Cognitively Protective Networks: Bridging and Embeddedness Turnover across Social Space

• In Event: 20820 - Section on Medical Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 8. The Life Course and Health I

Abstract

Research has shown an association between cognitive decline and social network bridging among older people. However, most of the studies rely on cross-sectional analyses, making it difficult to determine the direction of the correlations and argue for causal relations. Furthermore, the association may vary across social space — that is, gender, SES, and race. Other social network properties should also be examined to provide a broader understanding of their interplay with cognitive functions and to avoid overemphasizing a limited network effect. Old age must be considered as a dynamic process, where individuals continue to be exposed to network churn. However, multiple changes in the structure of the network have not been investigated enough, even though they may have major health consequences. This paper utilizes wave 2 and wave 3 from the NSHAP (National Social Life, Health & Aging Project) to assess the influence of three general dimensions through various measures: bridging, sex homophily, and the embeddedness of some specific alters (partner, children, siblings, and friends). These network features reflect both constrained situations in accessing cognitively stimulating information and the degree of power someone has over one’s relations. Using a longitudinal framework, the study focuses on the network transitions individuals may experience in old age and their effect on cognitive decline. As formal network properties do not necessarily work the same way for everyone, it also explores the heterogeneity regarding gender, SES, and race.

Author

• Enzo Bessega, University of Chicago