1- Department of Social Sciences, School of Literature and Humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
2- Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, School of Literature and Humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
3- Department of Social Sciences, School of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Quchan Branch, Quchan, Iran
Abstract: (1404 Views)
Background: A major stage of human life is old age which is characterized by particular needs, desires, and concerns. The present study was conducted to investigate the role of social support in the general health of the elderly.Methods: A survey method was adopted in this study and data were collected using a questionnaire. The study population consisted of all senior citizens of over 65 years of age in Mashhad, Iran, from among whom a sample of 265 individuals was selected. For the purpose of sampling, a mixture of stratified and multi-stage cluster sampling was used. The data were collected from 9 urban neighborhoods in the city of Mashhad in the year 2015. Moreover, regression test, Pearson correlation, and independent t-test were used for data analysis.Findings: The results showed that the general health of the elderly was at an average level, with the highest level of general health belonging to the subscale of social health. Moreover, social support of the elderly was at an average level, with the greatest support belonging to the subscale of emotional support. The results of independent t-test showed that the general health of men was significantly higher than women. Among the various aspects of social support, the emotional dimension had the greatest impact on the general health of the elderly.Conclusion: According to the results of this study, emotional support had the highest effect on the general health of the elderly, but it should be noted that other requirements of the elderly such as support service, financial support, and counseling should also be met.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
education health and promotion Received: 2020/07/16 | Accepted: 2021/01/10 | Published: 2021/01/10