Wellbeing depends on social relationship characteristics: comparing different types and providers of support to older adults

2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 843-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
EVA-MARIA MERZ ◽  
OLIVER HUXHOLD
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Kin Support ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the associations between different forms of support, who provides the support and the wellbeing of older adults in Germany. Particular attention is paid to the wellbeing differences associated with kin and non-kin providers and with emotional support and instrumental support. In addition, the quality of relationships with kin and non-kin is examined as a moderator of the association between social support and wellbeing. Data for 1,146 respondents to the German Ageing Survey in 2002 were analysed to determine the combinations of emotional or instrumental support, kin or non-kin providers and relationship quality that best predicted wellbeing. Emotional support from kin and instrumental support from non-kin were both found to associate positively with wellbeing. Emotional support from non-kin providers did not associate with wellbeing, whereas instrumental support from kin providers had a negative association with one aspect of wellbeing. Higher relationship quality, whether with kin or non-kin, positively related to wellbeing. Interestingly, the negative impact of instrumental kin support was qualified by relationship quality. In other words, for people with high-quality relationships, receiving instrumental support from kin did not decrease wellbeing. When the relationship with a family carer or supporter is characterised by high quality, the challenges of frailties in old age, such as decreasing capacities and an increasing need for social support, can be met without compromising wellbeing.

scholarly journals Social Support and Living Situation of Older Adults With Hip-Fracture: A Retrospective Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 618-618
Author(s):  
Alexandra Krassikova ◽  
Steven Stewart ◽  
Jennifer Bethell ◽  
Aileen Davis ◽  
Katherine McGilton
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hip Fracture ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Inpatient Rehabilitation ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
Living Situation ◽  
Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Sustaining a hip-fracture is a life-changing event negatively affecting older adults. Although, social support is a known determinant of health outcomes, the relationship between social support and living situation of older adults with hip fracture remains under researched. For this study social support is conceptualized using the Finfgeld-Connett framework, where social support is seen as being composed of emotional and instrumental support. The objectives were to examine the relationship between two domains of social support and living situation: 1) after discharge; 2) 3-months after discharge; and 3) 6-months after discharge from an inpatient rehabilitation facility in a sample of older adults with hip fracture. Emotional support was measured as frequency of interaction with someone one week prior to hip fracture, whereas instrumental support was measured as help received in instrumental activities of daily living. Logistic regression was performed to examine the association between social support and living situation. Majority of study participants (N=139) were older (mean age 81.31), female (77.70%), had no cognitive impairment (68.35%), were not married (58.99%), and lived with someone (51.80%) in their own house (71.95%). Older adults with more emotional support were more likely to be discharged home, however little can be said about the effect of the association (OR 6.80, 95% CI 1.08, 22.31, P<.001). Persons receiving more instrumental support had less odds of living at home 3-months (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21, 0.78; P=.007) and 6-months after discharge (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.38, 0.91, P=0.017). Social support is important for older adults during recovery.

scholarly journals Supporting Caregivers of Older Adults Through Education in Mindful Gratitude Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 16-16
Author(s):  
Sungsim Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Practice Research ◽  
Relevant Research ◽  
Won Buddhism ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract This presentation describes a supportive mindfulness practice for caregivers of older adults based on the principles of Won Buddhism (an integrative, a modernized Buddhism). As the aging population grows, there is a significant increase in recognition of the negative impact of caregiver stress on older adults’ quality of life. The ability for caregivers to deal compassionately with stress is essential, as caring for older adults can awaken feelings about one’s own vulnerability and mortality. The ‘Mindful Gratitude Practice’ offers a way to cope with stress, cultivate self-care, and improve the care of others. Relevant research will be summarized, which shows mindfulness and gratitude practice respectively benefit positive influence in both physical and emotional well-being. Mindful Gratitude Practice as a spiritual approach that fosters caregivers' emotional stability, reduces their stress and improves the relationship between older adults and their caregivers. In this presentation, three processes of Mindful Gratitude Practice will be described: 1. Understanding a mindfulness practice by establishing intention, attention, and attitude, 2. Learning the principles of a gratitude practice and implementation, and 3. Incorporating mindfulness into a gratitude practice. Research results have demonstrated that through this learning process, caregivers have acquired the concept of interconnectedness, experience grateful moments, and a deep feeling of appreciation in their caregiving relationships. The presenter will guide participants in a short experience of Mindfulness Gratitude Practice. Further readings and resources will be provided for those who are interested.

