Analysis of the Relationship between Selection, Optimization and Compensation Strategies and the Need for Family Support in Elderly People

Recent decades have brought significant changes to human aging, leading to the development of the SOC model (Selection, Optimization, and Compensation) as an intervention strategy. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between SOC strategies and the need for family support among older adults. A quantitative, correlational, and cross-sectional design was employed, using a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 99 individuals over the age of 60, all of whom practiced water aerobics in Dois Irmãos, Rio Grande do Sul. Results indicated that loss-based selection was the most frequently used strategy (83%), reflecting a focus on prioritizing what is truly important and fostering greater autonomy. Conversely, the least used strategy—relying on others to compensate for diminished abilities—was reported by only 39.4% of participants. These findings highlight a high level of autonomy within the sample, with family support being sought mainly in exceptional circumstances, such as illness or major decisions. Overall, the study suggests that increased use of SOC strategies is associated with reduced dependence on family support, reinforcing the importance of promoting autonomy in aging.