Effects of types and levels of social capital on emotional well-being for older people in Indonesia: A longitudinal study

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different types and levels of social capital and emotional well-being in older adults in Indonesia by a longitudinal data. Methods: The fourth and the fifth waves of Indonesian Family Life Survey data were used for this study. The participants aged 60 years or older who participated in both waves were included for analysis (n = 1374). Depressive symptoms and happiness were used to assess emotional well-being. Cognitive social capital (neighborhood trust) and structural social capital (participating in arisan, community meetings, volunteers, village improvement programs, and religious activities) were the main independent variables. The generalized estimating equations model was used for analysis. Results: Participation in arisan (B = −0.534) and attending religious activities (B = −0.591) were related to lower depressive symptoms, but the effect of religious activities would offset over time. Both a low or high social participation showed protective effects on depressive symptoms at the intercept and the time slope. Having higher neighborhood trust was related to more chance of feeling very happy (OR = 1.518). Conclusion: Structural social capital is protective from depressive symptoms, while cognitive social capital contributes to happiness. Facilitating social participation and improving neighborhood trust through policies and programs is suggested to promote emotional well-being for older people.