Social support and health-related quality of life among the oldest old — longitudinal evidence from the multicenter prospective AgeCoDe-AgeQualiDe study

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal within-association between social support and health-related quality of life among the oldest old. Methods Longitudinal data (follow-up waves 7 to 9) were used from the multicenter prospective cohort study “Needs, health service use, costs and health-related quality of life in a large sample of oldest-old primary care patients (85 +)” (AgeQualiDe). n = 648 individuals were included in the analytical sample. At FU wave 7, mean age was 88.8 years (SD: 2.9 years, from 85 to 99 years). Social support was quantified using the Lubben Social Network Scale (6-item version). Health-related quality of life was assessed using the EQ-5D-3L including problems in five health dimensions, and its visual analogue scale (EQ VAS). It was adjusted for several covariates in conditional logistic and linear fixed effects regressions. Results Intraindividual decreases in social support were associated with an increased likelihood of developing problems in ‘self-care’, ‘usual activities’, ‘pain/discomfort’ and ‘anxiety/depression’ (within individuals over time). In contrast, intraindividual changes in social support were not associated with intraindividual changes in the EQ VAS score. Conclusion Findings indicate a longitudinal intraindividual association between social support and problems, but only in some health dimensions. Further research in this area based on longitudinal studies among the oldest old (from different countries) is required.

Do Determinants of Quality of Life Differ in Older People Living in the Community and Nursing Homes?

“…The differences in the assessment of QoL dependent on social support were also visible in the results obtained by Chruściel et al [41]-older people who lived with their families assessed the majority of the QoL domains significantly better than those who lived alone. According to Hajek et al [42], decreased social support was associated with higher possibility of developing problems in most of EuroQol-5D dimensions within individuals over time. Family routine activities and social participation may prevent functional deterioration and affects the QoL of the elderly [22].…”

Examining the factor structure and validity of the WHOQOL-AGE among the oldest-old Chinese in Singapore

“…These data collectively indicate the emergence of the suppressor effect, a statistical phenomenon that is difficult to interpret ( 42 ). Some past studies have documented that cognitive function is largely unrelated to QoL in the oldest-old age on a multivariate level ( 21 , 43 ). Taken together, the observed negative linkage of intact cognition with “health” and “overall” should not be overinterpreted.…”

“…South-East Asia is one of the regions where the oldest-old age group shows the largest percentage increases. It is meaningful to study QoL of the oldest-old ( 21 ), especially in South-East Asia. Thus far, research on the factor structure and validity WHOQOL-AGE exclusively among the oldest-old is lacking.…”

Social Support and Symptoms of Depression in Late Life: Bidirectional Associations over Time

“…Modern life has redefined living arrangements for most, as today more adults live alone and far from their families or origin [ 1 ]. The effects of these changes are especially pronounced for older adults with fewer social contacts [ 2 , 3 ]. This in turn affects both physical and mental health; in particular, depression, which is all too common in late life [ 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

“…This in turn affects both physical and mental health; in particular, depression, which is all too common in late life [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Previous research has shown that for older adults, social support serves as a protective factor [ 3 ] as the absence of social support increases the likelihood of depression [ 7 ]. Indeed, individuals with restricted social networks are at higher risk for depression [ 8 ].…”