Social Capital and Life Satisfaction across Older Rural Chinese Groups: Does Age Matter?

This study examined the age difference in the relationship between social capital in the form of cognitive (trust, family support) and structural aspects (social membership, activity frequency) and life satisfaction of older Chinese people in a rural area. Data were collected from 398 elders in the rural area of China by quota sampling. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to realize the objective. Trust and family support were significantly positively associated with life satisfaction, whereas social membership was strongly negatively associated with life satisfaction. Activity frequency did not show any significance in relationship with life satisfaction. Age difference existed in the associations of trust and activity frequency with life satisfaction. Age difference in the relationship of trust and activity frequency with life satisfaction of elderly Chinese people in the rural area did exist. It is recommended that the measure be refined and programs and services be provided according to the hierarchical needs of older adults in different age groups.