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yesterday

Study Links Enriched Social Networks to Better Health in Older Adults

New research highlights the potential of targeted interventions to expand social networks and improve well-being among vulnerable aging populations.

Social networking can help older adults have a better quality of life.
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By contrast, over 85% of those who began in the restricted group remained there, highlighting the stability — and vulnerability — of this network type, the researchers found. Credit: Neuroscience News

Overview

  • The decade-long study tracked over 1,500 older adults, categorizing their social networks as enriched, focused, or restricted.
  • Older adults in enriched networks reported significantly better physical and mental health compared to those in restricted or focused networks.
  • Findings revealed that social networks are dynamic, with 43% of focused-network participants moving into enriched networks, though over 85% of restricted-network participants remained isolated.
  • Women, Black participants, and the oldest adults were most vulnerable to network contraction due to aging, widowhood, and structural barriers.
  • The study emphasizes that social networks are not fixed, and tailored public health strategies can help older adults build stronger, more enriching connections to combat loneliness.