Associations between anticipated support, physical functioning, and education level among a nationally representative sample of older adults.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which levels of anticipated support reported by older adults are associated with functional disability. In addition, level of education is tested as a modifier of this relationship.

METHOD

Survey data were collected from a nationwide sample of 1,103 adults aged 60 to 95. Ordinary least squares regression analysis was used to test a range of model specifications involving anticipated support and functional disability.

RESULTS

Levels of anticipated support are inversely associated with functional disability. Risk for functional disability is confined mostly to those reporting lower than average levels of anticipated support. This association is particularly strong with respect to instrumental support and among those older adults with low levels of education.

DISCUSSION

These findings expand our understanding of the benefits of social relationships by suggesting that the perception of access to social support may enhance physical functioning in older age.