Life satisfaction and social capital in different age groups in Finland: Data from the European Values Study

Abstract

The aim of the study is to explore age and language group differences in social capital and life satisfaction, and their associated factors, among Finnish and Swedish speakers in Finland. Data were derived from the European Values Study (EVS), and the sample included 2514 individuals aged 18 years and older. Various regression-based methods were used in the analyses. The results indicate that there are significant differences in social capital between Finnish and Swedish speakers but not in life satisfaction. Nevertheless, a positive association between volunteering and life satisfaction was observed for Finnish speakers. The findings corroborate that structural and cognitive social capital are associated with higher life satisfaction and highlight the potential for promoting well-being in younger and older adults through being actively engaged in and feeling connected to a community. Moreover, special attention should be given to young adults who display the lowest levels of life satisfaction and social capital.