Social capital, the miniaturisation of community and self-reported global and psychological health

Social capital is often operationalised as social participation in the activities of the formal and informal networks of civil society and/or as generalised trust. Social participation and trust are two aspects of social capital that mutually affect each other, according to the literature. In recent years there has been an increased attention to the fact that generalised trust decreases for every new birth cohort that reaches adulthood in the USA, while social participation may take new forms such as ideologically much narrower single-issue movements that do not enhance trust. The phenomenon has been called "the miniaturisation of community". The effects of similar patterns in Sweden on self-reported health and self-reported psychological health are analysed. The odds ratios of bad self-reported global health are highest in the low-social capital category (low-social participation/low trust), but the miniaturisation of community and low-social participation/high-trust categories also have significantly higher odds ratios than the high-social capital category (high-social participation/high trust). The odds ratios of bad self-reported psychological health are significantly higher in both the low-social capital category and the miniaturisation of community category compared to the high-social capital category, while the low-social participation/high-trust category does not differ from the high-social capital reference group.     

Relationship between religious involvement and psychological well-being: a social justice perspective

Although religion has not been a mainline topic of empirical inquiry in the gerontological social work literature, there has been growing recognition in the past two decades of the health protective effects of religious involvement on both physical and psychological well-being. Depression interferes with both individual and social functioning that can lead to persistent problems in healthy human development, social relationships, and empowerment in the service of social justice. Attention to the salubrious effects of religious involvement on the psychological well-being among older U.S. racial and ethnic groups is still in its nascent stage. This article examines the relationship among religious involvement, private prayer, and depression in a low-income clinical sample of 230 older U.S.-born and immigrant Latinos. Higher levels of religious attendance were associated with lower risk of depressive illness after adjusting for selective factors such as physical functioning, stress exposure, and social support. Private prayer was not associated with depression. Although immigrants were more likely to attend worship services, they reported the same rates of depression as their U.S.-born counterparts.The study is an initial step toward disentangling the mental health protective effects of religious involvement on the health and well-being of older Latinos in the United States.     

The impact of caring upon the health of older women

Abstract: Much community care relies upon the provision of unpaid care by family members. The short- and longer-term effects of providing care upon older women were researched in an interview survey of 286 women aged over 50 in urban and rural areas of Queensland. The findings were validated by reports from the women's general practitioners. The results suggest that providing care has both short- and long-term negative effects upon the physical health and emotional wellbeing of older women. The major predictor of a range of self-reported health problems was the level of self-reported stress. Implications are drawn for both community care policy, which needs to focus upon the impact on the carer of continuing to provide care at home, and for health research relating to older women, which has ignored the demands of caring among older people.     

Paths to leisure physical activity among adults with intellectual disabilities: self-efficacy and social support

PURPOSE: This study tested a path model that included perceptions of social support and self-efficacy for leisure physical activity and leisure physical activity participation among adults with intellectual disabilities. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design was used. Data was collected via oral interview. SETTING: Community-based group, supported-living settings in one Midwestern state. SAMPLE: A total of 152 adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, which provided a 39% response rate. MEASURES: Self-efficacy and social support (from family, residential staff and peers with disabilities) for leisure physical activity were assessed using self-reported scales. Leisure physical activity participation was measured with a self-reported checklist of the frequency of leisure physical activity participation. ANALYSIS: Path analysis was conducted for the entire sample and was repeated for younger and older age groups. RESULTS: The hypothesized model fit the data from each group. Social support and self-efficacy predicted physical activity participation, and self-efficacy served as a mediator between social support and physical activity. Significant sources of social support differed between groups; among younger participants, social support from family predicted physical activity, whereas, for the older group, social support from staff and peers predicted physical activity. CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy and social support for leisure physical activity are related to leisure physical activity participation among adults with intellectual disabilities who are receiving supported-living services. The results provide information to guide health promotion programs for this group.     

Religion and mortality among the community-dwelling elderly.

OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the prospective association between attending religious services and all-cause mortality to determine whether the association is explainable by 6 confounding factors: demographics, health status, physical functioning, health habits, social functioning and support, and psychological state. METHODS: The association between self-reported religious attendance and subsequent mortality over 5 years for 1931 older residents of Marin County, California, was examined by proportional hazards regression. Interaction terms of religion with social support were used to explore whether other forms of social support could substitute for religion and diminish its protective effect. RESULTS: Persons who attended religious services had lower mortality than those who did not (age- and sex-adjusted relative hazard [RH] = 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.52, 0.78). Multivariate adjustment reduced this relationship only slightly (RH = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.62, 0.94), primarily by including physical functioning and social support. Contrary to hypothesis, religious attendance tended to be slightly more protective for those with high social support. CONCLUSIONS: Lower mortality rates for those who attend religious services are only partly explained by the 6 possible confounders listed above. Psychodynamic and other explanations need further investigation.     

Predictors of psychological well-being among assisted-living residents

Assisted-living facilities are a rapidly growing source of supportive housing for frail elderly people. This study examined the psychological well-being of elderly assisted-living residents and factors associated with well-being. Participants were nondemented elderly residents of an assisted-living community in the urban southeast. Depression, life satisfaction, and demographic, health, and social support variables were measured through face-to-face interviews. A sizeable minority of the residents reported high levels of depressive symptoms and low life satisfaction. Female gender, self-reported health, functional impairment, perceived social support, and participation in activities were significantly associated with well-being. The predictive value of gender and health variables were reduced when social support was introduced. Implications for policy and social work practice are discussed.     

Religious involvement and health outcomes among older persons in Taiwan

We use data from a nationally representative, longitudinal survey of older Taiwanese to examine the relationship between religious involvement-including religious affiliation, religious attendance, beliefs, and religious practices-and self-reported measures of overall health status, mobility limitations, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function; clinical measures of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum interleukin-6, and 12-h urinary cortisol; and 4-year mortality. Frequency of religious attendance shows the strongest, most consistent association with health outcomes. But, with only one exception, this relationship disappears in the presence of controls for health behaviors, social networks, and prior health status. Religious attendance remains significantly associated with lower mortality even after controlling for prior self-assessed health status, but the coefficient is substantially reduced. Other aspects of religiosity are only sporadically associated with health and, in all cases, private religious practices and stronger beliefs are associated with worse health; again, this relationship disappears after controlling for prior health status. These results suggest that reverse causality may partly account for both the positive and negative correlations between religiosity and health. We find no significant associations between religious involvement and biological markers. Notably, even after controlling for prior health, participation in social activities has a more robust effect on health than religious attendance. Consequently, we question whether the purported health benefits are attributable to religion or to social activity in general.     

Community resilience and health: the role of bonding, bridging, and linking aspects of social capital

The current study draws on data from the 2007 and 2009 Citizenship Survey collected in England (n=17,572) to explore the role of social capital in building community resilience and health, using the bonding, bridging, and linking social capital framework of Szreter and Woolcock (2004). The results show that the indicators of the different types of social capital are only weakly interrelated, suggesting that they capture different aspects of the social environment. In line with the expectations, most indicators of bonding, bridging, and linking social capital were significantly associated with neighbourhood deprivation and self-reported health. In particular bonding and bridging social cohesion, civic participation, heterogeneous socio-economic relationships, and political efficacy and trust appeared important for community health after controlling for neighbourhood deprivation. However, no support was found for the hypothesis that the different aspects help buffer against the detrimental influences of neighbourhood deprivation.     

