Evaluating the role of social support systems in enhancing the well-being of elderly individuals with disabilities.

Objective: The global rise in ageing populations has led to an increase in physical disabilities, challenging health, social care, and psychological support systems. In China, where the elderly population is the largest worldwide, these challenges are amplified by shifting family dynamics, urban migration, and insufficient community resources. As disability levels rise with age, supporting the psychological well-being of older adults becomes critical. While previous studies emphasise the positive effects of social support on elderly well-being, they often treat ageing and disability separately or focus narrowly on physical health. Little research has explored how different types of social support-subjective, objective, and utilisation-interact with internal coping mechanisms such as psychological resilience, particularly in culturally specific contexts like China.

Methods: This study examines how these forms of social support affect the well-being of older adults with disabilities, highlighting the mediating role of resilience. A structured survey involving 300 participants aged 60 and above was conducted across urban and rural regions in China. Using linear regression and path analysis, results were analysed.

Results: Results show that all three types of support significantly enhance well-being. Psychological resilience was identified as a partial mediator, with subjective support being the most influential factor.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of integrating both external and internal resources in eldercare strategies. The study offers valuable evidence for developing inclusive policies that promote emotional health and resilience among China's ageing population, addressing both their physical limitations and psychological needs.