Influence of Social Support Systems on Dietary Intake of the Elderly

Abstract

Various forms of social support have been found to have positive associations with good health and preventative health behavior while other forms have negative consequences. Considering dietary intake as a form of preventative behaiovr, this exploratory research examines the association of various types of social support systems with nutrient intake. The findings suggest that social supports which include close physical proximity (marriage, neighbors, religious salience) as opposed to simple emotional attachments to relatives, friends, and community, are significantly associated with higher intakes of specific nutrients. It is also suggested that support systems in which the elderly individual may feel dependent (relatives, friends, community) could possibly have negative consequences for dietary intake.