Social Engagement and Subjective Well-Being in Older Adults Newly Diagnosed with Cancer

Authors

  • Suzanne Vang Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1077, New York, NY 10025 USA

Keywords:

Subjective well-being, social engagement, older adults, cancer survivorship

Abstract

Cancer and its treatment can precipitate a range of physical and psychological health issues, particularly in old age. Older adult cancer patients have reported experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and isolation. The current study aims to understand the role of social engagement in influencing older adult cancer patients’ subjective well-being through a Stress and Coping Framework lens. Using National Health and Aging Trends Study data, this research examines frequency of social engagement and its relationship with subjective well-being. Results indicate that greater social engagement improves subjective well-being in older adult cancer patients. Respondents who are unmarried and experiencing greater anxiety and depressive symptoms are at risk of having poor subjective well-being. Efforts to improve subjective well-being in older adults with cancer should consider promoting social engagement. Special attention should be paid to older adult cancer patients who are unmarried or experiencing elevated anxiety or depressive symptoms. Greater research should examine the mechanisms by which social engagement might impact subjective well-being and how this might vary among different racial/ethnic groups.

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Published

2022-01-15

How to Cite

Vang, S. (2022). Social Engagement and Subjective Well-Being in Older Adults Newly Diagnosed with Cancer. International Journal of Social Sciences: Current and Future Research Trends, 13(1), 37–50. Retrieved from https://ijsscfrtjournal.isrra.org/index.php/Social_Science_Journal/article/view/908

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