COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, SOCIAL SUPPORT, AND RELATIONSHIP DYNAMICS AMONG OLDER ADULTS POST-COVID-19
2024

Community Engagement and Relationships Among Older Adults Post-COVID-19

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Chen Limei, Yan Mengzhao, Rozario Philip

Primary Institution: George Mason University

Hypothesis

Does community participation influence relationships and health among older adults during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?

Conclusion

Community participation, especially through volunteering and attending meetings, significantly improves relationship outcomes and serves as a protective factor for physical and mental health among older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • Community participation is linked to better relationship outcomes among older adults.
  • Volunteering and attending meetings are particularly beneficial for relationships.
  • Religious activities also support better relationships during stressful times.
  • Social support enhances the positive effects of community participation.

Takeaway

Being active in the community helps older people feel better and have better relationships, even when times are tough like during COVID-19.

Methodology

The study used linked data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project and the Covid-19 Study, analyzing the impacts of community activities through multinomial regression models.

Participant Demographics

Older adults, specific demographics not provided.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3830

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