Social Capital

Older adults playing card games at picnic table in crowded park.

Social Capital is often seen as an indicator of health. Those with strong personal and social relationships report better health. Studies have shown that different measures of social capital (e.g., increased levels of trust, political participation, neighborhood familiarity, participation in protests, election voting, etc.) are supported by different built environments. As such, different kinds of environments can facilitate social capital.

Health and Places Initiative (HAPI) Materials

Social Capital, Health, and Place [PDF]

External Resources

View External Resources on Social Capital
Older adults, chatting at outdoor tables.
Large gathering of people outside of movie theater near fountain.
Adults dancing outside in a plaza.
Older adults, chatting at outdoor tables.