Age and social support perception in Eastern Europe: Social change and support in four rapidly changing countries

Despite a growing literature on social support processes across the life-span, few studies have examined support perceptions in societies undergoing rapid social transition. This study reports data on age, support and mental health from 2672 participants in four former Soviet nations. Results suggest a small but significant decline in overall support across age (r = -.12), with this slope significantly influenced by nationality and gender. Mental health also declines with age (r = -.15), with tangible support having the greatest mediational effect on the age-mental health relationship. These findings are discussed in the light of the continuing economic and social strains influencing the inhabitants of this region.