Aging, Social Support Systems, and Social Policy

Abstract

This paper presents an operationalization of the concept of informal social support systems as derived from a statewide study of the problems of the elderly in Texas. The extent of such support systems is shown to be consistently related to a variety of psychological states, demographic characteristics, and other social variables. These findings lead to the conclusion that the extent of informal social support is an important variable in understanding the social needs ofthe elderly. The social policy implications of these findings are discussed.