Social Support In Older Adults Research Articles

Sex-specific modulating role of social support in the associations between oxidative stress, inflammation, and telomere length in older adults.

Telomere length, a biomarker of human aging, is related to adverse health outcomes. Growing evidence indicates that oxidative stress and inflammation contributes to telomere shortening, whereas social support may protect from telomere shortening. Despite sex differences in telomere length and social support, little is known about whether there are sex differences in the relationship between oxidative stress/inflammation and telomere length, and sex-specific moderating roles of social support in older adults. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2002, this study assessed whether the associations between oxidative stress/inflammation and telomere length vary with sex and explored social support as a moderator in these associations among 2289 older adults. Oxidative stress was measured based on serum Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and inflammation was measured based on C-reactive protein (CRP). After adjusting for the covariates, GGT was significantly associated with telomere length in females only (β = - 0.037, 95% CI = - 0.070, - 0.005), while CRP was associated with telomere length in males only (β = - 0.019, 95% CI = - 0.035, - 0.002). Moreover, high social support mitigated the negative association between GGT and telomere length, which was more evident in females. Furthermore, social support moderated the association between CRP and telomere length in males aged 70 and above. Our findings indicated that biological mechanisms related to telomere length may vary with sex, while social support plays a sex-specific moderating role.

The impact of perceived walking environment on social support for older adults

The idea of new urbanism advocates for promoting social support, defined as the network of care or help a person receives from non-family members, by improving the walking environment and other components of new urbanism. However, the impact of the walking environment on social support, especially from the perspective of older adults’ perceptions, remains unclear. In a rapidly aging urban environment, the demand for walkable living spaces has increased among older adults. One typical measure of the walking environment, walking accessibility, often focuses on travel time and/or distance to different urban opportunities but ignores travelers’ subjective feelings and experiences about the walking environment. These subjective factors are important for policymakers to design, implement, and regulate appropriate plans and strategies to enhance social interaction among older adults at the community level. This study examines how, in the Chinese context, the perceived walking environment is associated with social support, mediated by walking time and perceived level of safety, using generalized structural equation models with data from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS). The results show that, as compared to walking time, perceived safety is more likely to be influenced by the perceived walking environment, which positively correlates with social support. This suggests that older adults feel more socially supported by their neighbors when they perceive their living environment as safe and walkable. These findings provide new evidence for decision-makers to develop and implement targeted policies on walking accessibility for older adults with better understanding of the relationship between the perceived walking environment and social support.

Needs, Experiences, and Hopes for Aging Futures among Older Adults in the LGBTQ Communities: A Qualitative Study in Israel

Older lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals tend to live alone, mostly without children and with scarce support from nuclear family members or biological kin. Moreover, traditional resources may not suit their specific end-of-life care needs. While studies have examined these topics in general, they lack focus on end-of-life needs, care, and planning in Israel. Moreover, research on this topic among members of LGBTQ communities is specifically lacking. This study, therefore, aimed at identifying and understanding the attitudes, perceptions, and meanings of older LGBTQ individuals in Israel regarding their needs and challenges, as they age and near end of life. The phenomenological qualitative research methodology was applied, following the interpretive approach. Twenty-one middle-aged and older LGBTQ individuals in Israel, aged ≥ 55, participated in the study. In-depth semi-structured interviews, conducted from November 2020 to April 2021, were audio-recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. Five themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Experiences of loneliness, marginalization, and trauma, and coping through liberation; (2) ageism and exclusion of older adults; (3) elastic and challenging relationships; (4) end of life as reverting into the closet and heteronormativity; and (5) death as a source of generativity and creativity. The study demonstrates that loneliness is an existential experience, exacerbated by the intersectionality of LGBTQ communities. In turn, chosen family members play a minimal role in the end-of-life care of their loved ones. While conveying ambivalence toward social services and housing for the aging, participants in this study expressed fear of being discriminated against and having to re-enter the closet as they age. Ageism and end of life do not represent finality and extinction, yet instead, signify hope and revival. Following Sandberg and Marshall’s (2017) concept of queering aging futures, this study refines our understanding of life courses, demonstrating that living and thriving in old age could be positive and desirable. As such, ageism and end of life do not necessarily represent finality and extinction, and may instead signify hope and revival. The unique challenges associated with family and social support of older adults who are LGBTQ members, and their implications on care, deserve further research and are important for practice.

