Satisfaction with support given and its association with subsequent health status

Objectives: This study investigates health outcomes of older individuals who reported on their level of satisfaction with support given to family, friends, or community organizations. Methods: A 3-year prospective cohort study of women aged 65 and older. Results: Higher scores on the giving support scale predicted better lower-body function (β = .06; SE .02; p= .02) and less ADL difficulty (β = -.18; SE .04; p= .0001). The scale was also significantly associated with future hospitalization and death. Women in the lowest quartile were 28% more likely to be hospitalized (relative risk [RR] 1.28; 95% CI 1.00 - 1.65; p=.05) and 52% more likely to die (RR 1.52; 95% CI 1.03 - 2.26; p=.03) compared with those who scored in the highest quartile. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that level of satisfaction with support given to family or friends or the community is associated with future health of the older person.