This study focuses on the role of social support and personal coping resources in relation to mortality among older persons in the Netherlands.

Data are from a sample of 2,829 noninstitutionalized people aged between 55 and 85 years who took part in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam in 1992-1995.

Social support was operationally defined by structural, functional, and perceived aspects, and personal coping resources included measures of mastery, self-efficacy, and self-esteem.

Mortality data were obtained during a follow-up of 29 months, on average.

Cox proportional hazards regression models revealed that having fewer feelings of loneliness and greater feelings of mastery are directly associated with a reduced mortality risk when age, sex, chronic diseases, use of alcohol, smoking, self-rated health, and functional limitations are controlled for.

In addition, persons who received a moderate level of emotional support (odds ratio (OR)=0.49,95% confidence interval (Cl) 0.33-0.72) and those who received a high level of support (OR=0.68,95% Cl 0.47-0.98) had reduced mortality risks when compared with persons who received a low level of emotional support.

Receipt of a high level of instrumental support was related to a higher risk of death (OR=1.74,95% CI 1.12-2.69).

Interaction between disease status and social support or personal coping resources on mortality could not be demonstrated.