The Social Connectedness of Older Adults: A National Profile*

Abstract

For decades, scholars have wrestled with the notion that old age is characterized by social isolation. However, there has been no systematic, nationally representative evaluation of this possibility in terms of social network connectedness. In this paper, the authors develop a profile of older adults' social integration with respect to nine dimensions of connectedness to interpersonal networks and voluntary associations. The authors use new data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), a population-based study of non-institutionalized older Americans aged 57-85 conducted in 2005-2006. Findings suggest that among older adults, age is negatively related to network size, closeness to network members, and number of non-primary-group ties. On the other hand, age is positively related to frequency of socializing with neighbors, religious participation, and volunteering. In addition, it has a U-shaped relationship with volume of contact with network members. These findings are inconsistent with the notion that old age has a universal negative influence on social connectedness. Instead, life course factors have divergent consequences for different forms of social connectedness. Some later life transitions, like retirement and bereavement, may prompt greater connectedness. The authors close by urging increased dialogue between social gerontological and social network research.

Figure 1. Predicted Network Sizes of Older Adults, by Age

Note: Predicted values are calculated using generalized ordered logit regression. Covariates are held at their mean values, and set to their modal values in the case of categorical predictors.

Figure 2. Older Adults’ Predicted Volume of Interaction with Network Members, per Year, by Age, before and after Controlling for Life Course Factors

Note: Predicted values are calculated using Poisson regression. Covariates are held at their mean values, and set at modal values in the case of categorical predictors.

Figure 3. Predicted Levels of Closeness to Network Members among Older Adults, by Age, Given Different Degrees of Interaction Frequency with Network Members

Note: Predicted values are calculated using the OLS regression. Covariates are held at their mean values, and set at their modal value in the case of categorical predictors.

Figure 4. Older Adults’ Predicted Probability of Weekly Involvement in Three Community-Oriented Social Activities, by Age

Note: Predicted values are calculated using (generalized) ordered logit regression. Covariates are held at their mean values, and set at their modal value in the case of categorical predictors. Predicted probabilities of weekly socializing with neighbors are presented both prior to and after controlling for bereavement, retirement, and health.