Individual measures of social support may have limited impact on physiological parameters among elderly Kuwaitis.

Relatively few biomarkers associated significantly with individual social support measures in a way that suggests improved health for those with more support. As such, some measures of social support may not be universally beneficial across cultures. Additionally, the high degree of respect for and integration of elders in Kuwait society may collectively buffer against negative effects. Cross-cultural comparisons are critical to better understand how social support influences morbidity and mortality across populations.