ABSTRACT
The hypothesis of the study was that social contacts to close friends and relatives and perceived social integration was able to delay mortality in general and cardiovascular mortality in particular. Altogether 1752 males and females, aged 70-100 years were interviewed by trained nurses in 1972 to 1974. The study group was based upon a random sample of all elderly in the town of Odense, Denmark. More than 80% participated in the survey which included data collection on social networks and health at the time of interviewing. By means of linking the study group to national registries on mortality and causes of mortality practically all in the cohort were traced until 1987. During follow-up 1501 persons died. Most of the association between social networks and mortality were weak and statistically insignificant but had the expected sign. After adjusting for initial health status only the interviewer's assessment of the quality of the network was statistically significant associated with longevity. A feeling of loneliness was found to be associated with cardiovascular mortality, especially for males.
Subject(s)
Interpersonal Relations , Longevity , Social Support , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cardiovascular Diseases/mortality , Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic , Denmark/epidemiology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Health Status Indicators , Humans , Loneliness , Male , Surveys and Questionnaires , Survival RateABSTRACT
In the period 1972-76 a descriptive and experimental socio-geriatric longitudinal investigation was carried out in the municipality of Odense. The aim of the experimental aspect was prevention of relocation of the aged in nursing homes. The practical work consisted in casefinding and social medical intervention by nurses experienced in geriatrics and in close contact with interdisciplinary groups. Emphasis was placed on familiarity with the structure of the social and health services, the provisions available, and with problem areas and deciding channels. Contact with the aged focused on gaining an overall impression of their situation, establishing mutual trust and cooperation. Aspects of the practical work that were emphasized were introduction to services, advice to the aged and personnel, coordination and follow-up for assessment of results. Twenty-three per cent of the age group 70-79 years and 51 per cent of the 80-years-olds and over were drawn randomly from the national person-register. In all, 4,128 persons were picked. They were then randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. On December 31st, 1976, 154 persons from the intervention group and 189 from the control group had been relocated in nursing homes. The difference concerned mainly women over 80 years of age who had a statistically significant low relocation risk in the intervention group. Fewer elderly in the intervention group were relocated in nursing homes compared to controls after mid 74. Findings showed that on March 1st, 1983, duration of residence (survival) in nursing homes for the 343 persons who had taken up residency, was rather similar for both groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
