Health Consequences of Online Social Capital among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China

This study draws on Bourdieu’s theory of capitals to analyze the relative importance of economic, cultural, and social capital on health behaviors in Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Based on data from the China Family Panel Studies of 2016 (N = 15,147), we first harnessed a binary logistic regression model to discuss the associations between the three capitals and four types of health behaviors (i.e., physical exercise, smoking, binge drinking and stay-up). Using the sheaf coefficients technique, we then compared the relative effects of three of the capitals on health behaviors. The results suggest that cultural capital is the most influential one, which would significantly increase physical exercise and stay-up behaviors, and reduce smoking and binge drinking behaviors. Economic capital is also an important predictor, that may reduce smoking behavior but increase binge drinking and stay-up behaviors. Social capital has shown the least importance, although it would still be saliently associated with physical exercise, smoking and stay-up behaviors. In addition, some significant group disparities are also identified. This article is one of the first to explain health behavior inequalities through a Bourdieusian capital-based approach in Chinese contexts.

Download Full-text

Dog ownership, dog walking, and social capital

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications ◽

10.1057/s41599-021-00804-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Javad Koohsari ◽

Akitomo Yasunaga ◽

Ai Shibata ◽

Kaori Ishii ◽

Rina Miyawaki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Capital ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Future Research ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Dog Walking ◽

Dog Ownership ◽

Dog Owners ◽

Middle Aged Adults

AbstractEvidence for social pathways to health benefits for dog owners appears positive but less well-developed. Our study aimed to estimate the differences in social capital by dog ownership and dog walking status among young-to-middle-aged adults and older adults in Japan. Data from 3606 residents living in Japan were used. Data on social capital, dog ownership, and dog walking were collected by questionnaires. Age-stratified multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate differences in social capital scores by dog ownership and dog walking status. Among young-to-middle-aged adults, the mean of the activities with neighbours score, adjusted for covariates, was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the dog owner walkers group compared to the non-dog owners group. Among older adults, no significant differences in the marginal means of social capital scores were observed between the three groups of non-dog owners, dog owner non-walkers, and dog owner walkers. While the benefits of social capital for a healthy lifestyle have been well-documented, few means have been identified to intervene in social capital. Building on and expanding the known health benefits of dog ownership and dog walking, this study revealed modest support for the link between dog walking and activities with neighbours among young-to-middle-aged adults, but no meaningful associations were found for older adults. Additionally, no significant link was observed between dog walking and social cohesion among either age group. Future research can further improve the use of dog-based behavioural health interventions for fostering social capital.

Download Full-text

Personal social capital and self-rated health among middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional study exploring the roles of leisure-time physical activity and socioeconomic status

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-10043-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Youngdeok Kim ◽

Tim Schneider ◽

Eric Faß ◽

Marc Lochbaum

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Capital ◽

Household Income ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Bridging Social Capital ◽

Self Rated Health ◽

Bonding And Bridging

Abstract Background Personal social capital, which refers to the scope and quality of an individual’s social networks within a community, has received increasing attention as a potential sociological factor associated with better individual health; yet, the mechanism relating social capital to health is still not fully understood. This study examined the associations between social capital and self-rated health while exploring the roles of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and socioeconomic status (SES) among middle-aged and older adults. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from 662 middle-aged and older adults (Mean age: 58.11 ± 10.59 years old) using the Qualtrics survey panel. Personal Social Capital Scale was used to measure bonding and bridging social capital and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess LTPA levels. SES was assessed by education and household income levels. Self-rated health was assessed using a single item, by which the participants were categorized into the two groups, having ‘good’ vs. ‘not good’ self-rated health. A series of univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were established to examine the independent and adjusted associations of social capital with self-rated health and to test mediating and moderating roles of LTPA and SES, respectively. Results Bonding and bridging social capital were positively associated with self-rated health (Odds ratios = 1.11 and 1.09; P’s < .05, respectively), independent of LTPA that was also significantly associated with greater self-rated health (P-for-linear trends = .007). After adjusting SES, the associations of social capital were significantly attenuated and there was a significant interaction effect by household income (P-for-interaction = .012). Follow-up analyses stratified by household income showed that beneficial associations of social capital with self-rated health were more apparent among the people with low and high levels of household income; yet, LTPA was the stronger predictor of self-rated health among those in the middle class of household income. Conclusions Findings suggest that both social capital and LTPA are associated with better self-rated health; yet, these associations vary by SES. The health policymakers should address both social capital and LTPA for enhancing perceived health among aging populations but may need to consider varying SES backgrounds.

