title: Mechanisms by which social support networks influence healthy aging among Thai community-dwelling elderly.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the relationships among family, friendship networks and supports, health-promoting behaviors, and healthy aging.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 469 Thai elderly persons was recruited using multistage random sampling. A structural equation model based on Berkman's conceptual model was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Family networks did not directly influence health-promoting behaviors but rather had an indirect effect through family support. Friendship networks had both a significant direct effect on the elderly health-promoting behaviors and an indirect effect via friendship support. Interestingly, friendships had both direct and indirect influences on family support to the elderly. Health-promoting behaviors had a powerful influence on healthy aging and play a significant role in mediating the relationship between family and friendship supports and healthy aging.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings demonstrate the importance of family and friendship roles on health-promoting behaviors and healthy aging. Intervention programs should be designed to include a collaborative approach involving family members and friends.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nursing, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. kattika99@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Kattika
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thanakwang
authors.forename: Kusol
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Soonthorndhada
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D013785:Thailand