Informal social support of elderly coping in the community: fifty old people share about their experiences

Abstract

The present research attempted to evaluate the availability of potential help, to identify and discuss the types and sources of support which the elderly receive and how they cope in order to maintain themselves in the community. The sample consisted of 50 community-based people (28 females and 22 males) aged 60 years and above living within the Wellington city region and its suburbs. The research methods used for this study consisted of the focused interview and a questionnaire. Three measures were included in the questionnaire -- namely, the Philadelphia Geriatric Morale Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale and a method devised by McAllister and Fischer (1978) to measure the size of support networks. For this study, the primary basis of analysis related to a descriptive and interpretive approach -- focusing on the verbatim comments and shared experiences of the elderly. The statistical and comparative approach played a secondary role in the analysis of the findings. It was apparent that most of the elderly regarded independence (especially from family) as being very important. Even in situations of physical incapacities, those elderly managed to maintain a realistic degree of autonomy. Mutual exchange of support (ie. reciprocity) seemed to be affected by the residential proximity of their kin (in particular, their adult children). Different definitions of friendships by the elderly have implications as to which elderly would be more at risk to loneliness and the depletion of size of support networks. Both friends and neighbours were perceived to be rich sources of support in terms of being confidants and sympathetic listeners, and during periods of crisis. In the present research, it was also examined whether or not kinship relations and friendships were interchangeable in providing support for the elderly. Voluntary associations and clubs were also an important source of providing both instrumental and emotional support. It was evident that intergenerational voluntary groups (those having members of mixed ages) were more viable in their provision of support for the elderly. A minority in the elderly people studied were judged to be very lonely and experiencing low morale. This minority of elderly had small support networks. From this study it was apparent that the elderly were relatively well-integrated and well-supported in the community.