The voices of older women in a disadvantaged community: issues of health and social capital

The voices of older women are rarely heard in debates about the health of disadvantaged groups. Despite growing interest in health in old age, the health experiences of older women as gendered social beings have yet to be fully explored. Their potential to contribute positively to family and community health is seldom acknowledged. The aim of this article is to present findings from a qualitative British Health Development Agency funded project on the relationship between social capital, health and gender, focusing on the health and social networks of older women in a socially disadvantaged community in the north of England. Seventy-seven community members were interviewed, of these 19 were older women aged 55-78 years. Their accounts of ill health in the context of ageing were analysed to explore the intricate ways in which social capital was created, maintained and linked to health. Findings suggest that social constructions of motherhood and caring underpinned responsibility for their own and others' health. Their experiences of dealing with health matters, together with frequent health talk, gave the women confidence as lay health experts, enabling them to contest medical advice. Drawing on personal experiences of trust and reciprocity, they recognised the importance of social networking in alleviating the problems of loneliness and isolation. At stressful times in their lives they were able to draw on existing support networks and, in spite of occasional personal conflicts, some benefited from the empowering and health-enhancing role of formal and informal participation in community life. These findings indicate that older women can operate autonomously in health matters and can substantially influence the development of healthy communities, although this can sometimes be at a personal cost.     

Disentangling measures of individual perceptions of community social dynamics: results of a community survey.

This study examined how different measures of individual perceptions of community social dynamics relate to each other and how these measures relate to self-reported general health and depressive symptoms. Results of a principal components analysis conducted to investigate the interrelationships between these individual measures suggest that these measures measure separate phenomena. In addition, in results of multiple-regression analyses conducted to examine associations between the various measures of individual perceptions of community social dynamics and the dependent variables of self-reported general health and depressive symptoms, sense of community, perceived neighborhood control, and neighborhood participation were all associated with the outcome variables in separate regression models. In a regression model with these three variables added to control variables, only sense of community was significantly, albeit modestly, associated with depressive symptoms and self-reported general health.     

A study on the factors influencing the community participation of older adults in China: based on the CHARLS2011 data set

Many communities provide older people with various opportunities to participate in the society. The 2010 Chinese census reveals that the majority of the older adults in China are still healthy, but research shows that older adults have relatively low levels of community participation. This study aims to determine the factors that affect the community participation of older adults in China using data collected from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The CHARLS survey used a multistage sampling strategy to select respondents from 450 resident or village communities in China. A total of 17,000 persons from 10,000 families participated in the survey. The sample for this study includes 4283 individuals aged 60 years and above who have been invited to answer the survey based on their participation in entertainment and volunteer activities within the past month; 1009 were from urban areas and 3247 were from rural areas. Using logistic regression, this study identifies several variables that can predict the community participation of older adults. These variables included educational background, residence status, self‐rated living standard and health status, number of available community facilities, expected social support, family care responsibility and involvement/non‐involvement in old‐age insurance schemes. In addition, an urban–rural difference was observed in the participation of these adults in entertainment activities, and the differences between older adults residing in urban and rural areas were insignificant in terms of their participation in volunteer work. These findings imply that the Chinese government should consider these predictors and the urban–rural differences when making policies regarding the community participation of older adults.     

Constructions and experiences of sexual health among young,heterosexual, unmarried Muslim women immigrants in Australia

Minority ethnic immigrant women are frequently vulnerable to poor sexual health outcomes, due to poor use of sexual health services, lack of knowledge and social stigma associated with the discussion of sexuality. This paper explores the sexual health accounts provided by a group of young, unmarried heterosexual Muslim women immigrants residing and studying in Sydney, an under-researched group in the Australian context. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted, focusing on sex before marriage, spouse selection and contraceptive use. Feminist discourse analysis identified ‘purity versus corruption’ as the primary construction of women's sexuality, where women positioned their sexual behaviour as that of purity and uninvolvement or corruption through unwedded participation. The subthemes ‘maintaining ignorance and naivety’, ‘remaining virginal’, ‘sex segregation’ and ‘the fallen woman’ capture women's personal sexuality-related experiences and values within the context of their religious and cultural communities. Additional research with this community is needed to examine the effects of negative social constructions of sex on young sexually active Muslim women, as well as further research on young women's sexual health within immigrant communities.     

