Objective:

Identify the factors that explain the social support components of the elderly.

Methods:

Quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical study of a source of primary information, obtained from surveys of older adults. The sample was 1452 people selected by probabilistic sampling by cluster, two-stage. In Medellín, Barranquilla and Pasto. To measure the perceived social support, the Medical. Results Study Social Support Survey was applied. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed, statistical and epidemiological measures were calculated. Statistical associations considered with a p value of less than 5% were considered.

Results:

In relation to the social support components of the elderly, with an adequate condition: emotional support (92%); instrumental support (93.2%); positive social interaction (92.2%); affective support (93.2%) and in the total evaluation (91.9%). The city of Pasto was the one that selected the lowest percentages, in the different components. Perceiving good social support was a predominant condition in older adults: with a partner, without depression, affiliated with the General System of Social Security in Health, happy (through the Lima happiness scale), who live with at least two relatives, with proper family functioning, they do not perceive ill-treatment within their family, they have at least four close friends, they do not feel discriminated against, they do not leave them constantly alone and they have someone to take care of them permanently.

Conclusion:

Being from the city of Medellín, having a partner, feeling happy, not being alone, as well as not having depression, important factors in each of the components of social support.

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