| 1. |
- Schröders, Julia, 1985-
(author)
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Diversity, dynamics and deficits : the role of social networks for the health of aging populations in Indonesia
- 2021
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background: This thesis takes as a predicate that humans are social animals and as such, that their social networks and health are intrinsically connected. A guiding heuristic of this thesis was the Berkman model which conceptualizes how social networks impact health. Considering social networks as a ‘mesosocial’ level between individuals’ health and larger social structures permits assessments of four processes, or pathways: macro↔meso↔micro. The overall aim of this thesis was to contribute to a better understanding of the role of social networks for the health of aging populations in the Southeast Asian context of Indonesia. This work was divided into four sub-studies (I-IV) aiming to i) review existing evidence on social networks and adult health; ii) assess the health effects of social networks; iii) examine how macro-level conditions affect health behavioral pathways through social networks; and iv) understand the macro-level determinants of social network formations.Methods: This thesis employed a mixed methods design integrating evidence syntheses (I) with quantitative (II, III) and qualitative (IV) approaches. The four sub-studies included different conceptual angles on structural, functional and quality aspects of social networks, i.e., network diversity (II), dynamics (III), deficits and loneliness (IV). Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review covering the years 2000 to 2015 was conducted. For the two quantitative studies, data on older adults aged 50+ years from the fourth (2007/08) and fifth (2014/15) waves of the Indonesian Family Life Surveys, were analyzed. First, employing an outcome-wide epidemiological approach, evidence for causal effects of social network diversity on 19 outcomes along the disablement process spectrum were evaluated using multivariable regression adjustments, propensity score matching, and instrumental variable analyses. Second, following a systems-approach to conceptualize social networks on four ecological levels, causal mediation analyses were performed to cross-sectionally examine the mediating role of social networks and their dynamics between a latent socioeconomic position indicator and two healthcare utilization outcomes. Also, the socioeconomic patterning of healthcare utilization and network dynamics were analyzed longitudinally, i.e., before and after Indonesia’s Universal Health Coverage implementation. The qualitative study draws on eight focus group discussions with 48 ‘older adult children’. Data were collected in four rural villages in the Gunung Kidul regency during 2016. The theoretical framework was inspired by symbolic interactionism and sensitizing concepts of systemic networks and network deficits, interpersonal emotions, and the social construction of risks. Data were analyzed using Grounded Theory. The final mixed-methods synthesis (I-IV) was based on notions of systems-thinking, ecological transitions theory, and a framework for studying social processes in aging.Results: The results showed (i) that despite an increased focus on social determinants of health, in Indonesia, social networks remained an under- and unresearched social determinant of non-communicable diseases and inequalities therein, respectively; (ii) that social network diversity conferred a vast array of strong and long-term – yet heterogeneous and gender-specific – effects across the entire disablement process, i.e. affecting pulmonary health outcomes, proinflammatory processes, physical and cognitive functioning, and disability states; (iii) that both social networks on various ecological levels and their dynamics were socio-economically patterned and mediated the association between socioeconomic position and healthcare utilization outcomes while showing stronger mediating effects after Universal Health Coverage implementation; (iv) that ‘older adult children’ experienced their own aging as a process of ‘bargaining for a sense of security’ which reified how and why loneliness emerged amidst the challenges of social, demographic and epidemiological transitions and how in response to this, unconventional compromises, which affected both their networks of caretakers and the places of old-age care, were being made.Conclusion: The results explicated several previously less understood pathways and particularly spoke to the so-called ‘downstream experiences’, ‘upstream questions’, and offered a holistic perspective. Notions of ‘transitions’ within different levels collectively conveyed an understanding that such transitions created risks, and that networks played a crucial interstitial role in both cushioning or exacerbating effects of and on these risks. The final mixed-methods synthesis allowed a comprehensive view on various dimensions of social networks and enabled a multi-contextual and multi-dimensional integration of findings. Collective insights were distilled into two main discussion points which were divided based on their ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream‘ foci. The first explicated the macro-social phenomena that appeared in this thesis i.e., epidemiological transitions, population aging, social change, and discussed – with a focus on network diversity, dynamics and deficits – the meso-social effects on and of such macro-level transitions. The later elucidated both the ‘social network-health’ nexus by explicating the ‘Janus face’ of social networks, as well as the transitions in the interplay of formal and informal social networks and their implications for old-age care. After presenting methodological considerations, the thesis concludes with selected implications for research, policy, and practice which emphasize on strengthening social network research in low and middle-income countries, addressing the precarious conditions of older adult women in rural economies, and promoting the role of the healthcare system.
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| 2. |
- Aartsen, Marja, et al.
