The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on young and elderly psychological well-being: the role of social and cultural participation. A cross-sectional exploratory study

Background In the last 20 years a growing literature has highlighted the role of social and cultural activities in fostering individual and community well-being. The Covid-19 pandemic had an important impact on individuals and communities given the lockdown policies enacted, causing the unexpected and forced abandonment of these activities. Aims The present work investigates the impact caused by Covid-19 and the consequent suspension of all associated social and cultural opportunities for young and elderly individual subjective well-being. Methods We undertook a cross-sectional survey in January 2020 (t1, pre-pandemic), and a second carried out one year later in February 2021 (t2 post-pandemic), on a sample of individuals from 18 to 34 years old and >64 years old in a town lying within the metropolitan area of Milan (Italy). We employed the PGWBI - Psychological General Well-Being Index to assess the psychological aspect and to measure the influence of the social and cultural dimensions. P-value, Cohen g and Pearson r statistical techniques were employed. Results Results show that the psychological well-being increased for the sample of young people from 67.82 to 76.49, and decreased for the >64 sample from 59.84 to 57.23. An analysis of the correlation shows that social and cultural participation played a role in promoting the young’s well-being and reduced the impact of the pandemic in those >64. Conclusion Some socio-demographic variables seem to be affected by the pandemic in both cohorts. The contribution of social and cultural activities appears relevant, thus providing elements for further investigation in the field of the relationship between these dimensions and individual subjective well-being.