Social Support, Socio-Economic Status, Health and Abuse among Older People in Seven European Countries

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054856
• Publication Date: 2013-01-30T22:27:02Z
• Authors: Maria Gabriella M...; Carlos Chiatti; Giovanni Lamura; Francisco Torres-...; Mindaugas Stankunas; Jutta Lindert; Elisabeth Ioannid...; Henrique Barros; Gloria Macassa; Joaquim F. J. Soares
• Keywords: Spouse; Elder Abuse; Vulnerability

Background Social support has a strong impact on individuals, not least older individuals with health problems. A lack of network and poor family or social relations may be crucial in later life, represent risk factors for elder abuse. This study focused the associations between support, demographics/socio-economics, variables mistreatment. Methods The cross-sectional data was collected by means interviews interviews/self-response during January-July 2009, among sample 4,467 demented aged 60–84 years living seven European countries (Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Sweden). Results Multivariate analyses showed that women persons large households spouse/partner other were more likely to experience high levels support. Moreover, frequent use care services low scores depression discomfort due physical complaints indicators Low related age abuse, particularly psychological Conclusions High protective factor reducing both vulnerability people On basis these results, policy makers, clinicians researchers could act developing intervention programmes facilitate friendships activities old age.