Background and aims: In our research, we examined how the degree of perceived social support depends on factors (gender, age, marital status, health, giving up independent living) and how it is related to experiencing aging.

Methods: In our study, we used questionnaires examining social support, attitudes to ageing, life satisfaction, and depression in old age.

Results and discussion: Perceived social support shows a decreasing trend with age, and is lower in the case of singles, those in poor health, and those living in nursing homes. It can be said that all three types of support decreases with age at those living independent, but those living in nursing homes the social support is the lowest in the case of the youngest (65-74 years) and the highest at the of 75-89 years, and the instrumental support over 90 years old. Higher perceived social support results in higher levels of life satisfaction, lower level of depression and more positive experiences of ageing. It is important to note, however, that the support actually provided and the perceived support are not the same.