Social support plays an important role in health and well-being of older adults – News-Medical

Report on the Impact of Social Support on Older Adults’ Health and Well-being in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

This report summarizes the findings of two recent studies from the University of Eastern Finland, which demonstrate the critical role of social support in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), particularly for older adults. The research establishes a direct link between social support systems and improved longevity and quality of life, underscoring the necessity of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

Key Findings: Longevity, Social Networks, and Community Resilience

A longitudinal study, the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE) study, provided evidence on the association between social support and mortality over a 21-year period. The findings directly support the objectives of SDG 3 and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by highlighting the health benefits of robust community ties.

• Reduced Mortality Risk: Access to both general and health-related social support was found to significantly reduce the mortality risk for older adults.
• Increased Longevity: On average, individuals with adequate social support lived two years longer than those without it, a significant metric for public health and SDG 3 targets.
• Importance of Diverse Social Networks: The study revealed that support from friends, neighbors, and colleagues, in addition to family, is vital for promoting survival. This finding emphasizes the role of inclusive and supportive communities (SDG 11) in fostering well-being.
• Age-Related Vulnerability: Contrary to expectations, individuals below 70 years of age lacking social support faced a higher mortality risk than their counterparts over 70, indicating a need for early and mid-life interventions.

Quality of Life for Home Care Recipients: Addressing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

A second study, utilizing data from the Old-age Social Exclusion in Home Care (SOLDEX) project, examined older adults receiving home care services. The results underscore the importance of social inclusion and support in mitigating inequalities faced by vulnerable populations, a core principle of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

• Social Support and Quality of Life: A strong positive association was identified between access to social support and a higher quality of life. Conversely, a lack of social support correlated with a lower quality of life.
• Contributing Factors: Psychological well-being, including reduced depression and enhanced functional abilities for daily activities, was shown to improve quality of life.
• Socioeconomic Indicators: The findings highlighted the role of higher education in shaping a better quality of life in later years, pointing to systemic inequalities that must be addressed under SDG 10.

Policy Recommendations for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

The research findings lead to several policy recommendations aimed at advancing the Sustainable Development Goals by improving the health and well-being of aging populations.

1. Foster Diverse Social Relationships: Implement policies that enable older adults to create and maintain social connections beyond immediate family, thereby strengthening community resilience in line with SDG 11 and promoting mental health as per SDG 3.
2. Integrate Social Needs into Healthcare: Develop home care services that recognize and address the social and psychological needs of older adults alongside their physical health requirements. This holistic approach is crucial for reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and ensuring comprehensive well-being (SDG 3).
3. Adopt a Life-Course Approach: Invest in preventative health and well-being measures throughout all stages of life, not just in old age, to build a foundation for healthy aging and achieve the long-term vision of SDG 3.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily addresses issues related to the health, well-being, and social inclusion of older adults. Based on this focus, the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are relevant:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The text directly links social support to health outcomes such as longevity, quality of life, and reduced mortality risk. It discusses psychological well-being, depression, and the need for preventative health measures, all of which are central to SDG 3.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article focuses on a specific demographic group—older adults—who can be vulnerable to social exclusion. By recommending policies to “enhance older adults’ ability to create and maintain social relationships,” the article advocates for the social inclusion of this age group, which is a core principle of SDG 10.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article highlights the importance of support from “friends, neighbours and colleagues,” which extends beyond the family unit. This implies the need for inclusive and supportive community structures that enable older adults to maintain these vital social connections, aligning with the goal of creating inclusive communities under SDG 11.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Several specific targets can be identified based on the issues discussed:

• Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health

  The article directly supports this target by stating that “having access to general and health-related social support reduced older adults’ mortality risk.” It also emphasizes promoting “psychological well-being, such as reducing depression,” which aligns with the mental health component of this target.

• Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services

  The discussion on home care services for older adults connects to this target. The article suggests that home care services should be developed by “recognizing and addressing older adults’ social needs alongside their health,” which points to improving the quality and holistic nature of health care for this group.

• Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age

  This target is addressed through the article’s focus on combating social exclusion among the elderly. The research findings underscore the need for “policies that enhance older adults’ ability to create and maintain social relationships beyond family relations,” directly promoting their social inclusion.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article implies several indicators that could be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 3.4 (Mortality and Well-being)

  The article provides direct and implied indicators:

  • Mortality Rate: The study’s finding that “older adults with social support lived two more years than those without it” and that support “reduced older adults’ mortality risk” directly relates to mortality rates as a key indicator. The “Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE) study” also points towards measuring mortality from non-communicable diseases.
  • Quality of Life / Well-being Score: The article explicitly states that “having access to social support was associated with a better quality of life.” This suggests that quality of life surveys among older adults, particularly those receiving home care, can serve as a measurable indicator.
  • Prevalence of Depression: The mention of “reducing depression” as a way to improve quality of life implies that the prevalence of depression among older adults is a relevant indicator for mental well-being.

• Indicator for Target 10.2 (Social Inclusion)

  The article implies an indicator for social inclusion:

  • Level of Social Support/Inclusion: The core theme of the article is the importance of social support. The study differentiates between support from “relatives only” versus a broader network including “friends, neighbours and colleagues.” This suggests that the “proportion of older adults with access to adequate social support networks” could be a key indicator to measure social inclusion and progress against the issues highlighted in the SOLDEX project on “Old-age Social Exclusion.”

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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