Role of Social Capital in the Association Between Ageism and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults in South Korea - read online free

Sep 29, 2026

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The study investigates how bridging and bonding social capital shape the relationship between perceived ageism and depressive symptoms among older adults in South Korea. Using 2023 survey data of adults aged 65 and older, researchers assess interpersonal and institutional ageism and depressive symptoms via SGDS-15. Results show ageism relates to higher depressive symptoms, while bridging social capital reduces the association toward non-significance and bonding social capital strengthens adverse effects. Findings support expanding social networks beyond close-knit groups.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Study aim and rationale

Methods

Data source and participants

Measures of ageism and social capital

Statistical approach

Results

Prevalence of ageism

Associations with depressive symptoms

Conclusion

Moderating effects of social capital

Implications

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 647 depressive symptoms varies depending on the type of social capital. Bridging social capital attenuated this association to non-significance, whereas bonding social capital exacerbated it, amplifying the adverse impact of ageism on depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Bridging social capital may act as a protective factor against the negative effects of ageism, whereas bonding social capital may reinforce them. These findings underscore the need for expanding older adults’ social networks beyond close-knit groups to mitigate the psychological impact of ageism. Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2211 ROLE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL IN THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AGEISM AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN SOUTH KOREA Bokyoung Choi1, Jihwan Lee1, Jihee Choi2, Eunhee Choi2, Chang-O Kim3, and Soong-nang Jang1, 1. Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 2. Institute for Community Care and Health Equity, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 3. Dolbom Clinic, Seoul, Republic of Korea Background: Ageism is a known risk factor for mental health in older adults, but the role of social capital in this relationship remains unclear. This study examines how bridging and bonding social capital moderate the association between perceived ageism and depressive symptoms. Methods: Using data from the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans, we analyzed the association between perceived ageism (interpersonal and institutional) and depressive symptoms (SGDS-15) among adults aged 65 and older. Perceived ageism was categorized into interpersonal ageism and institutional ageism based on the context in which discrimination occurred, including public institution, hospital, workplace, and home. We also examined the moderating effects of bridging social capital (e.g., participation in senior welfare centers) and bonding social capital (e.g., membership in social or hobby clubs) . Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: Among participants, 47.5% reported interpersonal ageism, while 27.5% reported institutional ageism. Interpersonal ageism was associated with 2.92 times higher odds of depressive symptoms, and institutional ageism with 1.98 times higher odds. However, the relationship between ageism and

FAQs

What role does social capital play in the link between ageism and depressive symptoms?

Bridging social capital attenuates the association, while bonding social capital exacerbates it, amplifying ageism’s adverse impact on depressive symptoms.

How was perceived ageism measured in this study?

Perceived ageism was categorized into interpersonal and institutional ageism based on where discrimination occurred, including public institutions, hospitals, workplaces, and homes.

Which factors showed stronger associations with depressive symptoms?

Interpersonal ageism corresponded to higher odds of depressive symptoms (2.92 times), and institutional ageism also showed increased odds (1.98 times).

What is the practical implication of the findings?

Expanding older adults’ social networks beyond close-knit groups may help mitigate the psychological impact of ageism.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Finn