Potential associations between systemic inflammation and social support received by a sample of 120 older adults were examined here. Inflammatory markers, cognitive function, social support and psychosocial wellbeing were evaluated. A structural equation modelling approach was used to analyse the data. The model was a good fit 1082=256.13, p < 0.001; comparative fit index = 0.973; Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.962; root mean square error of approximation = 0.021; standardised root mean-square residual = 0.074). Chemokine levels were associated with increased age (β = 0.276), receipt of less social support from friends (β = –0.256) and body mass index (β = –0.256). Results are discussed in relation to social signal transduction theory.