ChatGPT as a coping mechanism for social isolation: An analysis of user experiences and perceptions of social support

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social isolation, ChatGPT usage, and social support perceptions among older adults. A sample of 65 participants aged 50 and above completed self-report questionnaires assessing social isolation, ChatGPT usage, and social support perceptions. The results indicated that social isolation is moderately prevalent among older adults, and ChatGPT usage is significantly related to social support perceptions, independent of age, gender, education, and employment status. The findings suggest that ChatGPT may be a useful tool for addressing social isolation among older adults. The study provides insight into the potential benefits of using ChatGPT as an alternative source of social support for older adults experiencing social isolation.

Association of smart elderly care and quality of life among older adults: the mediating role of social support

BackgroundIn the current context of ageing, the field of smart elderly care has gradually developed, contributing to the promotion of health among older adults. While the positive impact on health has been established, there is a scarcity of research examining its impact on the quality of life (QoL). This study aims to investigate the mediating role of social support in the relationship between smart elderly care and QoL among older adults.MethodsA total of 1313 older adults from Zhejiang Province, China, participated in the study. Questionnaires were used to collect data on participants’ basic demographic information, smart elderly care, social support, and QoL. The descriptive analyses of the demographic characteristics and correlation analyses of the three variables were calculated. Indirect effects were tested using bootstrapped confidence intervals (CI).ResultsThe analysis revealed a positive association between smart elderly care and social support (β = 0.42, p < 0.01), as well as a positive correlation between social support and QoL (β = 0.65, p < 0.01). Notably, social support emerged as an important independent mediator (effect size = 0.28, 95% bootstrap CI 0.24 to 0.32) in the relationship between smart elderly care and QoL.ConclusionsThe results of this study underscore the importance of promoting the utilization of smart elderly care and improving multi-faceted social support for older adults, as these factors positively contribute to the overall QoL.

The Need for Social Support in Older Adults with Cancer: A Case Report

The Need for Social Support in Older Adults with Cancer: A Case Report

An exploration of the social determinants of the health and well-being among older African immigrants living in San Diego. A socio-ecological approach

Background As immigration continues to be a global phenomenon, the number of aging immigrants will increase. There is a knowledge gap in the United States on the social determinants of health among older immigrants, especially the older refugee population. We aimed to explore the social determinants of health among older African immigrants living in San Diego, California, and to suggest strategies that can inform the design of health-promoting interventions. Methods We employed a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 11 participants (nine females and two males). We used deductive thematic analysis to explore and analyse the factors that influence their health and well-being based on the five levels of the socio-ecological model (individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy). Results Participants were aged between 62 and 90 years; eight participants had arrived as refugees. Thematic analysis resulted in the following themes within the five levels: individual (pre-migration and migration experiences and impact on health, aging-related health decline, sedentary lifestyle, side effects of medications,language barrier); interpersonal (social support and social participation); organizational (access to healthcare and support services, transportation, - disruption to services due to COVID-19, perception of healthcare and support services); community (social, emotional and practical support, connecting older adults to services) and public policy (financial barriers, immigration policies and legal status). Conclusions Given the distinct linguistic and cultural backgrounds coupled with the unique health needs of our study participants, there is a need for diverse and complementary interventions that seek to build a sense of community and social support for older adults. Such interventions ought to be co-developed with immigrant communities and local organizations to ensure cultural acceptability and effectiveness. Crucially needed are immigration policies that consider the unique situation of older immigrants from low-income backgrounds to ensure equitable access to health and social care services.

Help-seeking preference in obtaining social support for older adults in depopulated areas.

