Collectively these major risk factors have been studied elaborately in reference to their contribution in developing depression (Hays, Flint, Blazer, 1997). .
Depression constitutes a major growing health concern in contemporary society. Depressive symptoms are considered to be the most common mental health problem in later life affecting up to 20 percent of people 65 and over. Moreover, some studies indicate that up to 38 percent of non-institutionalised elderly people report significant depressive symptoms (Cuijpers & Van Lammeren, 1999). If left untreated, depression can afflict a variety of negative outcomes. For instance, depressive symptoms complicate the treatment of physical illness, increase the risk of developing new illnesses and mortality. Not to mention the increased use of health care resources (Katrona, 1994, cited in Cummings, Neff & Husaini, 2003). .
A significant challenge to the health care community is to better understand the effects of social support to an elderly person's deteriorating health. In terms of allocating funds difficulty in deciding which support networks would best assist the dilemma of depression is confronted when research results vary. Although there is a substantial amount of evidence supporting the theory that social support modifies the effects of stress, there are those who criticize its effectiveness. In regard to the elderly population, social support systems can provide tangible goods, information and advice related to social services, and instrumental help with activities to deter further deterioration of health. Nevertheless, the positive association between psychological well-being and social support is more prominent than the association between physical well-being and social support (Cohen & Wills, 1985, cited in Choi & Wodarski, 1996). Even though some studies have indicated that a lack of social support can be associated with increased morbidity, deteriorating health, and a higher likelihood of hospitalisation, others have found no association at all.