Social capital and life satisfaction among Chinese and Korean elderly immigrants

Abstract

Research has indicated that many Asian Americans experience life dissatisfaction. Studies have also found that social capital is a protective factor for life satisfaction. This study analyzed the impact of social capital and other demographic characteristics on the life satisfaction of 172 Chinese elderly immigrants and 205 Korean elderly immigrants. Chinese and Korean elderly immigrants participated in a structured survey, which measured social capital, life satisfaction, and demographic variables. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the impact of social capital on life satisfaction among Chinese and Korean elderly immigrants. Findings Social capital was a strong predictor of life satisfaction among Korean elderly immigrants (p<. 05), while only one aspect of social capital, community partnership, was associated with life satisfaction of Chinese elderly immigrants (p<.05). Applications Social workers and social service agencies may improve life satisfaction among Korean and Chinese elderly immigrants by increasing their social capital.