How does online social capital influence health behaviours among older adults? an analysis based on the mediating effect of health beliefs and structural equation modeling validation

Against the backdrop of Chinas deep aging population and widespread internet adoption, online channels have become an important avenue for optimizing health management among older adults. However, the persistent digital divide continues to limit the full realization of this potential. Existing studies often treat online social capital as a single overall variable and have not sufficiently examined the mediating role of health beliefs between two types of online social capital and older adults health behaviours, leaving the underlying mechanisms unclear. Based on 465 valid nationwide survey responses and grounded in Banduras Social Cognitive Theory, this paper analyzes the influence mechanisms of bonding and bridging online social capital and health beliefs (perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers) on older adults health behaviours. The study finds that neither type of online social capital has a significant direct effect on health behaviours; all four dimensions of health beliefs positively influence health behaviours (with perceived severity having the strongest effect); perceived susceptibility, severity, and benefits serve as significant mediators, while perceived barriers do not. This paper reveals relevant mechanisms and provides references for digital health interventions and age-friendly platform design for older adults.