Effects of Different Types of Perceived Social Support on Changes in Subjective Health among Older Adults: A Focus on Gender Differences

Abstract

Purpose: This longitudinal study aimed to investigate which types of perceived social support are associated with changes in subjective health over time among Korean older adults. We further explored whether these associations vary by older adults' gender.Methods: The current study examined 3,650 older adults drawn from additional survey data of the 6th and 7th waves of the Korean Retirement and Income Study (KReIS). Data were analyzed using hierarchical linear regression analyses.Results: Higher perceived instrumental and emotional supports significantly associated with less decline in subjective health over 2 years. Gender only moderated the association between emotional support and changes in subjective health. That is, higher emotional support associated with less decline in subjective health among older women, but not among older men.Conclusion: These findings suggest that instrumental support is the strongest predictor of older adults' changes in health over time, indicating the need for public supports for those who lack instrumental support from their social ties. Health promotion programs for older women should aim to enhance their perceived emotional support to protect them from faster declines in subjective health over time.