The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the various components of social support in older adults. It is the aim of this study to explore the functions of social support in older adults. Changes in the patterns of social relationships will also be explored. In today’s society of changing age stratification, studies that indicate how to better support older adults, as well as how their social relationships progress through their lifespan, are proving to be of ever-growing importance. Such studies suggest that the mere perception of possessing a strong network of social support has a buffering effect on many negative outcomes in older adulthood, such as stress, low self-esteem, low perceptions of well-being, and health declines (Janevic,
…show more content…
A study done by Neyer (2002) found that although sibling relationships during child rearing years were generally seen as less important due to the other responsibilities that take priority during this stage, they later reemerge as vitally important in older adulthood. Campbell, Connidis and Davies (1999) further expounded on the above studies to assert the importance of sibling relationships in later adulthood. They found relationship strength to be negatively correlated with the number of children an older adult has, and positively correlated with the presence of a non-married lifestyle. The finding that gender plays a role in later-life sibling relationships emerged from the same study; it was found that female-centric sibling relationships, or sibling relationships with at least one sister present, were more likely to have a stronger relationship in later …show more content…
Sheldon (2012) found that older adults do frequent Facebook, but their list of friends on the website is smaller when compared to younger adults. This finding lends itself well to the socioemotional selectivity model of social relationships, as it follows the same pattern. They also found that Facebook participation is positively correlated with the preference towards social participation in older adults. However, research specifically linking aspects of social media platforms as contributing to the real or perceived social support in older adults is lacking.
It is the purpose of the present study to contribute to the current body of research regarding various forms of social support utilizing a qualitative interview design. Further, this study intends to examine the functions that friends, family, pets, and social networks provide in an older adult’s
A study done by Neyer (2002) found that although sibling relationships during child rearing years were generally seen as less important due to the other responsibilities that take priority during this stage, they later reemerge as vitally important in older adulthood. Campbell, Connidis and Davies (1999) further expounded on the above studies to assert the importance of sibling relationships in later adulthood. They found relationship strength to be negatively correlated with the number of children an older adult has, and positively correlated with the presence of a non-married lifestyle. The finding that gender plays a role in later-life sibling relationships emerged from the same study; it was found that female-centric sibling relationships, or sibling relationships with at least one sister present, were more likely to have a stronger relationship in later …show more content…
Sheldon (2012) found that older adults do frequent Facebook, but their list of friends on the website is smaller when compared to younger adults. This finding lends itself well to the socioemotional selectivity model of social relationships, as it follows the same pattern. They also found that Facebook participation is positively correlated with the preference towards social participation in older adults. However, research specifically linking aspects of social media platforms as contributing to the real or perceived social support in older adults is lacking.
It is the purpose of the present study to contribute to the current body of research regarding various forms of social support utilizing a qualitative interview design. Further, this study intends to examine the functions that friends, family, pets, and social networks provide in an older adult’s