationship strain, and both components of neighborhood context, social cohesion and physical disorder, impact changes in driving status among older adults. Findings also suggest that gender moderates the relationship between social and environmental context factors and older adults{\textquoteright} decisions about driving. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.}, keywords = {Cognitive Ability, Driving, Functional limitations, Gender Differences, Older Adults, Social media, Social Relationships, Women and Minorities}, isbn = {9781339798707}, url = {http://proxy.lib.umich.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1803936508?accountid=14667}, author = {Kelli N. Barton} }