Exploring the links between social connection and physical functioning among older Adults: A network analysis
Chuwen Zhong1, Linh Dang1,2, Aparna Ananthasubramaniam3,4
1Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America.
Plos One
|March 23, 2026
Summary
Social connection and physical functioning in older adults are linked, with balance impairment acting as a key bridge. Network analysis revealed this multifaceted relationship, highlighting balance as a critical indicator.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Epidemiology
- Network Science
Background:
- Social connection is vital for health in older adults.
- Physical functioning declines with age, impacting independence.
- Understanding the interplay between social ties and physical health is crucial for interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize and characterize the association between social connection and physical functioning using network analysis.
- To identify key indicators that bridge social connection and physical functioning in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2014/2016 Health and Retirement Study (N=7,270, mean age=67.3).
- Employed network analysis with regularized partial correlation to map relationships between objective and subjective measures of social connection and physical functioning.
- Applied assortativity, community detection, and centrality indices (strength, betweenness) to analyze network structure and identify key linking nodes.
Main Results:
- Network structure was primarily driven by the constructs (social connection vs. physical functioning), not the type of measure (objective vs. subjective).
- Five communities were identified, with three integrating both subjective and objective indicators.
- An incomplete balance test emerged as the critical indicator connecting social connection and physical functioning.
Conclusions:
- The relationship between social connection and physical functioning is complex and multifaceted.
- Balance impairment serves as a significant bridge between social connection and physical functioning in the elderly population.
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