Health, Social Support, and the Utilization of Health Services among Older Adults

Abstract

This study examined the role of social support in relation to health status and health service utilization. The analyses draw on data from interviews with a stratified random sample of 1,284 noninstitutionalized adults aged 60 and over living in the province of Manitoba, Canada. The findings reveal differences depending upon the type of support (instrumental, emotional) and type of service (medical, hospital, home care) involved. Significant interactions are found between dimensions of support and of health status, suggesting the differential importance of social support across levels of health-related need.