Social Support and Perceptions of Aging among Middle-Aged Adults: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Perceptions of aging formed in midlife significantly influence long-term health and well-being, with social support being a key determinant of these perceptions. Existing studies syntheses focus predominantly on older adults (65+), creating a gap in our understanding of how social support shapes aging perceptions specifically during middle adulthood (ages 40-60). This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on the relationship between social support and perceptions of aging among middle-aged adults. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we systematically searched Scopus, EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, and JSTOR in July 2025. Of 627 records, 13 quantitative studies met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies were primarily cross-sectional (n=11) and geographically concentrated in East Asia (n=7). Three key themes emerged: (1) a bidirectional relationship between social support and aging perceptions; (2) social support as a buffer against aging anxiety, especially emotional and spousal support; and (3) the influence of life stage and social structure. The findings highlight the potential influence of cultural context, with preliminary evidence suggesting differences between family-centred support models in East Asia and more diverse networks in Western contexts. Midlife is a critical period for shaping aging trajectories through social support. However, the evidence base is limited by methodological homogeneity and geographic concentration. The review maps existing evidence and identifies priorities for future research and intervention development.