Exploration of social support systems for older adults: a preliminary study

To explore the lived experience of older adults participating regularly in a social support network group in the community.

Hermeneutic phenomenology was employed for this preliminary study as little was known about the lived experience of older adults engaged with peers. Six older adults, four females and two males, volunteered to participate in a focus group interview for the purpose of testing interview techniques and questions and to examine alternative lines of enquiry for subsequent interviews. The group interview was transcribed verbatim and analysed to gain meaning of the phenomena under study.

Being a member of a group, where peer support was experienced, was extremely important and this support assisted in the maintenance of physical and psychological well-being of individual group members.

As a result of this study a greater understanding of what is meaningful to older adults in terms of social support, and the importance of network systems and peer contact was made clearer. By appreciating the need for older adults to engage regularly in a support group with their peers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals can promote the health of older adults for whom they provide care. Interview techniques were perceived to be appropriate.