On the track of evaluated programmes targeting the social participation of seniors: a typology proposal

Abstract

Nowadays, the social participation of seniors represents a central challenge for both individuals and collectivities. The participative perspective is indeed present in most of the contemporary discourses on ageing, and is viewed both as a way to manage the current demographic juncture and as a promising direction for enhancing seniors’ wellbeing and achievements. This article examines 32 programmes aimed at fostering the social participation of seniors that were both implemented and evaluated, and whose results were published between January 1970 and August 2011. Based on each programme's approach, a typology of social programmes is proposed. The programmes are grouped in five categories, ranging from programmes offering an individualised approach to socio-political programmes. Classification is based on the various ways the concept of social participation is defined and acted upon by the reviewed programmes. Far from being neutral, each category suggests a specific representation of the social roles of seniors. In addition, the paper discusses how the proposed typology can guide both policy and practice, linking identity and agency issues to organisational and structural considerations. Three uses for the typology are suggested: as a policy-making support, as an evaluative framework, and as an experimental space for community practice.

Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews

“…Poscia, et al [34] and Cattan, et al [10]. The remaining five reviews focused on loneliness and other outcomes of interests such as anxiety and depression (n = 3); or other related concepts such as social participation [56], and social connectedness [35]. While there is a distinction between loneliness and social isolation, there was not any obvious differences in reviews that focused on loneliness or social isolation in terms of the review type, where the research was conducted, and how the findings were reported.…”

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

“…To our knowledge, this action research is the rst to identify and prioritize the social participation needs of older adults living in a rural RCM using a process in which stakeholders played a signi cant role. In accordance with the guidelines of Raymond and colleagues [9], this action research directly involved older adults, caregivers and community members from many different backgrounds, and therefore provides an inclusive understanding of the needs of older adults in a rural RCM. The study was based on a strong partnership with the community and involved a personalized approach to the experiences and cultures of older adults in the RCM.…”

Social capital interventions targeting older people and their impact on health: a systematic review

“…Some trials achieved significant effects on several health outcomes while others have not,17–20 and an overview of trials that promote social capital is lacking. Previous systematic reviews have generally included non-randomised designs21–24 and focused interventions on specific social capital components25 26 or psychosocial interventions 24 27. Moreover, they have assessed psychosocial effects and seldom considered health outcomes 22…”