To clarify the circumstances of help-seeking preference among older adults in depopulated areas and the relationship between help-seeking preference and social support. This was a cross-sectional study that included a sample of 271 men and women aged 65-79 years living in Japan. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess help-seeking preference, social cohesion (community trust, norms of reciprocity and community attachment), socialising (interaction with neighbors and social network) and social support. Multiple regression analysis was performed with items that were found to be significantly associated with social support in the univariate analysis. Then, we examined the significance of the change in the coefficient of determination between a model that included help-seeking preference as an independent variable and a model that did not. Social support was related to help-seeking preference, living arrangements, economic status, norms of reciprocity and social networks. There was a significant difference in the coefficient of determination between the models with and without help-seeking preference. For older adults in depopulated areas to obtain social support, it is important to build trusting relationships with others and shows a willingness to seek and accept help.

Social support in older adults: Validation and norm values of a brief form of the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire (F-SozU K-6).

Social relations are crucial for maintaining physical and mental health across the life span. As social roles, networks and needs change with age a valid assessment of social support in older adults and age-specific norms are necessary. The present work aims to [1) assess the level of social support in individuals > 60 years of the general German population, [2) evaluate the brief six-item form of the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire (F-SozU K-6) in this age group and to [3) provide age-specific norm values. We analyze data of N = 706 people representative for the German population collected in 2021. To assess social support, we used the F-SozU K-6. We tested for selectivity, item difficulty, internal consistency, construct and factor validity, as well as factorial invariance. Additionally, we assessed correlations and associations with depression, loneliness, and sociodemographic factors. Furthermore, we reported norm values for respondents > 60 years. Participants > 60 years reported a mean level of 23.97 (SD = 4.82) of social support. Results of the CFA confirmed a very good model fit. Measurement invariance across sex and age was shown. Associations with ADS and LS-S supported construct validity. Multiple regression analysis showed that female sex, increasing age, having a partner, and a higher equivalized household income were associated with higher levels of social support. The F-SozU K-6 is a reliable and economical tool to assess perceived social support in older adults. Norm values for individual > 60 years are provided.

The impact of social support for older adults in nursing homes on successful aging: a moderated mediation model.

To investigate the connection between social support (SS) and successful aging (SA) in older adults residing in nursing homes, examining the mediating role of meaning in life (MIL). Additionally, this study aims to assess whether frailty moderates the mediation model. A cross-sectional survey approach was employed to recruit older adults from six nursing homes in Sichuan Province between August 2022 and December 2022. Questionnaires, including the General Information Questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), and Successful Aging Inventory (SAI), were administered. Data obtained from the completed questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS and its macro program PROCESS. SS emerged as a noteworthy positive predictor of SA in older adults of nursing homes. MIL was identified as a partial mediator in the link between SS and SA. Furthermore, frailty attenuated the positive predictive impact of MIL on SA and moderated the latter part of the mediation model, wherein SS influences SA through MIL. The influence of MIL on SA was more pronounced in older adults with lower frailty levels in nursing homes, while it was diminished in those with higher levels of frailty. Apart from ensuring the availability of essential medical resources in long-term care for older adults, workers in nursing homes should also recognize the significance of "spiritual aging" to cultivate a sense of MIL among older adults. Simultaneously, attention must be directed toward screening for frailty indicators in older adults. Psychological care and physical exercise programs should be intensified for older adults with a high level of frailty, aiming to decelerate the progression of frailty in nursing home residents. This approach leverages the mediating role of MIL and the moderating influence of frailty, ultimately enhancing SA and promoting healthy aging in older adults within nursing home settings.

The family as a source of social support for older adults: Implications for gerontological social work

Summary Results of our previous research indicated that older adults believe that there's a lack of sufficient social support from informal sources available to them in difficult situations they face. In follow-up research, we found that older adults defined limitation in their self-sufficiency in daily activities to be the most significant difficult situation for them. This paper disseminates the results of the research seeking to answer the research question: According to older adults, can family be a source of social support in a difficult situation of limitation of self-sufficiency in daily activities? Social support theory is the used theoretical basis. Using the method of qualitative content analysis we analysed 23 semi-structured interviews with older adults. Findings We found that if two conditions, that is, geographic proximity to individual family members and the quality of relationships with family members, are ensured, family can function as one of the informal sources of social support according to older adults. In case that older adults prefer a formal source of social support, they consider their family as a source of social support only in an extreme situation of limited self-sufficiency. Applications This study provides social workers with a better understanding of the difficult situations of older adults and what kind of social support older adults prefer. This study also provides an argumentation about the importance of gerontological social work.

