Social network characteristics and intention to participate in social activity programs at a new senior center

Epidemiological studies have shown that socially integrated older adults live longer and healthier lives. Attempts have been made through organizations like senior centers to enhance social integration among older adults, but little is known about the impact of these efforts. This study investigated the characteristics of social networks among older adults living in community settings and whether these characteristics influence older adults' intentions to participate in new social activities.; A total of 126 face-to-face structured interviews were conducted with older adults between the ages of 65 and 85 living in an urban community in Columbus, OH. Addresses were randomly selected from all possible addresses in the area. Recruitment letters were sent by mail, with follow-up phone calls made when phone numbers were available. About 63.5% of the respondents were female, and 89.7% were White.; The influence of social network characteristics, social support, companionship, and participation in productive activities on older adults' intentions to participate in activities at a soon-to-open senior center was explored using hierarchical multiple linear regression. The results indicated a direct influence of social network characteristics on older adults' intentions to participate in new activities, and some of the influence was mediated by functional features of social networks such as perceived support and companionship. Respondents who had smaller numbers of people in their networks and those with smaller proportions of network members who provided support had lower intentions to participate in new social activities, and thus should be targeted for intervention. It was also found that the construct of companionship and supportive relationship have independent associations with network characteristics and older adults' intentions to participate in activities.; Because the older adults who had lower perceived availability of companionship had higher levels of intention to participate, these individuals are likely to be recruited successfully and benefit by promoting companionship among them. Additional research is needed to investigate other possible mechanisms linking social networks and intentions to participate, such as social influence from network members.