THE ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL SUPPORT AND ACTIVITIES WITH HEALTH IN SOUTH KOREA: DIFFERENCES IN AGE AND GENDER

2010 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
SANG-SIK MOON ◽  
SANG-MI PARK ◽  
SUNG-IL CHO
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
And Gender

SummaryThis study investigated gender difference in the effects of social support, including emotional support and instrumental support (such as help when sick and financial assistance), and social activities on perceived health of middle-aged and older adults in South Korea. Data were acquired from 3771 men and 4954 women aged 40 years and older who participated in the 2005 cross-sectional survey of the Seoul Citizens Health and Social Indicators Survey. Using multiple regression analysis, both age- and gender-specific differences related to social support and engagement in social activities and self-rated poor health were examined. Poor emotional support from close friends, relatives or someone with whom one could talk about worries was strongly associated with poor self-rated health in men, with the greatest effect in older men. Lack of engagement in social activities was associated with self-rated poor health in older adults, especially in older men. Poor instrumental support was associated with perceived poor health only in middle-aged women. As a health improvement strategy for men aged 65 years and older especially, emotional support should be considered. Measures should be considered for encouraging social activities by older adults, particularly older men.

scholarly journals Spirituality and Quality of Life in Older Adults: Path Analyse Model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Lima ◽  
Lurdes Teixeira ◽  
Raquel Esteves ◽  
Fátima Ribeiro ◽  
Ana Teixeira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Direct Effect ◽  
Social Care Service ◽  
Physical Quality ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background: Study older adults’ quality of life is becoming increasingly important in the assessment, quality improvement and allocation of health and social care service. The purpose of this study was to enhance knowledge on the relationship between modifiable (psychological variables) and non-modifiable variables (sociodemographic), and quality of life in elderly, regarding psychological and social variables in Portuguese context.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, including 604 older adults from general community. 63.6% of the sample was composed by female gender with a mean age of 71.6(SD=4.81). Participants completed the following instruments: Barthel Index to assess functionality; Satisfaction with Social Support Scale to assess social support; The Spiritual and Religious Attitudes in Dealing with Illness to assess spirituality and Short Form Health Survey 36, to assess mental and physical quality of life.Results: A path analysis model was performed where the presence of a chronic disease, age and functionality has a direct effect on physical quality of life and spirituality had a direct effect on mental quality of life. Social support mediated the relationship between functionality and mental quality of life, and in turn, functionality mediated the relationship between age and physical quality of life.Conclusions: Results reinforce the effect of age and chronic disease as non-modifiable variables as well as functionality, spirituality and satisfaction with social support as modifiable variables, in the quality of life of older people. Social support, health and education programs in the community should be promoted in order to improve quality of life in this population. Strategies to promote functionality and enhance the social support network, especially in the elder with chronic illness, should be a priority.

Quality of support in the social networks of older Filipino church members: an exploratory study

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-53
Author(s):  
Madelene Avila Sta. Maria ◽  
Alexis Aeriel Cruz Bonanza ◽  
Paul Angelo Siababa Arcega
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Role Ambiguity ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
Church Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the quality of social relationships of older Filipino church members by determining their perceptions of support and non-support in their social network. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach with semi-structured interviews was utilized. A purposive sample of six Filipino older adults (ages 60-89) were invited and agreed to participate in the study. Findings The themes found in the study confirmed the types of support outlined in social convoy theory. Several unique nuances in the types of support and non-support between the interactions of older adult Filipinos with people very close to them, somewhat close to them, and merely acquainted with them were identified. The themes of support include instrumental support, emotional care, social connectedness, and companionship during engagement in activities. Themes characterising lack of support include disrespect and lack of understanding, constraining one’s actions, helplessness in responding to the other’s needs, non-dependability and non-reliability, difficulty in maintaining social connections, making it difficult to play a desired or expected role. Research limitations/implications The study’s limitations are the small sample size, the quality of support explored only through nominating two members of each level of closeness in the older adults’ social convoy, sample size adequacy to reach data saturation, and the lack of data on support reciprocity that may influence the respondents’ perceptions of support and non-support. Practical implications The findings of the paper point to possible interventions to improve social support for the older population. The road map for those interested in developing interventions should also put some emphasis on older adults’ needs in their continued societal engagement. Interventions may involve facilitating role transitions and providing social support systems attuned to the needs of the elderly. Social implications The authors speculate that this lack of support experienced by the older adults relates to the loss of societal roles, especially as this relates to their identity, meaning, and changes in social interactions within their communities. It is therefore important that interventions be planned to provide structures for older adults’ transitions in their re-engagement in society and into the work-force, thereby reducing this sense of role ambiguity and providing them with more positive identities in their communities. Originality/value The results suggest another form of support distinct from the emotional and instrumental support elaborated in previous work. This support is identified as companionship from within the social network that allows older adults to sustain engagement in meaningful activities. The study’s results further suggest a lack of clarity in societal roles, i.e. a sense of role ambiguity, which older adults may experience in the transitioning from adulthood to later adulthood.

scholarly journals Spirituality and Quality of Life in Older Adults: Path Analyse Model

