Social Capital

Social networks have been shown to influence well-being in many ways. For example, a large, diverse social network can provide access to social support and a wide range of opportunities and resources. At the same time, stressful social relationships can be a source of anxiety or conflict. Social networks high in “social capital” - that is, the economic and other resources made available through social ties - have been shown to have health benefits in older adults, though the exact mechanisms through which this occurs are unclear. In a recent study, researchers used data from the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project to examine the relationship between social networks and well-being.

The study participants were at least 65 years of age, were administered in-depth interviews in their homes, and completed follow-up questionnaires. Using the data, the researchers classified participants as belonging to one of five different network types: Family, Friends, Diverse, Congregant, or Restricted.

Family - having connections primarily within family networks

Friends - having many ties outside of the family and few or none with family

Diverse - having ties to multiple individuals both inside and outside of their families

Congregant - with most social ties being members of the same church

Restricted - with minimal social connections

Of these, friends, diverse, and congregant types had a high degree of “social capital”, while family and restricted networks tended to be lower in “social capital”.

The researchers also assessed to what extent each participant experienced loneliness, which in previous research has been associated with a higher likelihood unhealthy or sedentary behavior among older adults. They hypothesized that loneliness might undermine the likelihood of engaging in healthy behavior.

Future research will help determine whether there is a causal relationship between social networks and health behavior, or whether one’s health behaviors have an influence on the shape of one’s social networks.