Identification and feasibility of social participation initiatives reducing isolation and involving rural older Canadians in the development of their community

Clément, Annie-Pier; Djilas, Dusica; Vinet, Tanya; Aubin, Ariane; Demers, Karine; Levasseur, Mélanie

doi:10.1007/s40520-017-0849-x

Cited by 13 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…To promote the social participation of older adults in a rural RCM, identi cation of personal and environmental facilitators and barriers, as well as possible variations in the needs prioritized according to speci c perspectives, such as older adults with disabilities or living in a rural area, should be considered. The rst part of this action research will be followed by community selection and implementation of initiatives to meet older adults' needs [32,33]. These initiatives will also be evaluated in terms of older adults' social participation and health.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality: Toward reducing situations of isolation and vulnerability

Levasseur

Routhier

Clapperton

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Background: Social participation is restricted for approximately half the older adult population but is critical in fostering community vitality, promoting health, and preventing disabilities. Although targeted through interventions by community organizations, healthcare professionals and municipalities, little is known about the needs of older adults to participate socially, especially in rural areas. This study thus aimed to identify and prioritize the social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality. Methods: A participatory action research was conducted in a rural regional county municipality (RCM) in Quebec, Canada, with a convenience sample of 139 stakeholders, including older adults, caregivers, healthcare and community organization managers, healthcare and community organization workers, community partners and key informants. Results: Facilitators and barriers to social participation are related to personal factors (e.g., health, interests, motivation), the social environment (e.g., availability of assistance or volunteers) and the physical environment (e.g., distance to resources, recreational facilities and social partners). Nine older adults’ needs emerged and were prioritized as follows: 1) having access to and being informed about transportation options, 2) being informed about available activities and services, 3) having access to activities, including volunteering opportunities, suited to their interests, schedule, cost, language and health condition, 4) being accompanied to activities, 5) having access to meeting places near home and adapted to their health condition, and 6-9 (no preferred order) being reached when isolated, being personally invited and welcomed to activities, having a social support network, and being valued and recognized. Differences emerged when prioritizing needs of older adults with disabilities (greater need for assistance, accessibility and adapted activities) and older adults living in a rural area (greater need for transportation).Conclusions: To promote active participation in the community, the social participation needs of older women and men living in rural areas must be addressed, especially in regard to transportation, information, adapted activities, assistance and accessibility. The first part of this action research will be followed by community selection and implementation of initiatives designed to ultimately foster their social participation.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality: Toward reducing situations of isolation and vulnerability

Levasseur

Routhier

Clapperton

et al. 2020

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…They were all—every person—had something to offer” [23] (p. 571). Clément, Djilas, Vinet, Aubin, Demers, and Levasseur found that, among Canadian older adults, “volunteering promotes older adults’ involvement in the development of their community and social participation, as well as their physical, mental and social health” [76] (p. 855). The importance of social participation through volunteering has been found by other researchers [76].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Scoping Review: Social Participation as a Cornerstone of Successful Aging in Place among Rural Older Adults

et al. 2018

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Despite obstacles, many rural-dwelling older adults report that positive aspects of rural residence, such as attachment to community, social participation, and familiarity, create a sense of belonging that far outweighs the negative. By being part of a community where they are known and they know people, rural elders continue to find meaning, the key to achieving successful aging in this last stage of life. This scoping review explored factors influencing social participation and, through it, successful aging among rural-dwelling older adults. We sought to answer the question: what factors enhance or detract from the ability of rural-dwelling older adults to engage in social participation in rural communities? The scoping review resulted in 19 articles that highlight the importance of supports to enable older people to spend time with others, including their pets, engage in volunteer and community activities, and help maintain their home and care for their pets. Overall, the lack of services, including local health care facilities, was less important than the attachment to place and social capital associated with aging in place.

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“…The rst part of this action research will be followed by community selection and implementation of initiatives to meet older adults' needs [33,34]. These initiatives will also be evaluated in terms of older adults' social participation and health.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality: Toward reducing situations of isolation and vulnerability

Levasseur

Routhier

Clapperton

et al. 2020

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: Social participation is restricted for approximately half the older adult population but is critical in fostering community vitality, promoting health, and preventing disabilities. Although targeted through interventions by community organizations, healthcare professionals and municipalities, little is known about the needs of older adults to participate socially, especially in rural areas. This study thus aimed to identify and prioritize the social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality.Methods: A participatory action research was conducted in a rural regional county municipality (RCM) in Quebec, Canada, with a convenience sample of 139 stakeholders, including older adults, caregivers, healthcare and community organization managers, healthcare and community organization workers, community partners and key informants.Results: Facilitators and barriers to social participation are related to personal factors (e.g., health, interests, motivation), the social environment (e.g., availability of assistance or volunteers) and the physical environment (e.g., distance to resources, recreational facilities and social partners). Nine older adults’ needs emerged and were prioritized as follows: 1) having access to and being informed about transportation options, 2) being informed about available activities and services, 3) having access to activities, including volunteering opportunities, suited to their interests, schedule, cost, language and health condition, 4) being accompanied to activities, 5) having access to meeting places near home and adapted to their health condition, and 6-9 (no preferred order) being reached when isolated, being personally invited and welcomed to activities, having a social support network, and being valued and recognized. Differences emerged when prioritizing needs of older adults with disabilities (greater need for assistance, accessibility and adapted activities) and older adults living in a rural area (greater need for transportation).Conclusions: To promote active participation in the community, the social participation needs of older women and men living in rural areas must be addressed, especially in regard to transportation, information, adapted activities, assistance and accessibility. The first part of this action research will be followed by community selection and implementation of initiatives designed to ultimately foster their social participation.

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Identification and feasibility of social participation initiatives reducing isolation and involving rural older Canadians in the development of their community

Abstract: Further studies are needed to document the implementation and effects of these initiatives on the social participation of older adults in the RCM.

Cited by 13 publications

References 22 publications

Social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality: Toward reducing situations of isolation and vulnerability

Social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality: Toward reducing situations of isolation and vulnerability

A Scoping Review: Social Participation as a Cornerstone of Successful Aging in Place among Rural Older Adults

Social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality: Toward reducing situations of isolation and vulnerability

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