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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 April 2012

A. K. FORSMAN ,
C. HERBERTS ,
F. NYQVIST ,
K. WAHLBECK  and
I. SCHIERENBECK
A. K. FORSMAN*
Affiliation:
Nordic School of Public Health NHV, Gothenburg, Sweden. THL National Institute for Health and Welfare, Mental Health Promotion Unit, Vaasa, Finland.
C. HERBERTS
Affiliation:
THL National Institute for Health and Welfare, Mental Health Promotion Unit, Vaasa, Finland.
F. NYQVIST
Affiliation:
THL National Institute for Health and Welfare, Mental Health Promotion Unit, Vaasa, Finland.
K. WAHLBECK
Affiliation:
THL National Institute for Health and Welfare, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Helsinki, Finland.
I. SCHIERENBECK
Affiliation:
School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
*
Address for correspondence: A. K. Forsman, THL National Institute for Health and Welfare, Mental Health Promotion Unit, Sarjakatu 2 C, 65320 Vaasa, Finland. E-mail: anna.forsman@thl.fi
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Abstract

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.

Keywords

social capitalmental wellbeingolder adultsfocus groupspopulation-based survey
Type
Articles
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 33 , Issue 5 , July 2013 , pp. 804 - 825
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012 

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