9. Social Engagement
As an important component of ATW, social engagement is defined as meeting the need for interaction between individuals, family and community. As people age these contacts may diminish, and isolation and loneliness can occur. According to one recent study, "…research has identified a wide range of indicators of social isolation that pose health risks, including living alone, having a small social network, infrequent participation in
social activities, and feelings of loneliness." [12]
In 2008, 25 percent reported that loneliness was a problem which was not significantly different from 2004.
Table 9.1 Problem with Loneliness
| Would you say loneliness is a major problem, a minor problem or not a problem at all for you? |
Percent of respondents 2004 |
Percent of respondents 2008 |
| A major problem |
8% |
7% |
| A minor problem |
18% |
18% |
| Not a problem at all |
74% |
75% |
| Total |
100% |
100% |
Contacts with Others
The next two tables report the type and frequency of contacts respondents experienced with others. Such contacts contribute to more active aging and independence while maintaining vital social supports. Contacts with others did not change significantly from
2004 to 2008.
Table 9.2 Frequency of Talking to Family Members, Friends, or Neighbors by Telephone
| How Often |
Percent of respondents 2004 |
Percent of respondents 2008 |
| Daily |
74% |
75% |
| Weekly |
22% |
22% |
| Monthly |
4% |
2% |
| Yearly |
<1% |
<1% |
| Never |
1% |
1% |
| Total |
100% |
100% |
Table 9.3 Frequency of Spending Time with Family Members, Friends, or Neighbors Face to Face
| How Often |
Percent of respondents 2004 |
Percent of respondents 2008 |
| Daily |
58% |
54% |
| Weekly |
35% |
37% |
| Monthly |
5% |
7% |
| Yearly |
1% |
2% |
| Never |
1% |
1% |
| Total |
100% |
100% |
Older Texans frequently interact in the community by leaving their home to go to other locations. A small proportion reported not leaving their home in a typical week. No change was observed between 2004 and 2008.
Table 9.4 Frequency of Leaving Home
| How often do you go to other locations outside your house or property in a typical week? |
Percent of respondents 2004 |
Percent of respondents 2008 |
| 1 time a week |
15% |
15% |
| 2-3 times a week |
27% |
27% |
| 4-5 times a week |
26% |
23% |
| Several times most days |
27% |
29% |
| Never |
5% |
5% |
| Total |
100% |
100% |
The majority of older Texans are satisfied with their interactions with family and friends.
Table 9.5 Satisfaction Concerning Interaction with Others
| "How satisfied are you with …" |
Very satisfied |
Somewhat satisfied |
Somewhat dissatisfied |
Very dissatisfied |
Total |
| Survey year 2004: Interaction with friends, family, neighbors and others in your community |
70% |
26% |
3% |
1% |
100% |
| Survey year 2008: Interaction with friends, family, neighbors and others in your community |
66% |
29% |
3% |
2% |
100% |
Footnotes
- Social Disconnectedness, Perceived Isolation, and Health among Older Adults; Cornwell, Erin York; Waite, Linda J.; Journal of
Health and Social Behavior, Volume 50, Number 1, March 2009 , pp. 31-48(18)
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Updated:
April 11, 2012
