Social Networks and Physical Activity in Senior Housing: A Pilot Feasibility Study.

OBJECTIVE

Only 16% of people aged >65 years engage in recommended levels of physical activity, putting a vast majority at risk for multiple chronic conditions including heart disease. Physical activity is even lower among older adults with fewer economic resources. Research is needed to develop context-specific approaches to pair with physical activity interventions to increase effectiveness. In this pilot study, we examine social ties and physical activity levels of older adults living in a US Department of Housing and Urban Development subsidized senior housing community to test feasibility of a social network-based approach to physical activity interventions. This study is grounded in Social Contagion Theory and the Convoy Model of Social Relations, which argue health and health-related behaviors are facilitated through network ties.

METHODS

Data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted over the course of three months (September-November 2018) with 46 residents living in a low-income senior housing community in southeast Michigan. Residents were asked about physical activity, people they know in the community, and their close social network composition.

RESULTS

Residents reported knowing, on average, six other residents and approximately 28% of those in their close networks were also residents. Sociocentric network analysis identified two socially engaged (known by seven or more other residents) physically active residents, whereas ego-centric analysis identified four (60% or more of their network comprised residents).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates potential feasibility of a strategic partnership that involves pairing social resources with physical activity interventions in affordable senior housing. Multiple approaches, which need to be evaluated, exist to identify socially engaged residents.