SL presentation regarding why social support is particularly important for older adults.

1. SOCIAL SUPPORT AND
HEALTH

2. Social Support
• Formed by social connections
• Helps an individual in difficult times
• Contributes to well being
• Makes an individual feel cared for and
valued
• Provides sense of shared
responsibility

3. Emotional Instrumental
Informational Appraisal

4. Social Support Network
Community
Member Neighbor
Partner
Friend Family Co-worker
Member

5. Importance of Social Support
• Purpose and meaning
• Less anxiety and depression
• Increase self-esteem
• Live longer
Better health!

6. Examples and ideas

7. Additional Resources
• http://www.volunteermatch.org/
• http://www.serve.gov/
• http://www.volunteer.gov/gov/
Visit our wiki for more ideas!
http://tinyurl.com/94f7dmf

8. References
• Ashida, S., & Heaney, C. (2008). Differential Association of Social
Support and Social ConnetednessWith Structural Feature of Social
Networks and the Health Status of Older Adults . Journal Of Aging
and Health , 872-893.
• Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T., & Layton, B. (2010). Social Support and
Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review. PLoS Medicine , 1-20.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for
Disease Control. (2000). Social support and health-related quality of
life among older adults- Missouri, 2000. Available at
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5417a4.htm