Social Capital and Voluntary Activities among Older Adults in Tehran

Zahra  Sangsefidi; Sayeda Melika  Kharghani Moghadam; Mohadeseh  Sadri; Vahid Rashedi

doi:10.18502/tbj.v22i5.14751

Zahra Sangsefidi MD, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Sayeda Melika Kharghani Moghadam Assistant Professor of Health Education and Promotion, Department of Health Promotion and Education, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohadeseh Sadri PhD Student in Gerontology, Iranian Research Center on Aging, Department of Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Vahid Rashedi Assistant Professor of Gerontology. Iranian Research Center on Aging, Department of Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tbj.v22i5.14751

Keywords: Social Capital, Voluntary Activity, Participation, Older Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Social capital encompasses material and spiritual resources which enable individuals to establish stable networks of institutionalized relationships. Participation in voluntary public service activities at the community level serves as an indicator of social capital. This study aims to assess social capital and voluntary activities among older adults living in Tehran in 2021.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 384 older adult citizens residing in Region 19, selected through random sampling. Data collection involved a standardized questionnaire comprising three sections: demographic information, measuringsocial capital, and voluntary activity assessment.

Results: The study found that 99/7% of respondents had an average social capital score (150-75). Additionally, 99/4% of the respondents exhibited a high level of engagement in voluntary activities. A significant relationship was observed between social capital ,age (P≤0/001) ,and marital status (P≤0/001). However, no significant relationship was found between voluntary activity and demographic information.

Conclusion: This study suggests that older adults in Tehran possess a reasonable level of social capital and engage actively in voluntary activities. To harness this potential, effective planning and policies must be implemented to align with the needs and goals of society.