Social Networks, Social Relationships, and Their Effects on the Aging Mind and Brain

This chapter introduces the concepts of social networks and social relationships, reviews the literature on their relationships to health, and presents current research and programs addressing social factors and cognitive health. It discusses the implications of aging-related illness, specifically dementia, on familial social network systems. In the context of the aging mind and brain (AMB), it is beneficial to consider the various types of network characteristics when investigating their associations with health to inform future research and practice. Changes in social relationships can create positive or negative emotional states, which may lead to changes in psychological states and symptoms of mental and physical well-being. Positive AMB can lead to more participation in generative activities among older adults that contribute to the well-being of the society and younger generations.