Does social participation improve self-rated health in the older population? A quasi-experimental intervention study

Social participation has been linked to healthy aging and the maintenance of functional independence in older individuals. However, causality remains tenuous because of the strong possibility of reverse causation (healthy individuals selectively participate in social activities). We describe a quasi-experimental intervention in one municipality of Japan designed to boost social participation as a way of preventing long-term disability in senior citizens through the creation of ‘salons’ (or community centers). In this quasi-experimental intervention study, we compared 158 participants with 1391 non-participants in salon programs, and examined the effect of participation in the salon programs on self-rated health. We conducted surveys of community residents both before (in 2006) and after (in 2008) the opening of the salons. Even with a pre/post survey design, our study could be subject to reverse causation and confounding bias. We therefore utilized an instrumental variable estimation strategy, using the inverse of the distance between each resident's dwelling and the nearest salon as the instrument. After controlling for self-rated health, age, sex, equivalized income in 2006, and reverse causation, we observed significant correlations between participation in the salon programs and self-rated health in 2008. Our analyses suggest that participation in the newly-opened community salon was associated with a significant improvement in self-rated health over time. The odds ratio of participation in the salon programs for reporting excellent or good self-rated health in 2008 was 2.52 (95% CI 2.27–2.79). Our study provides novel empirical support for the notion that investing in community infrastructure to boost the social participation of communities may help promote healthy aging.     

Present state of social participation and associated factors among middle-aged and older people--a survey in Hatoyama Town, Saitama Prefecture

BACKGROUND: Many studies have documented that social participation is beneficial for maintaining autonomy and quality of later life. However, little is known about present state of social participation in the Japanese elderly and effective means for its promotion. PURPOSE: To establish what factor might promote social participation in later life, this study was performed to examine the present state of social participation and a number of parameters among middle-aged and older people living in a Japanese community. METHODS: The subjects comprised 1,568 residents aged 55 to 79 years, a 1/3 random sample selected from the total population of this age group in H town, Saitama Prefecture. They were requested to answer the questionnaire delivered by mail. We examined the level of social participation from four aspects: work, social and volunteer activities, individual pursuits and study activities, and analyzed possible associations with demographic, socio-economic, health-, and community-related variables by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 964 persons answered the questionnaire (61.5% response rate). Age and gender were associated with each of four social activity domains. Living arrangements (with or without spouse) were independently associated with social and volunteer activity, and study. Educational attainment positively correlated with work and individual pursuits. Residents in a newly constructed town-region were less likely to engage in work, social and volunteer activities, and study than their counterparts living in an older town-region. Those who had a stronger sense of co-living in the community, and who would like to keep their social activity level, were more likely to participate in social and volunteer, as well as study activities and also individual pursuits. People feeling that the municipality should support social activities among residents had a higher level of study activity. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that cultivating a sense of co-living in the community among residents and maintaining their motivation are needed for promoting social participation among older residents. To what extent public support should meet potential needs of social participation remains for further study.     

Social support factors and health among a senior center population in southern Ontario, Canada

Past research on senior centers has mainly focused on utilization, frequency, duration of attendance, participation or various activities and services. This study strives to go beyond previous research by examining social support factors and their relationship to mental and physical health across a senior center population in southern Ontario, Canada. Data were collected at two large senior centers in the Kitchener, Waterloo area. We used a self-administered survey among a sample of older participants (n=186). One-way ANOVA with post-hoc Duncan's multiple range tests, t-tests, and linear regression analyses were used to examine the influence of social support (friendship, caregiving and advice) on mental and physical health. The results indicated that caregiving is significantly related to physical health, how respondents feel in general, and happiness with personal life. Advice from others is significantly related to perceptions of having a life full of interesting things. Additionally, respondents who are volunteers perceive better health and social support than non-volunteers, those who eat at the center perceive better health and caregiving support, and those that started a new activity perceived better health and social support from friendships. Implications for social work practice, policy and future research are discussed.     

