Social capital as a resource for mental well-being in older people: A systematic review

Abstract

Social capital has previously been reviewed in relation to mental health. However, none have focused specifically on positive aspects of mental health such as mental well-being. This review aimed to explore the relationship between social capital and mental well-being in older people. Ten relevant databases were systematically searched using an extensive search strategy for studies, analyzing the link between social capital and mental well-being. Criteria for inclusion in the systematic review were: the study sample included older people (≥50 years); the study reported a mental well-being outcome; social capital was an exposure variable; and empirical research using quantitative methods and published in English, between January 1990 and September 2011. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Each study was assessed against seven possible exposure measures (structural, cognitive; bonding, bridging, linking; individual, collective). The results showed that all included studies found positive associations between parts of social capital and aspects of mental well-being. Typically, the relationship between social capital and mental well-being differed within as well as between studies. Our results highlight that there is no 'gold standard' of how to measure social capital or mental well-being. Social capital is generated in the interaction between individual and collective life. A possibility for future research is therefore to follow Bronfenbrenner's classical division into macro, meso, and micro levels. We consider family and friends at the micro level to be the key factors in generating social capital and well-being in older people.

Relationship between Social Capital and Cognitive Functions among Community-Based Elderly

“…Thus, the present study measured only one (networks) component of social capital. In this regard, Nyqvist et al also pointed out the lack of a gold standard for the measurement of social capital in past researches [8]. In the future, it would be desirable to measure social capital more comprehensively, by encompassing all the components described above.…”

“…A systematic review of studies that focused on the elderly also suggested the existence of a positive correlation between social capital and mental health [8].…”

Healthy and active ageing: Social capital in health promotion

“…While some have seen a risk of enhancing social inequalities through the implementation of social capital-based health promotion initiatives, 19 a recent systematic review of studies published between 1990 and 2011 found positive associations between elements of social capital and aspects of mental well-being among older adults. 20 …”

Estratégia de Saúde da Família: recursos comunitários na atenção à saúde mental

“…The debates surrounding the social capital concept have been playing quite a relevant role in fields related to health, community and participation, allowing for reflection processes that stem from micro (individual, personal or family resources) and macro (neighborhood, community, formal and informal groups) levels. (10) The city approached by this study counts on a wide array of formal and informal support sources that can be considered as potential resources toward developing intersectorial actions within the territory. Nonetheless, the social capital conception implies not only the existence of resources, but also the establishment of correlations among the resources, aiming at promoting exchange pathways.…”