The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60866

Ardith Brunt, PhD, Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science, North Dakota State University, 351 EML, Fargo, ND 58105, 701-231-7475, Ardith.brunt@ndsu.nodak.edu and Elisabeth Schafer, PhD, Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, 220 McKay Hall, Ames, IA 50100.

This study evaluated if higher levels of associative and functional solidarity with family and others are able to identify older women (aged 65-97) who would continue to remain community-dwelling. Using a longitudinal stratified random design, 249 older rural community-dwelling women were initially interviewed in their homes. The instrument included demographic information and categorical questions concerning frequency of contact with the entire social network. Three years later, the women were contacted by telephone to determine their current living arrangements. Three years later, 192 women (77%) continued to remain community-dwelling . Factor analysis identified five social support factors: Contact with family, others, attending a senior center, emotional and instrumental support. Using t-tests and chi square analysis, the factor that identified those who continued to be community-dwelling was having contact with non-family (p<0.05); however, emotional support provided by a relied on individual approached significance (p=0.07). None of the social support factors showed any significant relationship to continued community-dwelling in the young-old (65-74) or the oldest old (85+). Overall, other factors such as older age (p<0.0001), annual income < $15000 (p=0.037), living alone (p=0.0004), and poor perceived health (p=0.0026) were better able to identify those who would not continue to remain community dwelling. Social activities like volunteering and participating in church-related activities, especially for those aged 75-84, are necessary to help to maintain community-dwelling status.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to recognize factors in an older adult’s social support system that improve the likelihood of remaining community-dwelling.

Keywords: Rural Populations, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.