Understanding the role of social capital for mental wellbeing among older adults

Previous research applying quantifiable measurements has established significant positive associations between social capital and mental health in older adults. This study aimed to obtain a deeper understanding of the causal mechanisms of social capital affecting mental wellbeing among older people....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ageing and society 2013-07, Vol.33 (5), p.804-825
Main Authors: FORSMAN, A. K., HERBERTS, C., NYQVIST, F., WAHLBECK, K., SCHIERENBECK, I.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
adult
Aged
Biological and medical sciences
Cultural Capital
Elderly
elderly population
Finland
focus groups
Friendship
Gerontologi, medicinsk/hälsovetenskaplig inriktning
Gerontology, specialising in Medical and Health Sciences
local participation
Medical and Health Sciences
Medical sciences
Medicin och hälsovetenskap
Mental Health
mental wellbeing
Miscellaneous
older adults
Older people
population-based survey
Public health. Hygiene
Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine
Social capital
social capital
mental wellbeing
older adults
focus groups
population-based survey
Social Contact
social network
Social Participation
Social Support
survey
Trust
Well Being
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Summary:Previous research applying quantifiable measurements has established significant positive associations between social capital and mental health in older adults. This study aimed to obtain a deeper understanding of the causal mechanisms of social capital affecting mental wellbeing among older people. The study is based on two independent qualitative data materials collected through two focus group interviews and an open-ended question included in a Finnish population-based postal survey. The findings indicate that informal social contacts such as family members and life-long relationships between friends impact the experienced mental wellbeing among older adults due to shared life events, social support, mutual appreciation and trust, as well as a sense of belonging through common social activities. Hence, this study challenges Putnam's idea of social capital as a collective concept focusing on formal contacts and the benefits on a collective level. In addition, the findings highlight the obstacles specific to older adults in maintaining social networks and participation, which should be considered in order to promote mental health in later life.
ISSN:0144-686X
1469-1779
1469-1779
DOI:10.1017/S0144686X12000256