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Beyond the family: Social connectedness among older adults in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Hahn, Laura Marie
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6555-0239
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1437622992

Abstract Details

2015, Master of Population and Social Gerontology, Miami University, Gerontology.
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.
Kate de Medeiros (Committee Member)
80 p.
Demography; Gerontology; Sociology
social connection; older adults; social network; health; aging in community; thailand

Recommended Citations

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)

miami1437622992
867
© 2015, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.