Social Engagement
Depression
Serious depression is a key predictor of suicide in older adults. Providing adequate social support to older adults may prevent social isolation and improve their quality of life. Social support systems improve health by providing personal assistance during times of crisis, assisting with tasks of daily living, and providing opportunities to socialize. A social support system also provides a pattern of continuous or intermittent contact with others that may be significant to an older adult's psychological, social, and physical integrity over time.
Older adults perceive family, friends, and neighbors as the most appropriate sources of social support in times of need. Research suggests that daily contact with a family member or friend may make the difference between living independently in the community and institutionalization. Weekly or bi-weekly visits from children certainly help, but do not satisfy an older adult's need for socialization and familiarity on a day-to-day basis. Consequently, friends and neighbors are important secondary support element for older adults whose children cannot visit daily.
Updated: November 2, 2007