(author)
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Exclusion from Social Relations in Later Lifeand the Role of Gender: A Heuristic Model
- 2021
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In: Gender and Research. - : Institute of Sociology, Czech Academy of Sciences. - 2570-6578 .- 2570-6586. ; 22:1, s. 16-35
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Being socially connected is a universal human need, but a substantial number ofolder men and women are or become excluded from these connections in later life. Exclusionfrom social relations (ESR) is unwanted as it undermines people’s ability to lead a healthy,active, and independent life. Policies to reduce this form of exclusion have been limited ineffectiveness, due in part to a broader lack of knowledge about the dynamics of socialexclusion in older ages and the intersection of social exclusion with gender constructions. Toadvance our understanding of ESR in later life, we develop a heuristic model based on theoriesand previous empirical studies. Considering the gendered constructing forces of ESR in olderage that can potentially lead to loneliness and reduced health and wellbeing, the modelidentifies individual drivers, such as biopsychosocial conditions, personal standards and life--course transitions, and macro-level drivers, such as norms and welfare state provisions. Thismodel can serve as a conceptual platform for further theoretical development and empiricalstudy on the gendered construction of ESR in later life. While our focus is on drivers of ESRand its outcomes, potential reversed effects are also discussed.
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| 3. |
- Genelyte, Indre, 1985-, et al.
(author)
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Exclusion and Inequality in Late Working Life : National Country Context: Sweden
- 2021
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- IntroductionThis text is a first full draft that includes all the planned sections and covers key aspects of late working life issues in Sweden.Chapter 1 presents key statistical data for population structure and demographic processes in Sweden as well as labour market participation among the older groups of the population. It is mapping the main political economic discourses that frame late working life and brings in some historically important points for understanding the developments in the Swedish discourse. The aspects of the welfare regime and its transformations after the 1990s are included.Chapter 2 briefly introduces the Swedish social model and discusses the roles of social partners and institutional context. It also informs about particularities regarding authorities and unique aspects of the Swedish social model. The most information-rich part is the presentation of the discourses and the positions of the main actors in the Swedish labour market. They actively contribute to shaping the political agenda and policy outcomes that translate into specific legislation.Chapter 3 presents patterns and characteristics of current late working life in Sweden, and focusses on late labour market participation and exit, working conditions, sectoral distributions, and lifelong learning aspects. The main inequalities are discussed under these headings.Chapter 4 is an account of the most influential policies for late working life in Sweden. It covers three main sections. Namely, retirement and pensions, disability insurance and policies related to the labour market inclusion. These policies are analysed regarding their impact on extending working lives as well as their potential to decrease inequalities in the labour market, in particular amongst older workers.The text provides, finally, a brief overview of developments and policies regarding late working life in Sweden. Moreover, it sketches how these developments and policies affect inequalities in late working life. This is followed by an appendix containing additional data.
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| 4. |
- Komp-Leukkunen, Kathrin, et al.
(author)
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Older Workers in Digitalizing Workplaces : A Systematic Literature Review
- 2022
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In: Journal of Aging and Social Change. - 2576-5310 .- 2576-5329. ; 12:2, s. 37-59
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Workplace digitalization created a sea change in work practices and it altered the situation of older workers. Digitalization entails the increased use of digital technologies, such as computers and online services. Older workers often possess limited digital skills, which may put their labor market participation at risk. Previous studies began exploring how older workers fare when their workplaces are digitalizing. However, the research field is still emerging and remains fragmented. This article comprises a systematic literature review that takes inventory of what we currently know about older workers in digitalizing workplaces. It demonstrates that older workers experience the digitalization of their workplaces in various areas, reaching from health monitoring to work arrangements. Interestingly, challenges and opportunities emerge in each area affected. This Janus-faced situation underlines the complexity of consequences, and it raises questions about social inequalities in these consequences. The work environment plays a crucial role in shaping how older workers experience workplace digitalization. It shapes which options for adaptation they have, and to which degree they can act on these options. This circumstance makes workplaces an excellent starting point for interventions. Country-characteristics likewise exert an influence. While characteristics such as retirement regulations are purposefully modified for intervention, other characteristics, such as culture, are not. This circumstance limits governmental options for shaping the situation of older workers in digitalizing workplaces. Future research should further explore the situation of older workers in digitalizing workplaces, paying special attention to the theoretical framework and to developments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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| 5. |
- Komp-Leukkunen, Kathrin, et al.