Download Full-text

Immigrant–Native Disparities in Happiness among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Western European Countries: The Moderating Role of Social Capital

Journal of Aging and Health ◽

10.1177/0898264321990282 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089826432199028

Author(s):

Nan Jiang ◽

Jeanette A. J. Renema

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Capital ◽

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Older Immigrants ◽

Moderating Role ◽

Different Levels

Objective: This study investigated native–immigrant disparities in happiness among middle-aged and older adults in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands and the moderating role of social capital associated with such disparities. Methods: Cross-sectional data from 2583 respondents aged 50 years or older from 10 origin countries from the 2015 wave of the Migrants’ Welfare State Attitudes survey were used to estimate linear regression models. Results: Older immigrants experienced different levels of happiness compared with native-born individuals. Immigrants’ socioeconomic status and other standard predictors accounted for much of the native–immigrant gap. Depending on origin countries, social capital had differential moderating roles compared to nonimmigrants. Conclusion: Immigrants were not always worse off than native-born residents; they showed a “happiness advantage” after controlling for socioeconomic status and related covariates. Social capital plays an important role in narrowing the immigrant–native gap in happiness.

Download Full-text

Personal Social Capital and Self-Rated Health among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study Exploring the Roles of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Socioeconomic Status

10.21203/rs.3.rs-46055/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Youngdeok Kim ◽

Tim Schneider ◽

Eric Faß ◽

Marc Lochbaum

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Capital ◽

Household Income ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Bridging Social Capital ◽

Self Rated Health ◽

Bonding And Bridging

Abstract Background: Personal social capital, which refers to the scope and quality of an individual’s social networks within a community, has received increasing attention as a potential sociological factor associated with better individual health; yet, the mechanism relating social capital to health is still not fully understood. This study examined the associations between social capital and self-rated health while exploring the roles of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and socioeconomic status (SES) among middle-aged and older adults.Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 662 middle-aged and older adults (Mean age: 58.11 ± 10.59 years old) using the Qualtrics survey panel. Personal Social Capital Scale was used to measure bonding and bridging social capital and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess LTPA levels. SES was assessed by education and household income levels. Self-rated health was assessed using a single item, by which the participants were categorized into the two groups, having ‘good’ vs. ‘not good’ self-rated health. A series of univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were established to examine the independent and adjusted associations of social capital with self-rated health and to test mediating and moderating roles of LTPA and SES, respectively.Results: Bonding and bridging social capital were positively associated with self-rated health (Odds ratios = 1.11 and 1.09; P’s < .05, respectively), independent of LTPA that was also significantly associated with greater self-rated health (P-for-linear trends = .007). After adjusting SES, the associations of social capital were significantly attenuated and there was a significant interaction effect by household income (P-for-interaction = .012). Follow-up analyses stratified by household income showed that beneficial associations of social capital with self-rated health were more apparent among the people with low and high levels of household income; yet, LTPA was the stronger predictor of self-rated health among those in the middle class of household income.Conclusions: Findings suggest that both social capital and LTPA are associated with better self-rated health; yet, these associations vary by SES. The health policymakers should address both social capital and PA for enhancing perceived health among aging populations but may need to consider varying SES backgrounds.

Download Full-text

Personal Social Capital and Self-Rated Health among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study Exploring the Roles of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Socioeconomic Status

10.21203/rs.3.rs-46055/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Youngdeok Kim ◽

Tim Schneider ◽

Eric Faß ◽

Marc Lochbaum

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Capital ◽

Household Income ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Bridging Social Capital ◽

Self Rated Health ◽

Bonding And Bridging

Abstract Background: Personal social capital, which refers to the scope and quality of an individual’s social networks within a community, has received increasing attention as a potential sociological factor associated with better individual health; yet, the mechanism relating social capital to health is still not fully understood. This study examined the associations between social capital and self-rated health while exploring the roles of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and socioeconomic status (SES) among middle-aged and older adults.Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 662 middle-aged and older adults (Mean age: 58.11±10.59 years old) using the Qualtrics survey panel. Personal Social Capital Scale was used to measure bonding and bridging social capital and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess LTPA levels. SES was assessed by education and household income levels. Self-rated health was assessed using a single item, by which the participants were categorized into the two groups, having ‘good’ vs. ‘not good’ self-rated health. A series of univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were established to examine the independent and adjusted associations of social capital with self-rated health and to test mediating and moderating roles of LTPA and SES, respectively.Results: Bonding and bridging social capital were positively associated with self-rated health (Odds ratios = 1.11 and 1.09; P’s <.05, respectively), independent of LTPA that was also significantly associated with greater self-rated health (P-for-linear trends = .007). After adjusting SES, the associations of social capital were significantly attenuated and there was a significant interaction effect by household income (P-for-interaction = .012). Follow-up analyses stratified by household income showed that beneficial associations of social capital with self-rated health were more apparent among the people with low and high levels of household income; yet, LTPA was the stronger predictor of self-rated health among those in the middle class of household income.Conclusions: Findings suggest that both social capital and LTPA are associated with better self-rated health; yet, these associations vary by SES. The health policymakers should address both social capital and PA for enhancing perceived health among aging populations but may need to consider varying SES backgrounds.

