C. Mccamish-svensson et al., Informal and formal support from a multi-disciplinary perspective: a Swedish follow-up between 80 and 82 years of age, HEAL SOC C, 7(3), 1999, pp. 163-176
This longitudinal study used a multi-disciplinary approach and examined the
relationship between psychosocial and health characteristics and the patte
rn of informal and formal support for non-institutionalized very old people
. The data were derived from a single cohort of 80-year-old people living i
n Lund, Sweden who were followed over a 3-year period. In order to account
for potential sample bias, an analysis at 80 years measured the differences
between the participants who were measured at both test periods, the drop-
outs who discontinued from the study prior to 82 years, and the deceased wh
o died prior to 82 years (n = 212). Results revealed that the groups differ
ed significantly according to reported number of children and health measur
es: the participants were most likely to have children and exhibited the be
st health. Bivariate analyses examined social, psychological and health var
iables for survivors (n = 93) at both 80 and 82 years in relationship to in
dependent, informal, and formal support type. Loneliness was significantly
and consistently associated with support type at both 80 and 82 years: both
frequency and strength of loneliness were most often reported in the forma
l support group. Depression was significantly related to support type at ag
e 80 only. Looking at change in the psychosocial and health measures and ch
ange in support over the 3-year period, no significant relationships were f
ound. Our study concludes that for the very old, in addition to requiring i
ncreased support over a 3-year period, loneliness is a significant characte
ristic that may accompany the receipt of support. Professionals who plan an
d implement social support programmes for elderly persons should also consi
der emotional and psychological needs.