title: Functional disability and psychological well-being in later life: does source of support matter?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study explored the buffering effects of instrumental and emotional support from different sources against the impact of increasing functional disability on depression and life satisfaction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Random effects modeling was utilized with data from a nationwide longitudinal study in Taiwan. A total of 6722 observations from 2856 elders over a seven-year period served as subjects of this study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results suggested that instrumental support from family members and formal organizations as well as emotional support from families, friends and formal organizations was significantly associated with better psychological well-being among the elderly in Taiwan. In addition, receiving instrumental support from family members and formal organizations can moderate the linkage between increasing functional disability and depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results emphasize the importance of encouraging a partnership between natural helpers and health care professionals. A good integration between formal and informal networks could more effectively meet the needs of the frail older adults and their families. This study also calls for more attention to the cultural competence of health care policy and service delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, Tzu Chi University, Taiwan. jill090500@gmail.com
authors.forename: Shiau-Fang
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Chao
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012944:Social Support; D013624:Taiwan