Socio-Emotional Development Across Adulthood and Aging
2024
Social Relations and Well-Being in Aging
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Chopik, Fiori, Hülür, Ghose
Hypothesis
How do social relations evolve across adulthood and affect well-being in later life?
Conclusion
The studies suggest that social interactions and their quality significantly impact well-being in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- A larger friends' circle in freshman year is linked to better life reflections and reduced mental illness fifty years later.
- Interactions within the inner circle of social networks decline with age, but positivity in interactions can extend beyond that circle.
- More close social partners are associated with higher well-being across different communication modes.
- Distinct well-being trajectories were observed in older adults undergoing marital transitions compared to their never/continuously-married peers.
Takeaway
Having good friends and positive interactions can make you feel happier as you get older.
Methodology
The studies used qualitative data, machine learning, hierarchical network mapping, ecological momentary assessment, and event-contingent experience sampling.
Participant Demographics
The studies included diverse samples, including older adults and data from the Harvard Student Study Class of 1964.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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