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The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences Advance Access originally published online on June 5, 2009
The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences 2009 64B(Supplement 1):i47-i55; doi:10.1093/geronb/gbp042
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© The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org.

Social Networks in the NSHAP Study: Rationale, Measurement, and Preliminary Findings

Benjamin Cornwell1, L. Philip Schumm2, Edward O. Laumann3 and Jessica Graber4

1 Department of Sociology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
2 Department of Health Studies
3 Department of Sociology, University of Chicago, Illinois
4 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland

Address correspondence to Benjamin Cornwell, PhD, Department of Sociology, 354 Uris Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. E-Mail: btc49{at}cornell.edu


  Abstract

Objectives: This paper describes the rationale behind the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project’s (NSHAP) social networks module, data collection procedures, and the measurement of several egocentric network properties. This includes a discussion of network size, composition, volume of contact with network members, density, and bridging potential. Data on the extent to which older adults involve network members in personal health matters are also discussed.

Methods: Descriptive statistics are presented for key network measures. Sociodemographic distributions of these measures are presented. Older adults’ likelihood of discussing health with network members is also broken down by network member characteristics.

Results: Older adults tended to have large, kin-centered, dense networks, with some bridging potential. Network characteristics were related to age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and health. Older adults tended to be very likely to involve network members (especially close ties) in health discussions and medical decision making.

Discussion: The data reiterate the relevance of social networks to older adults’ health. We close by discussing how the NSHAP measures might be employed in future analyses of health.

Key Words: Aging • Health • Medical decision making • Social integration • Social networks

Received February 4, 2009; Accepted April 15, 2009

Decision Editor: Robert B. Wallace, MD, MSc


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