The relationship between perceived social support and depression and cognitive skills in individuals over 65 years of age

Objevtive: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived social support and depression and cognitive skills in the elderly. Method: The current research consisted of 109 participants (68 male and 61 female) aged above 65 selected from 8 differend Semt Konağı in Kocaeli. The participants completed the informed consent form, sociodemographic data and information form, the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) respectively. Results: When the findings of the research were examined, a significant and negative relationship between depression levels, cognitive skills and perceived social support was observed. It is observed that the perceived social support and cognitive skills decrease as the level of depression increases. Conclusion: According to the findings from this research, It is observed that the effect of depression on cognitive skills is provided by perceived social support. Furthermore, individuals aged 65 and above with different sociodemographic characteristics showed significant differences in perceived social support, depression and cognitive skills. All results have been discussed with regard to past research. Key Words: Old age, perceived social support, depression, cognitive skill