Housing Poverty and Mental Health in Single-Person Elderly Households: Moderating Effects of Social Capital and Gender Differences

This study examines the effect of housing poverty on the mental health of single-person elderly households, with a particular focus on the moderating role of social capital and gender differences. We employed a multiple regression model using data from the 2024 Korean Welfare Panel. The empirical results indicate that the moderating effect of social capital on mental health is stronger for single-person elderly households than for other elderly households. Furthermore, the moderating effect of social capital was found to be more pronounced among elderly women compared to elderly men in single-person households, suggesting that the function and influence of social capital vary by gender. These findings highlight the need for policies that go beyond household type distinctions and incorporate gender-specific approaches to strengthening social capital. Based on these results, this study proposes that tailored strategies considering both household type and gender are essential for effectively enhancing the role of social capital in supporting the mental health of the elderly.