Association between Social Capital and Self-rated Health of Older People in Chandigarh, India

Background: Social capital reflect the degree of social cohesion in communities. Although studies have shown that social capital influences health, there is limited understanding about the role of social capital on physical and mental health of older people in India.  Aims u0026 Objectives: To assess the association between social capital and self-rated health among older people. Material M about half were women. The mean total social capital score was 45.5 (SD 11.9). The mean physical and mental health dimensions of self-rated health scores were 1027.7 (SD 252.5) and 1416.9 (SD 487.7), respectively. Social capital was found to be a significant predictor of mental health dimension of self-rated health. Age and gender were found to be significant predictors of physical health dimension of self-rated health. Conclusion: Social capital influences mental health of older people. Interventions to improve social capital, in terms of strengthening relationships with family members and other social networks, can contribute to improving mental health of older people.