02053nas a2200325 4500008004100000022001400041245011200055210006900167260001300236300001000249490000700259520112300266653003101389653003001420653000901450653002201459653001001481653001501491653002101506653002501527653001801552653001101570653002601581653002001607653001401627653001901641100001701660700001401677856003601691 1996 eng d a0882-797400aSocial support as a mediator in the relation between functional status and quality of life in older adults.0 aSocial support as a mediator in the relation between functional c1996 Mar a34-440 v113 a
The relations among physical functioning, social support, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction were examined in a national sample of 4,734 adults age 65 and older. Regression analyses were used to examine the relative importance of objective and subjective support measures in understanding the relation between physical impairment and quality of life. Impairment was associated with fewer friendship contacts, fewer family contacts, less perceived belonging support, and less perceived tangible aid, but only measures of perceived support predicted depressive symptomatology. A structural equation modeling approach was then used to explore the mediational role of perceived social support in the relation between impairment and quality of life variables. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that lower reported social support is an important reason for decreases in life satisfaction and increases in depressive symptoms found among older adult populations. Implications for understanding the role of social support in attenuating the effects of physical disability in older adults are discussed.
10aActivities of Daily Living10aAdaptation, Psychological10aAged10aAged, 80 and over10aAging10aDepression10aDisabled Persons10aGeriatric Assessment10aHealth Status10aHumans10aPersonal Satisfaction10aQuality of Life10aSick Role10aSocial Support1 aNewsom, J, T1 aSchulz, R uhttps://chs-nhlbi.org/node/1461