23. The role of social networks and disability in survival

Disability involves functional decline and/or difficulties in performing roles or activities. The possibility of developing a disability and the risk of death both increase in late life. However, social relations may prevent or alleviate disability by providing information, giving personal or practical support, promoting self-affirmation and encouraging self-efficacy. Social ties can also modify individual biological processes that may lead to disability-related health conditions. Thus, social relations constitute an important factor in the disablement process (Verbrugge and Jette, 1994).