Social Capital and Mental Wellbeing of Older People Migrating along with Adult Children in Shenzhen, China

Julia Juan Wang, Daniel W. L. Lai () and Wenqing Yu
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Julia Juan Wang: Elderly Healthcare College, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, Shenzhen 518055, China
Daniel W. L. Lai: Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
Wenqing Yu: Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 19, 1-18

Abstract: The phenomenon of ‘older people migrating along’ (OPMA) with adult children is a unique outcome of social changes that have occurred in China. These individuals generally experience different challenges and needs associated with mental wellbeing. However, there is limited research on the relationship between the social capital and mental health of OPMA in China. This study aims to examine the mental health status of OPMA and the effects of bonding social capital and bridging social capital on their mental wellbeing in China by conducting a quantitative research survey among 399 OPMA participants. We found that bonding social capital correlated to only one indicator of mental wellbeing, subjective happiness. Bridging social capital had significant relationships with four mental health indicators, namely, the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), subjective happiness, and life satisfaction. Through strengthening bridging social capital, these older adults can benefit from more opportunities for participation in formal or informal organizations in their communities and improve their mental wellbeing.

Keywords: older adults migrating along; social capital; mental wellbeing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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