Directed network for individual 2. The directed networks were constructed to investigate the temporal ordering of changes in ten indicators of physical, cognitive, psychological, and social functioning, and behavioural factors. Data included up to ten repeated measurements in 1560 participants of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. Directed distance was calculated using dynamic time warping, which quantifies the extent to which changes in one time series tend to precede changes in another time series, or vice versa. Nodes represent the time series of the indicated variable. Outgoing arrows show that changes in one indicator tend to precede changes in the other indicator. Thicker arrows indicate a stronger temporal ordering. All variables were coded in such a way that higher values indicate a loss of functioning. For example, (A) shows that on average, increases in functional limitations tend to precede decreases in physical activity, social participation, and network size, and increases in pain, rather than vice versa. More details on the method are provided in the appendix (pp 1-5). Network size=number of contacts in one’s social network. Mastery=one’s general sense of control over life.
