Abstract
PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal within-association between social support and health-related quality of life among the oldest old.MethodsLongitudinal data (follow-up waves 7 to 9) were used from the multicenter prospective cohort study “Needs, health service use, costs and health-related quality of life in a large sample of oldest-old primary care patients (85 +)” (AgeQualiDe). n = 648 individuals were included in the analytical sample. At FU wave 7, mean age was 88.8 years (SD: 2.9 years, from 85 to 99 years). Social support was quantified using the Lubben Social Network Scale (6-item version). Health-related quality of life was assessed using the EQ-5D-3L including problems in five health dimensions, and its visual analogue scale (EQ VAS). It was adjusted for several covariates in conditional logistic and linear fixed effects regressions.ResultsIntraindividual decreases in social support were associated with an increased likelihood of developing problems in ‘self-care’, ‘usual activities’, ‘pain/discomfort’ and ‘anxiety/depression’ (within individuals over time). In contrast, intraindividual changes in social support were not associated with intraindividual changes in the EQ VAS score.ConclusionFindings indicate a longitudinal intraindividual association between social support and problems, but only in some health dimensions. Further research in this area based on longitudinal studies among the oldest old (from different countries) is required.
Highlights
It is estimated that the number of individuals in oldest age (85 years and older [1, 2]) will considerably increase in the decades [3]
It usually becomes increasingly difficult to meet family members and friends, e.g. due to mobility impairments. Factors such as obesity, falls or income poverty can lead to decreased social support or social isolation [4,5,6,7]
Data were taken from follow-up (FU) waves 7 to 9 from the study on “Needs, health service use, costs and health-related quality of life in a large sample of oldest-old primary care patients (85 +)” (AgeQualiDe)
Summary
It is estimated that the number of individuals in oldest age (85 years and older [1, 2]) will considerably increase in the decades [3]. In very old age (85 years and older), several critical life events occur such as the death of the spouse, relatives or friends. It usually becomes increasingly difficult to meet family members and friends, e.g. due to mobility impairments. Factors such as obesity, falls or income poverty can lead to decreased social support or social isolation [4,5,6,7]. Decreased social support in turn is associated with harmful consequences such as cognitive decline [9], or morbidity and mortality [10, 11]
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