The effects of types of social networks, perceived social support, and loneliness on the health of older people: accounting for the social context

Abstract

Objectives: To use an ecological model of ageing (Berkman, Glass, Brissette, & Seeman, 2000) which includes upstream social context factors and downstream social support factors to examine the effects of social networks on health.

Method: Postal survey responses from a representative population sample of New Zealanders aged 55 to 70 years (N = 6,662).

Results: Correlations and multiple regression analyses provided support for a model in which social context contributes to social network type, which affects perceived social support and loneliness, and consequent mental and physical health. Ethnicity was related to social networks and health but this was largely accounted for by other contextual variables measuring socioeconomic status. Gender and age were also significant variables in the model.

Discussion: Social network type is a useful way to assess social integration within this model of cascading effects. More detailed information could be gained through the development of our network assessment instruments for older people.