Social support linked to lower death risk in older adults
Among older adults with kidney disease, higher versus lower support was linked to lower death risk—a hazard ratio of 0.83, comparing rates over time.
An observational cohort study included 2,616 adults aged 65 or older with chronic kidney disease who were not dependent on dialysis, which filters waste from blood. They completed a social-network questionnaire between 2013 and 2018. Researchers followed them until death, withdrawal or October 2024. The questionnaire classified 23% as having low social support.
Higher support was associated with lower death risk across the cohort. Researchers also reported this association among women, Hispanic participants and adults aged 70 or older. Support from friends, but not family, was linked to lower death risk. Higher support was not linked to hospitalisation risk overall, but was linked to lower risk among women and adults aged 70 or older. Social support was not associated with kidney disease progression.
Why it matters
The study addressed how social relationships fit into health risks in later life for people with chronic kidney disease.
Caveats
The observational design cannot show that social support caused the differences in outcomes. Support was assessed using a questionnaire, and the findings concern older adults with chronic kidney disease who were not dependent on dialysis.
