Social Support and Musculoskeletal Health in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Bevilacqua Gregorio, D’Angelo Stefania, Laskou Faidra, Zaballa Elena, Harvey Nicholas C., Dennison Elaine M.
Primary Institution: MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
Hypothesis
How do different aspects of social support relate to musculoskeletal health in community-dwelling older adults?
Conclusion
Different types of social support are linked to various measures of musculoskeletal health in older adults, with low practical support associated with better physical capability and negative support linked to poorer outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Low emotional support correlated with weaker grip strength and poorer physical capability tests.
- Low practical support was linked to shorter timed up-and-go and walking speed times.
- Negative support was associated with lower grip strength and slower walking speeds.
Takeaway
Having friends and family to help is important for older people, but sometimes too much help can make them feel weaker. If they feel like the help they get isn't good enough, it can make them feel worse.
Methodology
Participants reported their social support levels and underwent physical assessments including grip strength and walking speed tests.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may introduce recall bias, and social class assessment for married women may not accurately reflect their current status.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and the sample may not be representative of the wider UK population.
Participant Demographics
Community-dwelling older adults in the UK, predominantly White, with a mean age of 65.7 years.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
β −0.171, 95%CI −0.319, −0.024; β −0.145, 95%CI −0.223, −0.067
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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