Beyond the Block: Social Network Extralocality and Cognitive Function Among U.S. Older Adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Social Epidemiology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Cognitive function is influenced by social networks.
• Geographic dispersion of social ties is an understudied aspect.
• Network extralocality, or ties outside the local area, may impact cognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between network extralocality and cognitive function in U.S. older adults.
• To determine if a higher proportion of extralocal ties benefits cognitive performance.
• To explore age-related differences in this association.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of nationally representative data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (2015-2016).
• Inclusion of 4,557 adults aged 50 and older.
• Multivariable regression models to assess network extralocality and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores.

Main Results:

• A wider range of network extralocality was linked to a 0.48-point increase in MoCA scores.
• This association remained significant after adjusting for covariates.
• A significant interaction with age indicated stronger benefits of extralocality in older individuals.

Conclusions:

• Social tie proximity is a potentially overlooked factor in cognitive health.
• Interventions promoting extralocal ties could support aging-in-place.
• Facilitating opportunities to form and maintain extralocal connections may benefit cognitive aging.