Abstract

Introduction:   This article investigates the relationship between self-esteem, social capital, trust, and satisfaction with social capital in people over 60 years of age in Latin America in 2022, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method:   A semi-structured survey was conducted with a non-probabilistic sample of 255 people over 60 years old from Latin America, originating from the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Bolivia, and Mexico. The data were processed, and indices were constructed for each dimension using the Rosenberg Scale (1965) and the work of Lee, Lee, and Song (2019). The normality of the indicators, their distribution, and correlation were then evaluated, disaggregating the results by gender and age group, whether older or younger than 60 years.

Results:   The results indicate that the pandemic negatively affected social capital due to social distancing and loss of interactions, impacting the mental health of older adults. Significant differences were found in self-esteem between men and women (p=0.01), but not in social capital, satisfaction, and trust. Differences were also observed in social capital averages between men older and younger than 60 years (p=0.03). There were no significant differences in women older and younger than 60 years or between older men and women. Among men under 60 and women, only self-esteem showed a significant difference (p=0.01).

Conclusions:   To improve the self-esteem and mental health of older adults, spaces for interaction that strengthen both social networks and interpersonal trust should be promoted.

Keywords:  labor market; older adult; self-esteem; depression