Chapter 16: The social safety net: implications for resilience in old age
Category:
Chapter
Published:
04 Nov 2022
Page Range:
225–238
Collection:
Sociology, Social Policy and Education 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4337/9781803925783.00021
Keywords:
Aging; Social support; Health; Ego-centric network; Social network; Resilience
Open access

Population aging coincides with a dramatic increase in the prevalence of age-related diseases. Against this background, calls are getting louder for research into the markers of a prolonged healthy and independent life. One of these markers is resilience, the adaptive ability to bounce back from adversity, trauma and stress. Key predictors are integration into and support from social networks. Yet, social gerontological frameworks have acknowledged but abstained from incorporating classical network theory and analysis. I summarize theories and findings on social networks in old age, followed by a brief overview of existing research designs and a discussion of challenges remaining in the field.

Cover A Research Agenda for Social Networks and Social Resilience
A Research Agenda for Social Networks and Social Resilience
Monograph Book
Published:
04 Nov 2022
Print ISBN:
9781803925776
eISBN:
9781803925783
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4337/9781803925783
Pages:
316
Collection:
Sociology, Social Policy and Education 2022
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