An assessment of social networking intervention with older Chinese adults in Hong Kong

Abstract

Purpose: This article assessed the effectiveness of social networking strategies (networking strategic initiative [NSI]) to overcome stressful life events experienced in normal aging in Hong Kong. Method: A three-wave quasi-experimental panel design with an overall sample consisting of n = 288 Chinese elderly placed into two groups: NSI group: n1 = 175 and comparison group: n2 = 113. Face-to-face structured interviews were conducted for over 30 months. Five outcome measures including subjective well-being, self-esteem, locus of control, sense of belonging, and collective power were investigated, using a generalized linear mixed model for repeated measurements. Results: Findings revealed those who were continuously active throughout the intervention period experienced considerable increases in self-esteem and sense of belonging. Conclusion: No appreciable effects on any of the five outcome measures were found for those who were enrolled in the program and were inactive. The findings provide significant implications for future practice with community-dwelling elderly Chinese populations in Hong Kong and elsewhere.