The association between different social network types with successful aging among community-dwelling older adults: A chain mediation model

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the types of social networks among community-dwelling older adults and analysed their association with and pathways to successful aging. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 3,197 older adults in China using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Latent class analysis identified social network types, and mediation analysis explored the pathways to successful aging. RESULTS: Three social network types were identified: family (21.65%), restricted (23.65%), and couple (54.70%). The couple type had the highest successful aging rate (17.67%), while the restricted type had the lowest (7.80%). Compared to the couple type, the restricted (OR = 0.461, 95% CI: 0.336∼0.639) and family types (OR = 0.552, 95% CI: 0.376∼0.811) were less likely to achieve successful aging. Mediation analysis revealed that social networks directly influenced successful aging and indirectly impacted it through social cohesion and health-promoting behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: The study outlines a chain-mediated pathway to successful aging and highlights the need for targeted interventions to enrich social networks and promote successful aging.