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Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology

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Social support, caregiving, and aging.

Neena L Chappell¹, Laura M Funk

¹Centre on Aging and Department of Sociology, University of Victoria. nlc@uvic.ca

Canadian Journal on Aging = La Revue Canadienne Du Vieillissement

|July 20, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Social support and caregiving research in gerontology has expanded, yet definitions and measurements lack consensus. Despite challenges, social support is recognized as a key health determinant, influencing policy and future research directions.

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Last Updated: May 30, 2026

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology

Published on: May 22, 2026

Area of Science:

Gerontology
Sociology
Public Health

Background:

The body of literature on social support and caregiving in gerontology has significantly expanded since the early 1990s.
Despite growth, a lack of consensus persists regarding the precise meaning and measurement of key terms.
Current research trends show sustained interest in practical assistance, benefits of social support, and caregiver burdens, with emerging focus on theoretical aspects and support's impact.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the international English-language literature on social support and caregiving in gerontology.
To identify trends, gaps, and shifts in research focus over the past decades.
To highlight the evolving recognition of social support as a social determinant of health.

Main Methods:

Systematic literature review of English-language publications.
Analysis of research trends and thematic focus since the early 1990s.
Synthesis of findings on definitions, measurement, outcomes, and policy implications.

Main Results:

Significant growth in research volume but a deficit in definitional and measurement consensus.
Continued emphasis on practical support and caregiver outcomes, with increasing attention to theoretical questions and positive caregiving consequences.
Social support is increasingly acknowledged as a social determinant of health, influencing policy agendas.

Conclusions:

Social support remains a critical factor throughout the lifespan, including old age.
Future research will likely continue to explore social support within evolving societal contexts.
Despite ongoing questions, the importance of social support in various forms is undeniable and will persist.