Comparative Analysis of Social Networks in Institutionalized Older Adults versus Aging-in-Place Scenarios

Author:

Ciucurel Constantin1ORCID,Tudor Mariana Ionela1,Ciucurel Manuela Mihaela2,Boca Ioan-Cosmin3ORCID,Iconaru Elena Ioana1ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Department of Medical Assistance and Physical Therapy, University Center of Pitesti, National University for Science and Technology Politehnica Bucuresti, 110040 Pitesti, Romania

2. Department of Psychology, Communication Sciences and Social Assistance, University Center of Pitesti, National University for Science and Technology Politehnica Bucuresti, 110040 Pitesti, Romania

3. Department of Physical Education, Sport and Physical Therapy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania

Abstract

(1) Background: This research aims to compare social networks among institutionalized and aging-in-place (AIP) older adults through the validation of a new questionnaire. (2) Methods: The cross-sectional study included 100 older adults (mean age: 73.53 ± 5.49 years; age range: 65–85 years), with 48 institutionalized subjects and 52 AIP subjects. We developed, validated, and administered a new questionnaire, the Social Network Assessment for Older People Questionnaire (SNAOPQ), to assess older adults’ social networks using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. (3) Results: The SNAOPQ demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.91 and McDonald’s omega of 0.91). Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between variables, highlighting differences in social networks between institutionalized and AIP individuals (p ≤ 0.001). Sociodemographic factors like age, education, living arrangement status, and number of descendants significantly influenced SNAOPQ scores (p ≤ 0.001). Age and residence type notably impacted participants’ scores, indicating reduced social network size with age. Tertiary education and living in a couple were associated with more extensive social networks, while a higher number of descendants correlated with social network expansion. (4) Conclusions: Our study highlights significant differences in social networks among older adults based on residence type, emphasizing the impact of sociodemographic factors such as age, education, living arrangement, and the number of descendants.

Funder

University of Oradea

Publisher

MDPI AG

Reference49 articles.

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2. Buttorff, C., Ruder, T., and Bauman, M. (2017). Multiple Chronic Conditions in the United States, RAND Corporation.

3. Population ageing in Central and Eastern Europe and its demographic and social context;Botev;Eur. J. Ageing,2012

4. The World Bank (2023, October 10). DataBank Health Nutrition and Population Statistics: Population Estimates and Projections. Available online: https://databank.worldbank.org/source/population-estimates-and-projections.

5. OECD (2021). European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, Romania: Country Health Profile 2021, State of Health in the EU, OECD Publishing.

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