Neighborhood Social Capital and its Related Factors among Older Adults

Abstract

Despite the importance of neighborhood social capital in well-being and health outcomes, very few studies have focused on predictors of neighborhood social capital specially among older adults. This study sought to identify the factors related to neighborhood social capital among the older adults in Aran & Bidgol, Isfahan, Iran. The sample consisted of 414 community-dwelling individuals aged 60 years and older, which was chosen by the multistage clustered sampling procedure. Face-to-face interviews were administrated to gather data from older adults living in those selected neighborhoods. Bivariate analyses and linear multiple regressions were done to determine the relations between perceived neighborhood social capital and independent variables. The mean age of the participants was 70.43 years (SD=8.84 years) and more of them (77.3%) living with their wife. The mean social capital score was 4.98( ±1.99) and the mean percentage score was 15.48( ±6.64). Results showed that lower age, attachment to neighborhood, Possibility of recreational activities in the neighborhood, Know the number of neighbors and the satisfaction of the neighborhood, significantly contribute to higher neighborhood social capital (F= 5.149, R=0.14). Residence characteristics included satisfaction of home and possibility of recreational activities in the neighborhood had the strongest effect on the neighborhood social capital. This study was the first attempt to appraise neighborhood social capital and its predictors for Iranian older adults. Findings suggest that policy makers should consider such factors in improving social capital among older adults. Policies aimed at increasing attachment to the neighborhood and the possibility of recreational activities and leisure in the neighborhood can lead to higher levels of social capital.