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Network type, transition patterns and well-being among older Europeans

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  • Howard Litwin

    (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

  • Michal Levinsky

    (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

  • Ella Schwartz

    (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

Abstract

Using SHARE data, this study was based on an earlier analysis that derived social network types among adults aged 65 and over in Europe. The current effort investigated the transitions that occurred across these network types after 4 years (N = 13,767). Four general network transition patterns were identified according to network type (close-family networks and other networks) and whether a network transition occurred. The associations between network type, network transitions and well-being (depression and life satisfaction) were examined. We regressed depressive symptoms and a life satisfaction measure on the network transition patterns, controlling for socio-demographic background, health and country. The results revealed that a majority of older Europeans experienced a range of network transition, while close-family-based networks tended to prevail over time. Moreover, respondents who remained in or transitioned to close-family networks had fewer depressive symptoms and better life satisfaction than those in other network types. The study, thus, underscores the varied effects of network types and network changes on emotional well-being in late life. It also demonstrates that beneficial changes can be made in one’s social network in old age, especially with regard to greater family closeness.

Suggested Citation

  • Howard Litwin & Michal Levinsky & Ella Schwartz, 2020. "Network type, transition patterns and well-being among older Europeans," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 241-250, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:17:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s10433-019-00545-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-019-00545-7
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    Cited by:

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    2. Frauke Meyer-Wyk & Susanne Wurm, 2024. "The role of social network diversity in self-perceptions of aging in later life," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Cheng, Grand H.-L. & Sung, Pildoo & Chan, Angelique & Ma, Stefan & Malhotra, Rahul, 2022. "Transitions between social network profiles and their relation with all-cause mortality among older adults," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).
    4. Nan Feng, 2023. "Social disadvantage, context and network dynamics in later life," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 1-11, December.
    5. Jianliang Nie & Rong Fan & Yufeng Wu & Dan Li, 2022. "By Internal Network or by External Network?—Study on the Social Network Mechanism of Reducing the Perception of Old-Age Support Risks of Rural Elders in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-16, November.
    6. Torres, Zaira & Oliver, Amparo & Tomás, José M. & Kondo, Naoki, 2024. "Exploring social network typologies and their impact on health and mental well-being in older adults: Evidence from JAGES," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 348(C).

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