As individuals age, they encounter new or persistent needs that affect their ability to use formal services. Social capital, can help individuals overcome these barriers. This scoping review aimed to identify how an older adult's social capital may help them utilize formal services. The search, conducted in January 2023, resulted in 57 articles included for analysis. Results demonstrate how certain types of relationships may support older adults' use of formal services and highlight gaps in methodologies and measurements used. Future research should explore mechanisms behind different types of relationships and how they can support older adults obtain needed care.
Keywords: Social capital; older adults; scoping review; service use.