Impact of Social Support on Quality of Life Among the Elderly

By Melike Belenli Gümüş

September 3, 2024

Introduction

The global population of elderly individuals has been steadily increasing, attributed to advancements in healthcare and longevity. In India, the elderly demographic (people aged 60 years and beyond) has notably expanded, from 92 million people in 2007 to 104 million people in 2011. Furthermore, the projections indicate a significant rise to 330 million elderly people in India by 2050. Aging brings about biological changes and social challenges, including diminishing social connections and increased dependency. Quality of Life (QOL) plays an important role in the measurement of well-being, encompassing various dimensions such as physical, mental, and social aspects. A study from Siwan district of Bihar (India), highlights the impact of social support on the QOL of elderly population.

Understanding QOL in the Elderly

QOL is a multifaceted concept that reflects an individual’s overall well-being, encompassing happiness, physical health, social interactions, and mental wellness. World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scale evaluates QOL based on four domains: physical, psychological, social, and environmental. The elderly face unique challenges, including the prevalence of chronic diseases that impact their QOL significantly. Social support, comprising emotional and instrumental assistance from family, friends, and significant others, plays a crucial role in enhancing the QOL of older adults.

The results in Figure 1 shows that the social relationship domain had the highest mean score of 53.12 ± 17.60, whereas the physical domain had the lowest mean score of 40.55 ± 9.41. This result indicates that elderly people were affected most by the physical health and functioning, however they felt relatively satisfied with their social interactions and relationships.

Figure 1:Examining the quality of life and perceived social support among the studied population.

Impact of Social Support on Quality of Life

Research consistently demonstrates the positive correlation between social support and QOL among the elderly. Strong social networks and supportive family members contribute significantly to improving QOL, even in the presence of health challenges. Social support acts as a buffer against life stressors, fostering resilience and coping mechanisms. The absence of social support can lead to feelings of loneliness and negatively impact both physical and emotional well-being.

Findings and Implications

Studies reveal that elderly individuals perceive the highest social support from their families, with a mean score of 19.41 ± 3.52 on Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), highlighting the importance of familial bonds. Enhancing social support networks is crucial for improving the QOL of older adults. Policy attention and effective health promotion measures are necessary to address the lower QOL associated with physical health among the elderly. Strengthening social support systems and providing gerontological counselling can significantly enhance the overall well-being of elderly populations.

Figure 2: Correlation between the multidimensional scale of perceived social support and quality of life (WHOQOL) among the study population.

The analysis in Figure 2 shows a significant positive correlation between QOL and MSPSS among elderly participants. Notably, support from family (r = 0.417, p < 0.0001) and friends (r = 0.319, p < 0.0001) significantly enhances QOL. Overall, higher perceived social support is linked to better QOL (r = 0.477; p < 0.0001), confirming the study’s hypothesis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, social support emerges as a vital factor influencing the QOL of the elderly. This study highlights the need to focus on enhancing social support structures to improve the well-being of older individuals. By recognising the significance of social connections and family support, communities can create a more supportive environment for the elderly, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and overall health.

Reference url

Recent Posts

drug price comparison
 

Global Drug Price Gaps Demand Better Drug Pricing Analysis

💊 International drug price comparison reveal stark price gaps—the U.S. pays 4.2 times more for brand-name drugs than OECD peers.

But are these studies fueling a market collapse or opening a strategic opportunity for sustainable pricing in the U.S. and globally?

Discover the shortcomings of international pricing comparisons and how robust drug pricing analysis can help balance access, affordability, and profitability in a complex market.

#SyenzaNews #healthcare #pricing

NICE HealthTech Reforms
            

NICE HealthTech Reforms: Accelerating Digital Innovation in NHS and Global Healthcare Systems

🌐 Are you ready to witness a paradigm shift in digital health technology?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has announced transformative reforms aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital health innovations within the NHS. By focusing on cost-effectiveness rather than mere cost savings, these changes promise to streamline regulatory processes and enhance evaluations aligned with healthcare priorities.

Dive into this insightful article to explore how NICE’s reforms could reshape the future of healthcare systems globally!

#SyenzaNews #DigitalHealth #HealthEconomics #Innovation

BioNTech BMS collaboration
   

BioNTech BMS Collaboration: Pioneering Advances in Solid Tumor Treatment with BNT327

🚀 What could a groundbreaking partnership between BioNTech and Bristol-Myers Squibb mean for the future of solid tumor therapy?

Their collaboration on BNT327 is set to revolutionize immuno-oncology with promising early-phase trial results and a strategic investment of over $1.5 billion. This innovative bispecific antibody targets both PD-L1 and VEGF-A, indicating potential for enhanced patient outcomes in challenging cancers like small cell lung cancer and triple-negative breast cancer.

Curious about how this partnership could reshape cancer treatments? Dive into the full analysis!

#SyenzaNews #oncology #drugdevelopment #MarketAccess

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.