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Hahn_Laura_M_OhioLINKPDF_7_29_15.pdf (1.02 MB)
ETD Abstract Container
Abstract Header
Beyond the family: Social connectedness among older adults in Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Author Info
Hahn, Laura Marie
ORCID® Identifier
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6555-0239
Permalink:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1437622992
Abstract Details
Year and Degree
2015, Master of Population and Social Gerontology, Miami University, Gerontology.
Abstract
Scholars examining Thailand’s rapidly aging society tend to focus on the importance of familial relationships in the lives of older adults. But due to demographic shifts — namely, a decrease in fertility and an increase in migration — family structures are changing. This study explores how older Thai adults are connected to people outside of their families, and how these relationships may impact health. The majority of the study’s sample (n=4,235) reported daily contact with a friend or neighbor, frequent participation in religious activities, and well-connected neighborhoods. Binary logistic regression revealed five dimensions of social connectedness that predict optimal self-rated health: frequency of contact with a friend or neighbor, community participation, religious participation, neighborhood closeness, and presence of a discussion tie. Results suggest that non-kin relationships play a health-promoting role, and they indicate a need for culturally relevant policies and programs that help people connect within their communities as they age.
Committee
Kate de Medeiros (Committee Member)
Pages
80 p.
Subject Headings
Demography
;
Gerontology
;
Sociology
Keywords
social connection
;
older adults
;
social network
;
health
;
aging in community
;
thailand
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Citations
Hahn, L. M. (2015).
Beyond the family: Social connectedness among older adults in Kanchanaburi, Thailand
[Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1437622992
APA Style (7th edition)
Hahn, Laura.
Beyond the family: Social connectedness among older adults in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
2015. Miami University, Master's thesis.
OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center
, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1437622992.
MLA Style (8th edition)
Hahn, Laura. "Beyond the family: Social connectedness among older adults in Kanchanaburi, Thailand." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1437622992
Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)
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Document number:
miami1437622992
Download Count:
867
Copyright Info
© 2015, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.