Social capital among older adults: the conceptual underpinnings in the Mainland Chinese socio-cultural context

Population aging as a global phenomenon presents multifaceted challenges for social and health policies worldwide, such as increased demand for healthcare services, strain on pension and welfare systems, and changes in family structures. Social capital, defined as the networks, relationships, and norms with groups and organizations that facilitate cooperation and mutual support within a community, is pivotal in addressing these challenges as shown in previous research. Examining social capital among older adults is essential as it directly influences their well-being in various respects. In the context of Chinese culture, traditional values and social norms significantly shape the social capital of older adults. This presentation aims to discuss the formation, characteristics, and influencing factors of social capital among older adults within the context of aging population, with a specific focus on the Chinese cultural context. Based upon existing literature and conceptual underpinnings, the discussion reveals the intricate interplay of traditional values, social networks, and institutional factors in shaping social capital among older adults in Mainland China. While traditional values such as filial piety and reciprocity continue to influence social interactions, modern social changes and urbanization present new challenges and opportunities for social capital formation. The development of digital technologies has introduced novel avenues for social capital for older adults. The factors influencing social capital among older adults also hold significant implications for policy and practice. The conceptual analysis and discussion point to the fact that policymakers and practitioners should target interventions and programs for enhancing the social capital of older people by considering the unique socio-cultural context of China. Communities can harness their strengths and resources to address the complex challenges posed by the aging population effectively. In conclusion, this presentation, through enhancing our understanding of social capital among older adults, the effective strategies generated for promoting their social capital could ultimately foster more inclusive and resilient communities in the face of demographic changes.