Family function, social support and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults: the moderating role of gender

Social support is a key factor in maintaining a good standard of health and quality of life for older people. This study aimed to assess the moderating role of gender on relations among social support functions and quality of life among Iranian older adults. The cross-sectional study was conducted in Qom, Iran, from May to October 2020. Three hundred older residents in a community were selected from retirement centers via the cluster sampling method. Data were collected by a questionnaire containing items on the family APGAR scale, Social Support survey, and Leipad elderly quality of life questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Social support was positively and significantly associated with quality of life. Multiple regression revealed that for both males and females, tangible support (β = -0.19; p = 0.015), Positive social interaction (β = 0.18; p = 0.047), and Affectionate support (β = 0.19; p = 0.012) as the significant predictors of quality of life. The results of moderated regression analyses demonstrated self-care was improved as a result of higher social support functions in males but not in females. However, the higher participation and affection of family APGAR was related to better physical functioning in females. The results indicated that social support on quality of life is different with gender in some domains among Iranian older people. These findings have important theoretical and practical implications.