EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORK CHANGE: EXPERIENCES OF OLDER ADULTS AGING IN PLACE. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vos, W; van Boekel, L; Leenders, R; Luijkx, K
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 483
• Page End: 483
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.1803
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: When aging in place, social networks are sources of support and contribute to wellbeing. As social networks change, especially when accompanied by health decline, older adults' sources of support change and their wellbeing is challenged. Previous studies predominantly use quantitative measures to examine how older adults' social networks change. This study explores the impact of social network change on older adults' lives by examining their experiences. Four focus groups were held in total with fourteen older adults aging in place and receiving home care and twenty home care nurses from different regions and organizations. In addition, an expert team consisting of home care professionals and managers was consulted to discuss and verify preliminary results. Procedures for grounded theory building were used to extract and analyze data. Although they know social networks change, older adults are surprised when their network changes and experience a major impact. Still, older adults experience good quality of life, although it takes hard work to adjust and adapt to circumstances in which social networks change. Four social network changes impact older adults' lives the most: 1) illness/death of (self/)spouse, 2) accepting help from their children, 3) deletion of the ones they have known for so long and 4) helpers entering the network. After attending this session, participants will be able to distinguish three phases of social network change experience in older adults' lives. Additionally, participants will be able to recognize older adults' experiences of the four social network changes that impact older adults' lives the most.