Does the source of support matter for different health outcomes? Findings from the Normative Aging Study

Objectives: This study investigated the differential relationships between different types and sources of social support and physical and mental health. Methods: Using data from the Normative Aging Study, 1.386 older men (median age = 62.7 years) were categorized into four groups separately for frequency of interaction with networks and perceived support. Results: More than half the sample reported high levels of support from both sources. One-way ANOVAs revealed that those with high perceived support from both sources reported better physical health and fewer depressive symptoms than those with low support from both sources or high support from family alone. Similarly, those with high perceived support from both sources had lower levels of depressive symptoms than those with low support from both sources, but frequency of contact was unrelated to physical health. Discussion: In general, those with high support from both family and friends reported the highest level of well-being.