Social Support To Successful Aging Essay

672 Words2 Pages

Despite the numerous research on successful aging, it has become more increasingly important to consider the impact of social support and its contribution to successful aging. More specifically the roles held by older adults, how these roles serve as a form of social support and contribute to successful aging. Since roles change and fluctuate in number as individuals age, it seems that with old age the number of roles decline, possibly due to the loss of socials ties that occur with age. In analyzing how social support contributes to successful aging, there will be a focus on cultural and gender variation in social roles. Howie, Troutman, and Newman (2014), found a correlation between social support and successful aging. Supporting the notion that receiving adequate social support is a major factor of successful aging. Older individuals living at assisted living have reduced social networks and reduced social interactions (Howie, Troutman, & Newman, 2014). Although most American families refrain from placing older family members in assisted living facilities, however Asians, Latinos, and African Americans are least likely to do so (Parra & Espino, 1992). Suggesting …show more content…

Cultural perception of aging not only affects the individual's experience of aging, it also influences relationships and social interaction with the elderly. In any social relationship there is a give and take of social support, however the availability of social support conveys the value of a person, and how the person belong as a member of a social network (Wills, 1991). This can be demonstrated by comparing the roles held by older adult living with family and to those living alone or in institutions, and by measuring the individual’s degree of successful aging to see a correlation between social support and successful

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