Solidão, Apoio Social e Reserva Cognitiva em Pessoas Idosas na Pandemia da COVID-19

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the quality of life of older Brazilian adults. This study aimed to investigate the level of loneliness and social support of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and its relation with cognitive reserve, sociodemographic data, daily habits, and perceived health. An online cross-sectional study was conducted. The final sample consisted of 116 Brazilians aged over 60 years. The following instruments were used: sociodemographic questionnaire, questionnaire on the everyday habits during the pandemic, CRIq, Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale and MOS-SSS. The results showed a significant association between loneliness and social support. The regression models demonstrate the influence of perceived health and different forms of social contact in predicting social support and loneliness. These results evince the importance of the evaluation of factors related to the quality of life of older Brazilian adults during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

43 Evaluating the Relationship Between Social Support, Executive Function, and Communicative Effectiveness

Objective:Research suggests greater perceived social support is associated with better general cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. While these findings expand our understanding of the role of social support in healthy aging, further work is needed to investigate the role of social support in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Of particular interest is the relationship between executive function (EF), communicative effectiveness, and social support, as these are common areas of decline and are likely to impact one’s ability to meaningfully interact with others. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between perceived social support, EF, and communicative effectiveness. We hypothesize better EF performance and communicative effectiveness would be associated with higher levels of perceived social support in older adults with MCI.Participants and Methods:One hundred and twenty-one older adults with MCI were included in the current study. All participants were enrolled in Charles and Harriett Schaffer Cognitive Empowerment Program (CEP) at Emory University, a comprehensive lifestyle program for individuals diagnosed with MCI and their care partners. Upon CEP enrollment, participants completed self-report questionnaires, including the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Communicative Effectiveness Index (CETI), and EF assessments including Letter Fluency (phonemic fluency), Digit Span Backward (working memory), and the Test of Practical Judgment (decision making). Additionally, a subset of participants completed the written Trail Making Test - Part B (set-shifting; n = 63). Pearson bivariate correlations were utilized to explore the relationship between MSPSS, CETI, and EF performance.Results:Higher levels of perceived social support were significantly associated with communicative effectiveness (r = .210, p = .021), such that participants who endorsed having more social support also reported greater confidence in their communicative effectiveness. Perceived social support was associated with better working memory performance (r = .342, p &lt; .001), phonemic fluency output (r = .261, p = .041), and shorter time to complete TMT-B (r = -.244, p = .052), indicating individuals with higher perceived social support demonstrated better EF abilities. Finally, greater confidence in communicative effectiveness was associated with better performances in working memory (r = .274; p = .008), phonemic fluency output (r = .213; p = .020) and decision making (r =.192; p = .044), suggesting stronger working memory, phonemic fluency, and practical decision-making abilities support better communicative effectiveness. There was no association between social support and practical decision-making abilities (r = .146, p = .129).Conclusions:The current findings demonstrate a link between higher levels of social support, communicative effectiveness, and EF abilities, particularly in the subdomains of working memory, phonemic fluency, and set-shifting. This link suggests individuals with stronger EF abilities may have greater communicative effectiveness and, in turn, may be better able to maintain social relationships and garner social support. Future research is needed to evaluate the causality in this relationship, as it remains possible those with stronger social support networks maintain communicative effectiveness and EF for longer. Thus, further evaluation of the mechanism(s) underlying the relationships between social support, EF, and communicative effectiveness is needed.

The relationship between social support and happiness in older adults referred to health centers in Zarrin Shahr, Iran

Background: Creasing the older adult population has become a major public health challenge. Social support plays an important role in people's health. Social support helps improve the living conditions of the elderly and brings happiness into the lives of the elderly. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support and happiness status in 60–75-year-olds referred to health centers of Zarrin Shahr, Iran in 2019.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 584 samples (female: 62.2%, men: 37.8%) participated in this study. To collect data for this study, Oxford Happiness, and Social Support questionnaires were used. The older adults of the target group were selected through simple multistage random sampling from the health centers of Zarrin Shahr. The collected data were entered into SPSS software version 22. They were described and analyzed by inferential statistics and regressions at a 95% confidence level.Results: Sex, marital status, and level of education influenced total social support (P < 0.05). Moreover, age, marital status, and level of education affected happiness (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between total social support and components of social support with happiness (P < 0.05). Also, the multi-stage regression test showed emotional social support and education level were highly correlated with happiness (R2 = 0.265).Conclusion: The results highlight the need to increase social support for older adults because it can increase the level of happiness in this age group. In interventions to improve the social support and happiness of older adults, low-educated, unmarried, divorced, or deceased spouses should be prioritized.

