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Volume 8 Journal of Palliative Care & Medicine
ISSN: 2165-7386 Geriatrics 2018
July 30-31, 2018
July 30-31, 2018 | Barcelona, Spain
8th International Conference on
Geriatrics Gerontology & Palliative Nursing
The role of social capital in the relationship between physical constraint and mental distress in older
adults: A latent interaction model
Sok An
Korea Rural Economic Institute, South Korea
Research shows that individual social resources such as social networks and support from family and friends improve
individual health and buffer the negative impact of chronic stress. Yet, few studies have examined the protective role of
community social capital in improving older adults’ mental health. This study highlights community social capital as a critical
coping resource for older adults with physical constraints. Building upon the previous literature on the link between physical
and mental health in later life, the present study explored the buffering effects of community social capital (indicated by social
cohesion, social ties, and safety) in the relationship between physical constraints (indicated by chronic disease and functional
disability) and mental distress (indicated by depression and anxiety). Using data from 2,362 community-dwelling older adults
aged 65 and older in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) Wave 2, a latent moderated structural
equation modeling was tested. The fit of the model including both direct effects of physical burden and social capital and
their latent interaction was excellent. Both physical constraints (β =0.382, p <0.001) and community social capital (β =-0.059,
p< 0.01) had a direct effect on mental distress, and their interaction was also found to be significant (β = -0.306, p < 0.001).
The group with high social capital presented a relatively stable slope in the prediction of physical burden on mental distress,
suggesting their resilience. On the other hand, the group with a low social capital demonstrated a steep slope, indicating
heightened vulnerability to mental distress when faced with stress caused by physical constraints. Given its buffering role,
further attention need to be paid to enhance the ways community social capital can promote the health and well-being of older
adults.
Biography
Sok An is deeply committed in research and clinical approach in the field of aging. He has completed PhD degree and the portfolio program in Aging & Health at the
University of Texas at Austin. Before entering the Doctoral program, he worked at an Adult Day Health Care Center, where he learned the importance of social capital for
older adult’s health and well-being. His research interests lie in the area of older adult’s health, social capital, community-based services, and longitudinal data analysis.
Currently, he is expanding his area to rural older adults’ health and mental health.
Sok An, J Palliat Care Med 2018, Volume 8
DOI: 10.4172/2165-7386-C2-017