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Lima ◽  
Lurdes Teixeira ◽  
Raquel Esteves ◽  
Fátima Ribeiro ◽  
Ana Teixeira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Direct Effect ◽  
Social Care Service ◽  
Physical Quality ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background: Study older adults’ quality of life is becoming increasingly important in the assessment, quality improvement and allocation of health and social care service. The purpose of this study was to enhance knowledge on the relationship between modifiable (psychological variables) and non-modifiable variables (sociodemographic), and quality of life in elderly, in order to inform social, health and education policies.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, including 604 older adults from general community. 63.6% of the sample was composed by female gender with a mean age of 71.6(SD=4.81). Participants completed the following instruments: Barthel Index to assess functionality; Satisfaction with Social Support Scale to assess social support; The Spiritual and Religious Attitudes in Dealing with Illness to assess spirituality and Short Form Health Survey 36, to assess mental and physical quality of life.Results: A path analysis model was performed where the presence of a chronic disease, age and functionality has a direct effect on physical quality of life and spirituality had a direct effect on mental quality of life. Social support mediated the relationship between functionality and mental quality of life, and in turn, functionality mediated the relationship between age and physical quality of life.Conclusions: Results reinforce the effect of age and chronic disease as non-modifiable variables as well as functionality, spirituality and satisfaction with social support as modifiable variables, in the quality of life of older people. Social support, health and education programs in the community should be promoted in order to improve quality of life in this population. Strategies to promote functionality and enhance the social support network, especially in the elder with chronic illness, should be a priority. Keywords: Quality of life, Social Support, Functionality, Spirituality.

scholarly journals Effects of Different Types of Perceived Social Support on Changes in Subjective Health among Older Adults: A Focus on Gender Differences

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 323-332
Author(s):  
Miok Ha ◽  
Seungja Kang
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
Health Promotion Programs ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Over Time

Purpose: This longitudinal study aimed to investigate which types of perceived social support are associated with changes in subjective health over time among Korean older adults. We further explored whether these associations vary by older adults' gender.Methods: The current study examined 3,650 older adults drawn from additional survey data of the 6th and 7th waves of the Korean Retirement and Income Study (KReIS). Data were analyzed using hierarchical linear regression analyses.Results: Higher perceived instrumental and emotional supports significantly associated with less decline in subjective health over 2 years. Gender only moderated the association between emotional support and changes in subjective health. That is, higher emotional support associated with less decline in subjective health among older women, but not among older men.Conclusion: These findings suggest that instrumental support is the strongest predictor of older adults' changes in health over time, indicating the need for public supports for those who lack instrumental support from their social ties. Health promotion programs for older women should aim to enhance their perceived emotional support to protect them from faster declines in subjective health over time.

scholarly journals Loneliness and the exchange of social support among older adults in Spain and the Netherlands

2012 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 330-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARTA M. SÁNCHEZ RODRIGUES ◽  
JENNY DE JONG GIERVELD ◽  
JOSE BUZ
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Northern Europe ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
The Social ◽  
To Receive

ABSTRACTPrevious research has shown that exchanges of support within social networks reduce the loneliness of older adults. However, there is no consistent evidence on how types of support (instrumental and emotional) and the direction of that support (giving and receiving) are related to loneliness, and whether the effects are culture-specific. The aim of this study was to investigate support exchanges and their effects on loneliness in Spain and the Netherlands. We suggest that cultural differences, such as more interdependent cultural values in Southern Europe and more independence-related values in Northern Europe, influence social realities such as the social support exchanged. In Spain relationships with family members are determined by mutual obligations; older people expect to receive instrumental support from them. However, in Northern Europe independence is highly valued and intimacy and closeness are shown primarily by confiding about personal matters. This paper examined data from two comparable surveys, one in Spain (N=646) and one in the Netherlands (N=656). Older adults in Spain provide for, and receive, high amounts of instrumental support and this proved to be a protective factor against loneliness. An alternative pattern was found in the Netherlands where respondents provided more and received more emotional support than Spanish older adults; emotional support is a protective factor in the Netherlands (but only for support received).

scholarly journals How Does Reciprocal Exchange of Social Support Alleviate Individuals’ Depression in an Earthquake-Damaged Community?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1585
Author(s):  
Arpana Pandit ◽  
Yoshinori Nakagawa
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
Conceptual Base ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
Reciprocal Exchange ◽  
2015 Gorkha Earthquake ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Relationship

There is ample evidence to indicate the direct effects of receiving social support on mental health during and after a disaster. However, the importance of reciprocal exchanges of social support (i.e., balanced receipt and provision of social support) in maintaining the mental health status of individuals is not widely recognized. Using equity theory and reciprocity norms as a conceptual base, we distinguished two types of social support, namely, emotional support and instrumental support, and examined the effects of reciprocal exchanges of types of support on depression in survivors of an earthquake-damaged community. To collect data, in 2019, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 295 survivors of the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake in a rural village in Nepal. Our results showed that the relationship between reciprocal exchange of support and depression varied depending on the types of support. The amount of emotional support received by the individual alleviated his/her depression only when accompanied by giving emotional support. By contrast, the net amount of instrumental support given by the individual increased his/her depression. The practical implications of the study are discussed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document