Depression and Social Networks in Community Dwelling Elders: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Social isolation and inadequate social support have been identified as correlates of depression in older adults, although the relationship between depression and social isolation is not entirely understood (Dorfman et al., 1995). This study was conducted to describe the social networks of depressed older adults living in the community and to compare the social networks of depressed and nondepressed individuals, thus adding to the body of knowledge regarding social networks, older adults, and depression. The sample consisted of 91 respondents aged 65 and older who were randomly selected using the voter registry. About 27% (25) respondents reported significant levels of depressive symptomology as measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). All respondents completed semistructured interviews that included questions about social contacts with family and others during the prior week. All participants reported social contact with family and friends during this period. In this sample, depressed elders were not socially isolated. They were more likely to report contacts with friends than those who were not depressed, and equally likely to report involvement in volunteer activities. Their likelihood of seeking social support was also comparable. Results emphasize the importance of peer relationships and suggest that, in some groups of older adults, social isolation may not be a hallmark of depressive symptoms.

Social isolation, loneliness and health in old age: a scoping review

“…Overall, we found a balance between mental health and physical health. Across the 128 studies, only two did not find a negative association between social isolation or loneliness and health (Wattanakit et al 2005, Wilby 2011). It should be noted that a number of studies looked at the impact of isolation and loneliness on biomarkers such as cortisol levels or C-reactive protein (a marker of systemic infection) (10 studies in total; 80% published between 2010 and 2013).…”

“…A mixedmethod study of chronic depression in older British Pakistani women found that the persistence of depression was partly explained by social isolation (Gask et al 2011). Interestingly, one of the two studies which did not find an association between isolation and health focused on depression: Wilby (2011) found that depressed older people were not socially isolated but were on the contrary more likely to report contacts than non-depressed respondents. To explain these findings, the authors emphasised the need to better understand the quality and meaning of different types of social relations in old age.…”

The network social support experience of people involved in home care

“…In opposition, international studies points to friends as the most significant social network, even more than family member, propitiating improve in the social isolation and decrease of the possibility to develop depression, even when the family role is highlighted in the social network (15)(16) .…”

“…Thus, cultural, economic, geographical, educational, within other factors can influence this characterization (15) . However, in the present study, the analysis of those factors was not conducted; a reason to suggest new similar studies, but with populations with different characteristics, to verify the presented phenomenon and rectify or complement the proposed theoretical model.…”

Loneliness of older black South African women subjected to forcible relocation

“…The validity of such views of loneliness has been proven robust over almost 30 years of research, mostly in Western societies [18][19][20]. Research also provides evidence that social relationships can help people navigate the challenging life circumstances that accompany later life [16,[21][22][23]. Loneliness in relation to interpersonal contexts has been researched in terms of interpersonal styles that fail to address psychological needs for confirmation [24].…”