Leisure education and social capital: The case of university programmes for older adults in China

Older adults are considered a vulnerable group at high risk of social isolation. Social capital has been shown to be a protective factor against social isolation and a contributing factor to wellbeing. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to examine the effect of leisure education on social capital in the case of university programmes for older adults in China. Through its prospective design, the study found that leisure education enhanced the development of social capital. Shared interests, perceived social connectedness, information exchanges, norms of mutual care, and skill development were found to play important roles in enhancing seniors' social capital.