Table 1.

Measurement of social network and older adults’ well-being

Latent variables		Observed variables	Problems	Values
Independent variable: Social network	Family network	Family contacts	How many family members/relatives do you see or hear from at least once a month?	0 = none,1 = 1,2 = 2,3 = 3–4,4 = 5–8,5 = 9 and above
		Family talks	How many family members/relatives do you feel at ease with that you can talk about private matters?	0 = none,1 = 1,2 = 2,3 = 3–4,4 = 5–8,5 = 9 and above
		Family supports	How many family members/relatives do you feel close to such that you could call on them for help?	0 = none,1 = 1,2 = 2,3 = 3–4,4 = 5–8,5 = 9 and above
	Friend network	Friend contacts	How many friends do you see or hear from at least once a month?	0 = none,1 = 1,2 = 2,3 = 3–4,4 = 5–8,5 = 9 and above
		Friend talks	How many family members/relatives do you feel at ease with that you can talk about private matters?	0 = none,1 = 1,2 = 2,3 = 3–4,4 = 5–8,5 = 9 and above
		Friend supports	How many family members/relatives do you feel close to such that you could call on them for help?	0 = none,1 = 1,2 = 2,3 = 3–4,4 = 5–8,5 = 9 and above
Dependent variables: older adults’ well-being		life satisfaction	Overall, are you satisfied with your current life?	1 = very unsatisfied, 2 = quite unsatisfied, 3 = average, 4 = quite satisfied, 5 = very satisfied
		Self-rated health	How do you think of your current health condition?	1 = very unhealthy, 2 = quite unhealthy, 3 = average, 4 = quite healthy, 5 = very healthy