Social Network Diversity and Cognitive Function in Late Life: Findings from a National Survey

• In Event: 4266 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: 3. Cognitive and Mental Health

Abstract

Social relationships and networks are hypothesized to protect against cognitive decline through their association with intellectual stimulation and with reduced stress-related physiological reactivity. However, research on the relationship between social networks and cognitive functioning is not yet conclusive. This study examines the association between social network diversity (i.e. a broad range of social role) and cognitive function, develop hypotheses from two different characteristics of social relationships, one conducive to information flow and one support provision, and two theoretical hypotheses, one focusing on intellectual stimulation, and one focused preventing stress-related cognitive decline, and test them using data from 2005~2015 National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). The study finds that older adults with a broad range of social role relationships have better cognitive function. This study also finds that a buffering effect of network diversity on cognitive change over time. These findings suggest that participation in diverse types of social role domains have protective effects on cognition, and even for those with lower level of education.

Author

• Juyeon Kim, University of Seoul