Sources of Social Support for Active Seniors Attending Health Promotion Day Program

Background: Older adults (aged 55 and older) are among the fastest growing segment of the population. Often this period of the life span is met with reduced social contact and in some cases, social isolation. Previous studies indicate that seniors with no social ties are at increased risk for cognitive and physical decline. Seniors with larger networks tend to have better health and senior centers may play a pivotal role in providing social support for seniors. The Lou Walker Senior Center (LWSC) is a community facility that primarily serves minority, active adults aged 55 and older in Dekalb County, GA. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from adults aged 55 and older about sources of social support that study participants received from the LWSC. These data were analyzed to develop a descriptive profile of sources of social support at the LWSC.

Results. The sources of social support were categorized into the following types of support: emotional, instrumental, informational, and appraisal support. Emotional and informational support were the two most commonly reported types of support. Samples of these sources of support will be presented during the presentation.

Implications. Overall, study participants reported that participation at the LWSC increased the quality of their health and social well-being through social support. Implications for LWSC program enhancement through social support will be discussed.