Help-seeking preference in obtaining social support for older adults in depopulated areas

Objective: To clarify the circumstances of help-seeking preference among older adults in depopulated areas and the relationship between help-seeking preference and social support. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included a sample of 271 men and women aged 65-79 years living in Japan. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess help-seeking preference, social cohesion (community trust, norms of reciprocity and community attachment), socialising (interaction with neighbors and social network) and social support. Multiple regression analysis was performed with items that were found to be significantly associated with social support in the univariate analysis. Then, we examined the significance of the change in the coefficient of determination between a model that included help-seeking preference as an independent variable and a model that did not. Results: Social support was related to help-seeking preference, living arrangements, economic status, norms of reciprocity and social networks. There was a significant difference in the coefficient of determination between the models with and without help-seeking preference. Conclusions: For older adults in depopulated areas to obtain social support, it is important to build trusting relationships with others and shows a willingness to seek and accept help.