Elderly functionality and its associated factors in a rural context of Colombia: a structural equations model

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with functionality, a clinical criterion that could predict frailty in the elderly people in a rural context.Design/methodology/approachThis project is a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of 342 adults of age >60 years who are residents of Putumayo province in Colombia. Information regarding demographic characteristics, medical history, health perception and current illness was collected. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) protocol was used to perform cognitive evaluation; the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale was used to establish depressive symptoms; and the Hamilton Rating Scale was used to assess anxiety level. Questionnaire was used to evaluate performance on instrumental activities of daily living that lead to functional independence [daily life questionnaire (DLQ)]. The medical outcomes study scale was used to assess social parameters.FindingsA moderate and negative correlation was found between the DLQ score and age (r = −0.49; 95% CI: −0.57 to −0.47), whereas a positive correlation was found with education (r = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.07–0.27). Older adults with economic independence achieved a higher score in functional performance than those with economic dependence (standardized mean difference = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.33–0.77). This study observed a moderate correlation a moderate correlation between the MMSE cognitive performance (r = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.48−0.63) and the depressive symptomatology of Yesavage Scale (r = −0.36, 95% CI: −0.44 to −0.26). Finally, the structural model determined that age (r = −0.37), economic dependence (r = −0.383) and cognitive state (r = 0.309) determine the functional component.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides empirical support about older adults living in rural contexts, around the functionality variable from a multidimensional approach, highlighting the sociodemographic and cognitive variables. Consequently, the policy of social support in older adults must be oriented toward the development of a range of divergent intervention strategies.Originality/valueThe study deals with the assessment of functionality in the elderly people from an interdisciplinary approach in the rural setting which presents a greater risk of physical and socioeconomic vulnerability. Therefore, the community, the health professionals and the government entities should help implement active aging programs for this population.

Social support by communities for older adults in Malaysia

Purpose: Positive developments in the socioeconomic field have led to a reduction in mortality and fertility rates and an increase in the lifespan of individuals. This has reduced the young population and increased the old population. Senior citizens are being neglected, and loneliness is getting worse every day because of these circumstances. Therefore, in order to address the problem, there is a pressing urgency to identify how to provide support to older adults so that they can continue their daily lives easily without any problems or obstacles that can limit their activities. Social support refers to support in terms of emotions, friends, information, care, and management.&#x0D; Design/Methodology/Approach: A total of 397 questionnaire forms were distributed by purposive sampling to older adults aged 60 years and above in the Perak state and analyzed using descriptive statistical tests to obtain frequency, mean, and percentages for Social Science (SPSS) software.&#x0D; Findings: The results of the study showed that the older adults majorly agreed with the form of social support which was provided by the community. However, based on the social support, older adults are more likely to feel accompanied by neighbours, friends, or individuals. The study discovered that older persons prefer to be to be actively involved in the society, since this also enables them to deal with severe difficulties, circumstances, and fears. This preference is demonstrated by the total degree of social assistance provided and the daily activities of the older adults. &#x0D; Conclusion: The availability of social support indirectly contributes to the well-being of older adults by addressing the neglect and loneliness they may face, enabling them to maintain active and fulfilling lives. It promotes active aging by fostering social connections, enhancing mental and emotional health, and empowering older individuals to participate fully in society.&#x0D; Contribution to Literature Review: Social support, encompassing community support, emotional support, peer support, and information support, contributes significantly to the well-being of older adults. These forms of support help address the issues of neglect and loneliness faced by older adults, enabling them to actively age and lead fulfilling lives. The literature highlights the importance of social support systems in promoting the well-being of older adults and emphasizes the need for comprehensive support from various parties to meet the growing needs of the aging population. The literature on social support for older adults has important policy implications for promoting their well-being and addressing the challenges they face such as strengthening community support systems and encouraging peer support programs.

