Relationship between Social Capital and Lifestyle among the Elderly People, Urmia, 2017

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is a growing and undeniable process, and lifestyle is important in preventing chronic illness in the elderly. Social capital can have positive effects on health and lifestyle modifications. Therefore, in this study, the relationship between social capital and lifestyle and their domains have been studied. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed with randomly-selected older people over 60 years old in Urmia. Data was collected during 3 months in 2017 using a questionnaire. Study’s variables were lifestyle and social capital. The relationship between the study variables (lifestyle and social capital) was assessed through correlation analysis (in the case of non control of the underlying variables) and general linear modeling (in the case of control of the underlying variables). Data were analyzed using SPSS v.24 software at a 0.05 significant level. Results: A total of 512 questionnaires were filed out. According to the Pearson correlation test, all social capital variables were associated with lifestyle components. However, in the general linear model test, feeling of trust and safety (p<0.001), value of life (p =0.030), and social participation (p =0.004) had a significant relationship with the lifestyle. Conclusion: It was indicated that social capital and lifestyle were interconnected. Therefore, policy-makers in the health care system need to improve social capital factors, especially social participation, trust and safety and value of life in their work routines, which is in line with the strategies of achieving healthy older population.