Download Full-text

Social Capital and Self-Rated Health Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China

Research on Aging ◽

10.1177/0164027513505624 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 36 (4) ◽

pp. 497-521 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Yuying Shen ◽

Dale E. Yeatts ◽

Tianji Cai ◽

Philip Q. Yang ◽

Cynthia M. Cready

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Capital ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Self Rated Health

Download Full-text

Personal Social Capital and Self-Rated Health among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study Exploring the Roles of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Socioeconomic Status

10.21203/rs.3.rs-46055/v4 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Youngdeok Kim ◽

Tim Schneider ◽

Eric Faß ◽

Marc Lochbaum

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Capital ◽

Household Income ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Bridging Social Capital ◽

Self Rated Health ◽

Bonding And Bridging

Abstract Background: Personal social capital, which refers to the scope and quality of an individual’s social networks within a community, has received increasing attention as a potential sociological factor associated with better individual health; yet, the mechanism relating social capital to health is still not fully understood. This study examined the associations between social capital and self-rated health while exploring the roles of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and socioeconomic status (SES) among middle-aged and older adults. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 662 middle-aged and older adults (Mean age: 58.11±10.59 years old) using the Qualtrics survey panel. Personal Social Capital Scale was used to measure bonding and bridging social capital and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess LTPA levels. SES was assessed by education and household income levels. Self-rated health was assessed using a single item, by which the participants were categorized into the two groups, having ‘good’ vs. ‘not good’ self-rated health. A series of univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were established to examine the independent and adjusted associations of social capital with self-rated health and to test mediating and moderating roles of LTPA and SES, respectively.Results: Bonding and bridging social capital were positively associated with self-rated health (Odds ratios = 1.11 and 1.09; P’s <.05, respectively), independent of LTPA that was also significantly associated with greater self-rated health (P-for-linear trends = .007). After adjusting SES, the associations of social capital were significantly attenuated and there was a significant interaction effect by household income (P-for-interaction = .012). Follow-up analyses stratified by household income showed that beneficial associations of social capital with self-rated health were more apparent among the people with low and high levels of household income; yet, LTPA was the stronger predictor of self-rated health among those in the middle class of household income. Conclusions: Findings suggest that both social capital and LTPA are associated with better self-rated health; yet, these associations vary by SES. The health policymakers should address both social capital and LTPA for enhancing perceived health among aging populations but may need to consider varying SES backgrounds.

Download Full-text

Personal Social Capital and Self-Rated Health among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study Exploring the Roles of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Socioeconomic Status

10.21203/rs.3.rs-46055/v5 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Youngdeok Kim ◽

Tim Schneider ◽

Eric Faß ◽

Marc Lochbaum

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Capital ◽

Household Income ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Bridging Social Capital ◽

Self Rated Health ◽

Bonding And Bridging

Abstract Background: Personal social capital, which refers to the scope and quality of an individual’s social networks within a community, has received increasing attention as a potential sociological factor associated with better individual health; yet, the mechanism relating social capital to health is still not fully understood. This study examined the associations between social capital and self-rated health while exploring the roles of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and socioeconomic status (SES) among middle-aged and older adults. Methods:Cross-sectional data were collected from 662 middle-aged and older adults (Mean age: 58.11±10.59 years old) using the Qualtrics survey panel. Personal Social Capital Scale was used to measure bonding and bridging social capital and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess LTPA levels. SES was assessed by education and household income levels. Self-rated health was assessed using a single item, by which the participants were categorized into the two groups, having ‘good’ vs. ‘not good’ self-rated health. A series of univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were established to examine the independent and adjusted associations of social capital with self-rated health and to test mediating and moderating roles of LTPA and SES, respectively.Results:Bonding and bridging social capital were positively associated with self-rated health (Odds ratios = 1.11 and 1.09; P’s <.05, respectively), independent of LTPA that was also significantly associated with greater self-rated health (P-for-linear trends = .007). After adjusting SES, the associations of social capital were significantly attenuated and there was a significant interaction effect by household income (P-for-interaction = .012). Follow-up analyses stratified by household income showed that beneficial associations of social capital with self-rated health were more apparent among the people with low and high levels of household income; yet, LTPA was the stronger predictor of self-rated health among those in the middle class of household income. Conclusions:Findings suggest that both social capital and LTPA are associated with better self-rated health; yet, these associations vary by SES. The health policymakers should address both social capital and LTPA for enhancing perceived health among aging populations but may need to consider varying SES backgrounds.

Download Full-text