Effect of negative social capital on exercise participation in the nonface-to-face era: The case of South Korea

Abstract

Lack of access to social bonding sessions owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has had negative effects on older adults' exercise participation. This study examined the relationships between bridging capital, bonding capital, relationship commitment, and exercise participation intention. We surveyed 740 adults aged 50 years or over who visited welfare, health, and senior centers in South Korea. The results showed that bridging capital and bonding capital were positively associated with relationship commitment and exercise participation intention, and that the effect of bridging capital on exercise participation intention was mediated by relationship commitment. Thus, it is necessary to find ways to develop programs that can connect older adults and help them form small networks, in order to promote their exercise participation.