Social Engagement in Assisted and Independent Living Residences:
[Thesis]
Menkin, Josephine Ann
Role of Perceptions of Aging and Links to Health
Robles, Theodore F
UCLA
2017
UCLA
2017
Relocating to an assisted living residence can disrupt social networks at a vulnerable time of health decline. Identifying factors associated with social engagement, and how it relates to well-being and physical health, may help promote residents' quality of life. Paper 1 identified how perceptions of aging (e.g., positive vs. negative age stereotypes as describing oneself vs. other residents) related to social engagement in assisted and independent living residences. Paper 2 examined links between residents' social support and health. Eighty-one residents completed structured interviews and were asked to wear actigraphs (i.e., sleep monitors) and complete daily diaries, measuring sleep and pain, for four days. Pilot follow-up interview data facilitated examination of prospective associations between social engagement and later health.