Role of the social support network which influences age of death and physical function of elderly people: study of trends in and outside of Japan and future problems

Concerning associations between the social support network and physical health of the elderly, longitudinal studies have been conducted using various measurement indexes. The studies indicated that the support network influences on physical function and life expectancy. In this study we compared research papers from Japan and elsewhere that appeared after 1980, from the viewpoint of 1) social support effects, and 2) social network effects, to examine potential problems in the future. The main knowledge obtained was that the receipt of emotional support, wide network size, and participation in social activities reduced the risk of early death and decrease in physical function of elderly people. Sex differences were indicated, and in many cases, the effects were more remarkable in men than women. In addition the positive influence of receiving help from a support network, a major subject of conventional research, the effects of offering help to others and negative findings were also examined. It has been indicated that participation in volunteer groups and offer of support to other people can prevent decrease in physical function or early death. As negative effects, improper instrumental support rather disturbs the mental and physical independence of elderly people. As future issues, it is necessary to focus on both positive/negative and receipt/offer effects of support network, and to clarify how to provide example which best match the life of elderly people by comparing sexes and regions. It is also important to actually apply the knowledge gained from observational studies to prevent the elderly from becoming a condition requiring care, and to develop intervention studies which can increase the social contacts of elderly people at the same time as conducting health education and medical treatment.     

Identification of Environmental Supports for Healthy Eating in Older Adults

Many environmental settings and influences can affect food choices and eating behaviors in the growing population of community-dwelling older adults. Using the Social Ecological model, an expert panel participated in online discussions and an Analytic Hierarchy Process survey to identify the most important and changeable environmental settings and enabling factors that promote healthy eating in older adults. Food stores were rated most important when considering accessibility and affordability. Congregate nutrition sites were important for social support along with supporting access and affordability of healthful foods and living accommodations. Senior housing, health care, and religious settings also contributed to the goal of promoting healthful eating in aging adults. Restaurants were rated of lower importance. Based on these results, it is recommended that community food policies include the nutritional needs of older adults by addressing food accessibility and affordability, social support, and living accommodations, with a focus on congregate nutrition sites, food stores, senior housing, health care, and religious organizations.     

Correlates of Primary Healthcare Access and the Moderating Effects of Gender: A Cross Sectional Analysis of Irish Migrants

Despite long established comparatively poor health outcomes there has been limited research into the healthcare access of Irish migrants in the UK. This study examines the relationship between demography, self-reported health (SRH) and social support and healthcare access and the influence of gender on these associations. Data was collected as part of a community-based action research project with Irish migrants in London (n?=?790). Hierarchical logistic regression was used to predict self-reported access to a GP (compared with no reported access). The effect of gender was measured via interactions entered in the second step of the model. Older participants and males were less likely to report GP access. SRH was a significant predictor. Gender moderated the relationship between SRH, social support, employment and GP access. Findings highlight the help-seeking vulnerability of male and older Irish migrants and the potential of social support in promoting healthcare access for males.

     

Intergenerational understandings of personal,social and community assets for health

Connecting local citizens of different ages in productive social activity is considered a pathway towards greater health. This research explores how older adults and young people interpret and access assets from their geographical community in relation to their well-being and the extent to which a process of intergenerational bridging contributes to the creation of additional assets for health. Data is presented from a process of place-mapping, interviews, observations and arts-based approaches to: a) understand how personal, social and community assets supported perceived health and wellbeing for the young children and older adults who participated; and b) explore the impact of intergenerational connection on enhancing social capital. The research utilised bonding, bridging and linking forms of social capital, across several interactions amongst 41 individuals who reside in the same geographical community (Victoria, Australia). Assets for health, common across generations and located within the same geographical community were identified. Social connections were strengthened through conversations, reflections and an integration of ideas facilitated through an arts-based approach. Findings suggest that through intergenerational connection and sharing of resources to support health, including the sharing of community assets, progress can be made towards community strengthening with implications for health and wellbeing.