The Mediating Effect of Sense of Community in the Relationship between Social Support and Social Capital among Elderly Exercise Participants

The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the structural relationship among Social Support, Sense of Community, and Social Capital in elderly individuals participating in exercise. To achieve this, Exploratory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling were performed, and bootstrapping was utilized to verify the significance of the mediating effect.<br/> The results of the analysis are as follows: First, Social Support had a significant positive (+) effect on Social Capital. Second, Social Support had a significant positive (+) effect on Sense of Community. Third, Sense of Community had a significant positive (+) effect on Social Capital. Fourth, Sense of Community significantly mediated the relationship between Social Support and Social Capital. In conclusion, future exercise programs for the elderly should move beyond mere physical activity to create a communication-oriented environment that fosters emotional bonds and Sense of Community. In particular, instructors must strengthen their roles as relationship facilitators so that participants can experience a sense of belonging. This will serve as a practical alternative for restoring fragmented social networks in an aging society.