Disaster preparedness networks in rural Midwest communities: Organizational roles, collaborations, and support for older residents.

This study investigated the roles and interconnections among community organizations belonging to local disaster coalitions in Midwest in supporting older residents. Representatives from 44 organizations participated in one-time survey. Most were non-profit (68%) or federal/state/local government agencies (23%). The analyses of 761 relationships showed stronger collaborations in assessment (average strength=2.88 on a 5-point scale), emergency response (2.72), and planning (2.61); and weaker collaborations in co-sponsoring programs (1.71) and supporting older residents (2.03). The extent of collaboration (network density) to support older adults was also low. Coalitions may enhance network density and centralization by developing sub-committee structure and strengthening existing collaborations.

Social network members who engage in activities with older adults: Do they bring more social benefits than other members?

Active participation in social activities is important for the well-being of older adults. This study explored benefits of active social engagement by evaluating whether relationships that comprise active involvement (e.g., co-engagement in activities) bring more social benefits (i.e., social support, companionship, positive social influence) than other relationships that do not involve co-engagement. A total of 133 adults ages 60 years and older living in a rural Midwestern city in the United States were interviewed once and provided information on 1,740 social network members. Among 1,506 social relationships in which interactions occurred at least once a month, 52% involved engagement in social activities together and 35% involved eating together regularly. Results of the generalized linear mixed model showed that relationships involving co-engagement were significantly more likely to also convey social support (i.e., emotional, instrumental, informational), companionship, and social influence (encouragement for healthy behaviors) than relationships that do not involve co-engagement. Having more network members who provide companionship was associated with higher sense of environmental mastery, positive relations with others, and satisfaction with social network. Interventions may focus on maintaining and developing such social relationships and ensuring the presence of social settings in which co-engagement can occur. Future research may explore whether increasing co-engagement leads to enhanced sense of companionship and psychological well-being.