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The association of mobility limitation and social networks in relation to late-life activity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 March 2017

HOWARD LITWIN  and
MAAYAN LEVINSON
HOWARD LITWIN*
Affiliation:
Israel Gerontological Data Center, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. Paul Baerwald School of Social Work, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
MAAYAN LEVINSON
Affiliation:
Israel Gerontological Data Center, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
*
Address for correspondence: Howard Litwin, Israel Gerontological Data Center, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus 91905, Jerusalem, Israel E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

The current study examines the interaction between mobility limitations and social networks in relation to activity in later life. Although the importance of activity participation to successful ageing has been well established, it is still unclear what contributes to higher levels of activity. This research addresses this issue, using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. The analysis focuses on a sub-sample of respondents aged 60 and older, from 13 countries, who participated in two specific waves, in 2011 and 2013. Multivariate analysis of the longitudinal data was conducted using hierarchical generalised Poisson regression and incorporating a new comprehensive social network scale. The inquiry found that having multiple mobility limitations is associated with less activity and that having a resourceful social network contributes to more activity. The research further revealed that social network is particularly beneficial to those with multiple mobility limitations because it mitigates the negative association with activity. This conclusion furthers the understanding of the relationship between different key dimensions in the successful ageing paradigm. Specifically, the findings imply the significance of having a social network among those who are functionally challenged. This finding has important implications for active ageing policies.

Keywords

impairmentconnectednesssuccessful ageingSHARE
Type
Article
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 38 , Issue 9 , September 2018 , pp. 1771 - 1790
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2017 

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