Air Pollution, Social Capital, and Mental Health of the Elderly: An Empirical Analysis Based on CLHLS 2018 Data

Shidong Liu

doi:10.63313/EBM.9126

Authors

Shidong Liu Center for International Education, Philippine Christian University, Manila, 1004, Philippine Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63313/EBM.9126

Keywords:

Air pollution, Mental health of the elderly, Social capital, Mediating effect

Abstract

This study aims to reveal the socio-psychological mechanisms through which air pollution affects the mental health of the elderly, with a specific focus on the mediating role of social capital. Utilizing data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) 2018 matched with city-level air pollution data, empirical analysis is conducted using econometric models. The findings indicate that air pollution not only directly increases the risk of depression and impairs cognitive function among the elderly but also generates significant indirect effects by reshaping social capital. Pollution significantly "erodes" social trust and social participation (cognitive and structural social capital) among the elderly, thereby exacerbating psychological harm. Concurrently, it "crowds in" and strengthens intimate networks centered on family (relational social capital), which provides a certain buffering effect on mental health. The conclusions suggest that the health impacts of air pollution operate through complex socio-psychological pathways, implying that public policy should integrate the cultivation of social capital into environmental governance to effectively mitigate environmental health risks and promote "healthy aging."

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