Seeman et al. The elderly individual's perception and satisfaction with the support network are also important aspects affecting physical health. The majority of studies assessing the value of social support on physical functioning have shown this factor to be beneficial to the elderly person. The researchers suggested a possible direct physiological effect of emotional support. Health professionals involved in prevention and rehabilitation of physical illnesses can use this information in optimizing the patient's therapy by including family, friends, or other social networks.
Various studies show that the advantages of social support are numerous.
The elderly population are faced with greater life stresses such as loss of loved ones and declining health. The ability to cope with life stresses can affect physical health. The therapist can get a better idea of the elderly individual's onset of physical illness or ability to recover by assessing the social support network. Impairments with activities of daily living make the elderly individual more at risk to being admitted to a nursing home. A few studies have examined the effects of social support on rehabilitative potential.