The Effects of Social Capital on Depression and Life Satisfaction of the Elderly Age: Focusing on the Comparison between the Young-old and the Old-old

The purpose of this study is to compare a difference in social capital according to age by classifying the elderly between the young-old and the old-old and to examine the effect of the social capital on life satisfaction and depression in the elderly. The study constructed using date from the 14th year of the Korea Welfare Panel study and used the method in analyzing 4,186 householders aged 65 to 84 years. By age group, 1,995 people aged 65-74(young-old group) and 2,191 people aged 75-84(old-old group). The main results of this study are as follows. First, the level of social capital, depression and life satisfaction showed a significant difference between the young-old and the old-old group. Second, The Young-old and the old-old group showed a statistically significant effect on job satisfaction, leisure satisfaction, social acquaintance satisfaction of social participation category and family life satisfaction of networks category. The Young-old group showed that the lower spousal relationship satisfaction of networks category, the higher depression and the less satisfied with their lives. Based on these findings, the study explored practical implication of social welfare for life satisfaction improving and depression prevention associated with social capital in old age group. In addition, the limitations of this study and suggestions for follow-up research were presented.