Prevalence and predictors of tobacco use in older adults: a case in Turkey

ABSTRACT Objectives In this study the aim was to examine the factors associated with the tobacco use status of individuals aged 60 and older. Methods In this study, the microdata set obtained from the Turkey Health Survey conducted by TURKSTAT in 2016 and 2019 was used. The binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with tobacco use status at old age. Results According to the findings, 15.62% of older adults use tobacco. According to the results of the analysis, gender, age, educational status, marital status, employment status, body mass index, visiting a psychotherapist and psychiatrist, exposure to tobacco smoke and alcohol use influence tobacco use among older adults. Conclusion At the end of this study, it was concluded that older males are in the high-risk group for tobacco use. For this reason, it is suggested that male specific tobacco prevention policies be implemented. The results indicated that being an older single was a risk factor for tobacco use. Therefore, efforts to increase social support for older adults living alone and social activities for older adults should be supported, and this issue should be highlighted in government action plans.

“Even though we are elders living alone”: has social support reshaped the care of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic?

PurposeThis study aims to explore how social support has reshaped the care of older adults living alone in northeast Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a qualitative method using a narrative gerontological perspective with a descriptive design. Purposive sampling was conducted from 20 in-depth narrative interviews between November 2021 and February 2022 in Maha Sarakham province, northeast Thailand. Data transcriptions were performed using a narrative analytical process.FindingsThe in-depth narrative interviews indicated that older adults living alone during the coronavirus pandemic valued a comfortable life, a sense of place, favourable living arrangements, self-reliance, life goals and meaningful life. The gerontological analysis showed that social support for older adults living alone included a social safety net, networking, supporting needs, physical care and mental health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first qualitative narrative gerontological study to explore how social support reshaped the care of older adults living alone during the COVID-19 pandemic in northeast Thailand.

Qualidade de vida e apoio social de pessoas idosas cuidadoras e receptoras de cuidado em alta vulnerabilidade social

Abstract Objective to compare quality of life and social support between older adults caregivers and care recipients. Method observational, cross-sectional and quantitative study, carried out with 112 older adults registered in five Family Health Units in a context of high social vulnerability in a city in the interior of São Paulo, Brazil. Sociodemographic, care and health variables, social support by the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale and quality of life by the WHOQOL-bref and WHOQOL-old were evaluated. For data analysis, Pearson's Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney and Spearman's Correlation tests were used. Results There was a significant difference between the participants for material support (p=0.004) and physical domain of the quality of life scale (p=0.002). Older adults caregivers have lower material support scores and better perception of the physical domain of the quality of life scale when compared to care recipients. Furthermore, there was a direct and moderate correlation between quality of life and social support of older adults (p&lt;0.001), that is, the higher the score on the social support scale, the higher the score on the quality of life scale. Conclusion adults caregivers presented lower material support scores and better perception of the physical domain of the quality of life scale compared to care receptors. Actions related to expanding the amount of significant relationships of caregivers can be useful for improving social support, with consequent improvement of the other aspects involved in quality of life.

WHO GETS HELP? A NATIONAL LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF PERSONAL NETWORKS AND PANDEMIC SUPPORT AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Personal networks are a key component in the provision of social support for older adults. Such support is particularly critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional avenues of social engagement or assistance are disrupted. Here, we use nationally representative data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project that assesses older adults’ pre-pandemic personal networks and receiving instrumental help and emotional support during the pandemic. We find that larger pre-pandemic confidant networks predict higher odds of receiving needed help and support, higher odds of receiving help and support more often than before the pandemic, and lower odds of being unable to get help. Denser pre-pandemic networks also predict higher odds of receiving instrumental help and support during the pandemic, while having a greater proportion of kin in pre-pandemic networks predicts higher odds of receiving pandemic help for non-white older adults only. Together, results suggest that features of older adults’ pre-pandemic confidant network structure and composition can provide underlying conditions for receiving social support during the pandemic.