AGING METRICS: TOOLS FOR ASSESSING CONDITION AND SOCIAL SUPPORT IN ELDERLY PEOPLE

Abstract

Social support is a fundamental pillar of aging, defined as the set of resources (emotional, informational, and instrumental) that a person receives through their network of contacts. These resources are essential for promoting well-being and quality of life. Social support manifests itself in two main forms: informal support, which is the most common, coming from emotional ties such as family, friends, and neighbors, and formal support, which is offered by professional services and organizations, such as hospitals, community centers, religious groups, and social assistance programs. To measure the complexity of this network, several assessment instruments have been developed. The Social Support Questionnaire is a widely used tool that assesses older adults' perceptions of the availability and sufficiency of the support they receive. Another relevant instrument is the Banziger Social Support Inventory, which assesses the frequency, satisfaction, and type of support received in different spheres of life. The use of these instruments allows health professionals and social workers to identify gaps in older adults' social support, such as isolation or family burden, and plan effective interventions. Assessing social status is crucial, as robust social support is directly associated with a lower incidence of depression, greater resilience, and better overall health, consolidating its role as a protective factor in the aging process.