Social support network, functional capacity and mental health in older adults

Autor: Doris Firmino Rabelo, Juliana Martins Pinto
Jazyk: English<br />Spanish; Castilian<br />Portuguese
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Psico-USF, Vol 28, Iss 4, Pp 767-781 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2175-3563
1413-8271
DOI: 10.1590/1413-82712023280409
Popis: Abstract This study aimed to describe the characteristics of the social networks of older adults and to assess associations between social support, functional capacity and mental health. The sample consisted of 134 community-dwelling older adults, assessed in terms of their social network through the Minimum Map of Older Adult Relationships; functional capacity for performance in activities of daily living; depressive symptoms, assessed through the Geriatric Depression Scale and; anxiety, assessed through the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Cluster analyses were performed. The social network was characterized by being informal, functioning as affective support that occurs through visits. Social support perceived as insufficient was more frequent in men, in those who were dependent regarding instrumental activities of daily living, and in those with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Reduced social support networks and lack of support were associated with limitations in functional capacity and worse mental health, sparking debate about the centrality of the family in the provision of support.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals