A MODEL OF RESOURCE NEEDS OF AGING SPINAL-CORD INJURED MEN

It has always been understood that those who deal effectively with a d isability call upon special resources that members of the able bodied population are not required to develop. However, the nature and relati onship of these resources to aging outcomes is as yet only superficial ly understood. The present study provides further information and clar ification about the resources needed for aging with a spinal cord inju ry. The sample consists of 70 individuals who have had a spinal cord i njury for at least 15 years, and who are currently over the age of 45, and are therefore either anticipating or experiencing aging. Data fro m the sample were examined to produce a model of resources empirically associated with positive outcomes in aging. Emotional support was fou nd to be positively related to the outcomes of life satisfaction, adju stment to disability and the absence of depressive symtomatology. Furt her, health concerns, financial security and instrumental support were also related to specific outcomes. These findings send a clear messag e to rehabilitation and community service providers to be watchful of survivors with limited social support, concerns about their health and an apparent lack of financial resources. The findings underline the n eed for better access to health services, and improved knowledge and a ttitudes of community health carl providers working with older disable d individuals.