Social capital and improved wellbeing: a qualitative investigation of the Wild Things! Silver Saplings Adventures programme in rural North-East Scotland.

Adams, Nicholas Norman; MacIver, Emma; Douglas, Flora; Kennedy, Catriona

Abstract

The Silver Saplings Adventures Programme (SSAP), run by Wild Things! charity in Scotland, enhances older adults' wellbeing through nature-based activities, lifelong learning and social cohesion. This study evaluates SSAP's 2023 impact using remote interviews with seventeen participants, revealing its role in fostering physical, social and mental wellbeing. A key finding is SSAP's effectiveness in strengthening social capital, helping mitigate aging-related social decline. Participants reported forming friendships and stronger community ties. The study highlights SSAP's value in promoting healthy aging and resilience, advocating for further support and expansion of nature programmes to enrich older populations in Scotland and beyond.

Citation

ADAMS, N.N., MACIVER, E., DOUGLAS, F. and KENNEDY, C. [2025]. Social capital and improved wellbeing: a qualitative investigation of the Wild Things! Silver Saplings Adventures programme in rural North-East Scotland. Journal of gerontological social work [online], Latest Articles. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2025.2488020

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 30, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Apr 4, 2025
• Deposit Date: Apr 1, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 1, 2025
• Journal: Journal of gerontological social work
• Print ISSN: 0163-4372
• Electronic ISSN: 1540-4048
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2025.2488020
• Keywords: Older people; Health and wellbeing; Outdoor activities; Lifelong learning; Social capital; Greenspaces; Scotland
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2780450