Social Support and Morality Among Community Dwelling Elders

Abstract

Social support prevents mental and psychological distress of elderly people. Elderly individuals are revered and respected by family and friends. Many moral values elderly people can acquired through their relations with their children, friends and relatives. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support and morality among community dwelling elders. The study followed a descriptive correlational research design. It was conducted on 240 elders, at Damanhour and Alexandria governorate elders’ clubs. Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and The Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS) scales were used to collect the data of this study. The results revealed that there is a significant relationship between elders perceived social support and their level of morality.It was concluded that, there is a significant relation between morals and multi-dimensions perceived social support among community dwelling elders. There is a significant relation between Sons/daughters, relative visits and having friends and multidimensional perceived social support and morality.  Recommendations encompassed that increasing numbers of elders’ clubs with sufficient financial support; will permit elders to engage in club activities. Family members should respect the elders’ decisions, appreciate their personal achievements, as it will reflect that elders are still valued, wanted and useful; this will increase their feeling of satisfaction and enhance their morals. Elders must be encouraged to participate actively in the economic, political, social and cultural life of their societies.

Keywords: Social support, Morality, community dwelling elders

DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/70-02

Publication date: January 31^st 2020