Genetic and environmental influences on social support: the Swedish adoption/twin study of aging
Article Abstract:
Several studies on aging have examined the role of social support systems in contributing to the well-being and quality of later life. Most studies tend to focus on the environmental rather than the genetic factors influencing the motivation and ability to form and maintain social support systems during later life. Genetic factors may influence a person's tendency to be sociable and an individual's perception of the environment. Social support refers to the existence of social ties, such as marriage, and the quality and quantity of these relationships. The genetic and environmental factors affecting two aspects of social support, social networks and perceived adequacy of these networks, were examined. Social networks are the "web" of relationships that surround a person, and are characterized by size of network, strength of ties, and frequency of contact among members of the network. Perceived adequacy of the social networks is measured by the satisfaction with the support system and the extent to which the interactions are available and helpful. The Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (SATSA) involved 424 pairs of twins, aged 50 years and over. The subjects were 64 pairs of identical twins and 132 pairs of fraternal twins that had been reared apart, and 95 pairs of identical twins and 133 pairs of fraternal twins that were raised together. The results of this study showed that genetic factors were important in perceived adequacy of social support systems, but had little influence on the quantity of social relationships. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1990
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Social support networks and formal help seeking: differences between applicants to social services and a nonapplicant sample
Article Abstract:
Studies show that having a strong social network enhances the health and well-being of individuals, including the elderly. Recent interest has focused on the various support functions provided by social networks. The effect of social network support on the decision to seek formal assistance from social service agencies was assessed. The social support available to elderly persons applying for public social service assistance was compared with support available to elderly patients who did not seek these services. The applicant and nonapplicant groups differed with respect to level of need for social services, size of social network (particularly number of close relationships), and degree of emotional support. Elderly persons who applied for formal assistance had smaller networks than those who did not apply, and felt less loved and admired by the persons within their social networks. These results are consistent with findings from other studies showing that size of the close network affects the decision to seek help from social services. The lower affective support among applicants may be due to changes in the composition of the social network, such as the loss of a spouse, or the intense neediness of the applicant group as compared with the nonapplicant group. Thus, a combination of excessive need and inadequate support may exist among the applicant group. The implications of this imbalance in need and support and possible solutions for incorporating social networks into the provision of social care are discussed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1990
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Functional capacity and living arrangements of unmarried elderly persons
Article Abstract:
Because of the growing proportion of elderly persons in the general population, there is increased concern about the long-term care of the aged. Attitudes concerning care of the elderly have shifted from expectations that children and relatives should assume the major responsibility of caring for the aging parents to general expectations that the care of the older person is the state's responsibility. Although the state provides basic resources and assistance needed by older adults, family members contribute much support, so that some elderly persons can avoid institutionalization. However, it is not clear how older single persons without family cope with a loss of functional independence. The effects of functional capacity, gender, race and ethnicity, and various socioeconomic factors on the living arrangements of unmarried elderly individuals were assessed over a two-year period. Although a decrease in the functional capacity increases the probability that an elderly person will move in with others or enter an institution, most elderly people tend to continue living alone for two years despite reductions in health. However, women with impaired functional capacity are less likely than men to live alone. Blacks with worsening health are more likely to continue living alone than whites with declining health. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1990
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