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Social Support, Socio-Economic Status, Health and Abuse among Older People in Seven European Countries

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Gabriella Melchiorre
  • Carlos Chiatti
  • Giovanni Lamura
  • Francisco Torres-Gonzales
  • Mindaugas Stankunas
  • Jutta Lindert
  • Elisabeth Ioannidi-Kapolou
  • Henrique Barros
  • Gloria Macassa
  • Joaquim F J Soares

Abstract

Background: Social support has a strong impact on individuals, not least on older individuals with health problems. A lack of support network and poor family or social relations may be crucial in later life, and represent risk factors for elder abuse. This study focused on the associations between social support, demographics/socio-economics, health variables and elder mistreatment. Methods: The cross-sectional data was collected by means of interviews or interviews/self-response during January-July 2009, among a sample of 4,467 not demented individuals aged 60–84 years living in seven European countries (Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden). Results: Multivariate analyses showed that women and persons living in large households and with a spouse/partner or other persons were more likely to experience high levels of social support. Moreover, frequent use of health care services and low scores on depression or discomfort due to physical complaints were indicators of high social support. Low levels of social support were related to older age and abuse, particularly psychological abuse. Conclusions: High levels of social support may represent a protective factor in reducing both the vulnerability of older people and risk of elder mistreatment. On the basis of these results, policy makers, clinicians and researchers could act by developing intervention programmes that facilitate friendships and social activities in old age.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Gabriella Melchiorre & Carlos Chiatti & Giovanni Lamura & Francisco Torres-Gonzales & Mindaugas Stankunas & Jutta Lindert & Elisabeth Ioannidi-Kapolou & Henrique Barros & Gloria Macassa & Joaqui, 2013. "Social Support, Socio-Economic Status, Health and Abuse among Older People in Seven European Countries," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(1), pages 1-10, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0054856
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054856
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    2. Maria Gabriella Melchiorre & Mirko Di Rosa & Gloria Macassa & Bahareh Eslami & Francisco Torres-Gonzales & Mindaugas Stankunas & Jutta Lindert & Elisabeth Ioannidi-Kapolou & Henrique Barros & Giovanni, 2021. "The prevalence, severity and chronicity of abuse towards older men: Insights from a multinational European survey," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(4), pages 1-23, April.
    3. Etsay Woldu Anbesu & Setognal Birara Aychiluhm & Mussie Alemayehu, 2022. "Preventive practices toward sexually transmitted infections and their determinants among young people in Ethiopia: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(2), pages 1-7, February.
    4. Ibrahim Alananzeh & Heidi Lord & Ritin Fernandez, 2021. "Social Support for Arab People with Chronic Conditions: A Scoping Review," Clinical Nursing Research, , vol. 30(4), pages 380-391, May.
    5. Saideh Garousi & Ali Amirkafi & Faezeh Mohammadi & Behshid Garrusi, 2023. "Iranian older adults women: The Impact of COVID-19 and Coping Strategies," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 57(5), pages 4409-4433, October.
    6. Bahareh Eslami & Mirko Di Rosa & Henrique Barros & Francisco Torres-Gonzalez & Mindaugas Stankunas & Elisabeth Ioannidi-Kapolou & Jutta Lindert & Joaquim J F Soares & Giovanni Lamura & Maria Gabriella, 2019. "Lifetime abuse and somatic symptoms among older women and men in Europe," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(8), pages 1-15, August.
    7. Angelina Wilson & Marie P. Wissing & Lusilda Schutte, 2019. "“We Help each Other”: Relational Patterns among Older Individuals in South African Samples," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 14(5), pages 1373-1392, November.

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