The relationship between participation in community associations and social participation and subjective well-being among older people

Abstract

In recent years, health promotion for older people has focused on not only physical and cognitive functions but also subjective well-being. While social participation is considered important for subjective well-being, this is not the case for whether membership in a community association is beneficial. This study therefore examined the difference in subjective well-being from membership in a community association and participation in social activities, such as hobbies. A survey of older people living in the community was conducted, from which 14,500 responses were analyzed using logistic regression. The results revealed that social participation, membership in a community association, and willingness to join a community association affected subjective wellbeing. Consequently, it is important to encourage older people to participate voluntarily in social activities, or for those who cannot, encouraging to participate in community associations, such as those run by third parties, could be effective to some extent.