Genetic and environmental influences on social support: the Swedish adoption/twin study of aging

Several studies on aging have examined the role of social support systems in contributing to the well-being and quality of later life. Most studies tend to focus on the environmental rather than the genetic factors influencing the motivation and ability to form and maintain social support systems during later life. Genetic factors may influence a person's tendency to be sociable and an individual's perception of the environment. Social support refers to the existence of social ties, such as marriage, and the quality and quantity of these relationships. The genetic and environmental factors affecting two aspects of social support, social networks and perceived adequacy of these networks, were examined. Social networks are the 'web' of relationships that surround a person, and are characterized by size of network, strength of ties, and frequency of contact among members of the network. Perceived adequacy of the social networks is measured by the satisfaction with the support system and the extent to which the interactions are available and helpful. The Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (SATSA) involved 424 pairs of twins, aged 50 years and over. The subjects were 64 pairs of identical twins and 132 pairs of fraternal twins that had been reared apart, and 95 pairs of identical twins and 133 pairs of fraternal twins that were raised together. The results of this study showed that genetic factors were important in perceived adequacy of social support systems, but had little influence on the quantity of social relationships. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)