Quality of support in the social networks of older Filipino church members: an exploratory study

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults,Volume 19, Issue 1, Page 42-53, March 2018. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the quality of social relationships of older Filipino church members by determining their perceptions of support and non-support in their social network. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach with semi-structured interviews was utilized. A purposive sample of six Filipino older adults (ages 60-89) were invited and agreed to participate in the study. Findings The themes found in the study confirmed the types of support outlined in social convoy theory. Several unique nuances in the types of support and non-support between the interactions of older adult Filipinos with people very close to them, somewhat close to them, and merely acquainted with them were identified. The themes of support include instrumental support, emotional care, social connectedness, and companionship during engagement in activities. Themes characterising lack of support include disrespect and lack of understanding, constraining one ’s actions, helplessness in responding to the other’s needs, non-dependability and non-reliability, difficulty in maintaining social connections, making it difficult to play a desired or expected role. Research limitations/implications The study’s limitations are the small sample size, the q uality of support explored only through nominating two members of each level of closeness in the older adults’ social convoy, samp...
Source: Quality in Ageing and Older Adults - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research