Social Networks, Institutionalization, and Mortality Among Elderly People in the United States

This study focuses on the effect of social networks on institutionalization and mortality among elderly people in the United States. Data are from the Longitudinal Study of Aging (LSOA), which incorporates a baseline interview in 1984 and a follow-up interview two years later. The study population consists of a sample of 5,151 noninstitutionalized elderly people who were 70 years of age or older in 1984. Multivariate analyses using logistic regression revealed that social networks are negatively related to the likelihood of institutionalization and mortality when controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and baseline health status. Elderly people who participated in some form of social activity decreased their risk of institutionalization by almost one-half, whereas living alone increased the likelihood of institutionalization. Participating in social activities and visiting or talking with friends or relatives was negatively related to the likelihood of mortality.