(author)
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Older Workers in Digitalizing Workplaces: A Systematic Literature Review
- 2022
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In: The Journal of Aging and Social Change. - Champaign, IL, United States : Common Ground Research Networks. - 2576-5310 .- 2576-5329. ; 12:2, s. 37-59
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Workplace digitalization created a sea change in work practices and it altered the situation of older workers. Digitalization entails the increased use of digital technologies, such as computers and online services. Older workers often possess limited digital skills, which may put their labor market participation at risk. Previous studies began exploring how older workers fare when their workplaces are digitalizing. However, the research field is still emerging and remains fragmented. This article comprises a systematic literature review that takes inventory of what we currently know about older workers in digitalizing workplaces. It demonstrates that older workers experience the digitalization of their workplaces in various areas, reaching from health monitoring to work arrangements. Interestingly, challenges and opportunities emerge in each area affected. This Janus-faced situation underlines the complexity of consequences, and it raises questions about social inequalities in these consequences. The work environment plays a crucial role in shaping how older workers experience workplace digitalization. It shapes which options for adaptation they have, and to which degree they can act on these options. This circumstance makes workplaces an excellent starting point for interventions. Country-characteristics likewise exert an influence. While characteristics such as retirement regulations are purposefully modified for intervention, other characteristics, such as culture, are not. This circumstance limits governmental options for shaping the situation of older workers in digitalizing workplaces. Future research should further explore the situation of older workers in digitalizing workplaces, paying special attention to the theoretical framework and to developments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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| 6. |
- König, Stefanie, et al.
(author)
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Development of healthcare use across contemporary retirement pathways : results from a register based cohort study
- 2022
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. - : Sage Publications. - 1403-4948 .- 1651-1905. ; 50:4, s. 440-447
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: We aimed to understand the interplay between retirement pathways and healthcare use in the postponed and structurally changing context of retirement.Methods: Based on Swedish register data on income and healthcare use, we applied combined sequence and cluster analysis to identify typical pathways into retirement and analysed their relation to healthcare use developments.Results: We detected five distinct pathways into retirement. Level of healthcare use was significantly higher for the pathway via disability pensions. We saw an overall increase in healthcare use across the retirement process that was related to age rather than to the different pathways.Conclusions: Level of healthcare use at the beginning of the retirement process may be related to selection into different pathways of retirement. We did not find clear evidence across several healthcare measures that different pathways lead to different developments in healthcare use.
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| 10. |
- Motel-Klingebiel, Andreas, Prof. Dr. phil. habil. 1964-, et al.
(author)
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Ageing, life-course and social change : research programme of the Division Agieng and Social Change (ASC)
- 2017
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Aims – This research programme forms the basis for further development of the Division Ageing and Social Change (ASC) as a leading Swedish and European research institution in the field of ageing and later life. The programme defines the conceptual framework of the division as well as the structure of its research themes. In doing so, it forms a proposal for cutting-edge research on ageing and later life within the institutional context of the Department of Social and Welfare Studies at Linköping University. The programme highlights the opportunities and connecting possibilities inherent in multidisciplinary cooperation. This approach is consistent with the key requirements for innovative research on ageing and later life i.e. the need for scientific excellence plus the need for a reliable core unit within Linköping University. At the same time, the programme reflects the basic orientations of ASC’s professorships.Conceptual basis – Research at ASC integrates analyses of social conditions with analyses of individual ageing processes. This is done within the theoretical framework of life-course research. The concept of the life-course as an institution, as a trajectory and as a lived biography within its macro-societal context is at the heart of ASCs agenda. It allows ASC to organize research from a truly multi-level perspective. ASC systematizes its multi-level- and life-course-oriented research on ageing and later life from two main angles. First, the structural and institutional dimensions of changing societies, populations and welfare systems that are related to changes in individual resources, performance and outcomes on all levels are emphasized. Second, ASC focusses on how the everyday life and health of older people are related to the social context of networks, families, local communities and local institutions and how they are embedded in macro environments such as economic and social security systems as well as their impact on these conditions.Research themes – In researching ageing and later life from the multi-level perspective of the life-course, ASC devotes itself to three key research themes that are strongly interdependent. The first theme is ‘ageing and social structure’, and it focuses on the issues of social inequality, integration and exclusion within a changing welfare society. The second theme is ‘ageing between health and disease’ and has a focus on health behaviours, ageing with morbidities and disabilities, as well as support needs and care and care systems. The third theme is ‘ageing in context’, which deals with the changing social, technological and spatial environments of individual ageing and their impact on individual agency and autonomy. In general, ‘future ageing’ is a major focus of ASC’s research. ASC’s intent is to contribute to discussions on the future of later life in an ageing society by generating knowledge that facilitates social debate on how to configure and achieve a sustainable society for all ages in Sweden, Europe and beyond.Agenda – Based on this comprehensive research program, ASC settles on a short-term research agenda that is adjusted on a yearly basis according to changes in scientific and societal debates, university needs and funding opportunities. The research agenda serves as a foundation for activity planning and for joint activities.
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