Effect of Social Support on Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults in Low- and Middle-Income Countries of the Asian Region: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

ObjectiveTo summarize and compare the literature on social support and its effect on psychological well-being among older adults in low- and middle-income countries of the Asian region.DesignA Systematic review. The review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews with identification number CRD42022334415.Data SourcesRetrieved data from PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCO), PsycINFO, Scopus, and Cochrane Centre Register of Controlled Trials databases. The literature review was conducted from 2018 to 2024.Review MethodsThe review complies with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines.ResultsInitially, 4,615 records were identified using the predefined search strategy. Out of 95 articles selected for full-text screening, 27 met the inclusion criteria. This review identified family and friends as the primary source of social support, enhancing their overall well-being. The higher levels of social support, whether emotional, informational, companionship, or tangible, improve older adults' psychological well-being and quality of life, including reduced depression, anxiety, and loneliness.ConclusionsThe emotional and mental health of older adults can be diminished significantly due to the lack of adequate social support, leading to a cascade of adverse outcomes. This challenge is especially prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where older adults often struggle to access formal healthcare, social services, and a structured community support system. Promoting robust social networks is crucial for older adults' well-being and sustainable aging strategies in low-resource settings.