Participation In Community-dwelling Older Adults Research Articles

Exploring the Role of the Built Environment on the Functional Ability and Social Participation in Community-dwelling Older Adults

Background and Objectives. The built environment or physical environment consists of surroundings and conditions constructed by human activity. It includes urban design, neighborhoods, transportation, and smaller scale structures like the design and layout of rooms within buildings. The built environment can affect the physical, social, and functional wellbeing of older adults, both within their own homes and in the neighborhoods in which they live, and additionally plays a part in promoting healthy aging. This narrative review of the literature aims to present the ways in which the built environment can influence the functional ability of community-dwelling older adults, and affect their ability to live independently and age in place. Methods. Narrative literature review and inductive thematic analysis. Results. Forty-five full-text, English language publications from peer-reviewed sources were selected for this review, with the majority (35) presenting quantitative research findings and originating from North America (28). Older adults in rural and developing countries were underrepresented in the literature, despite acknowledgement that health of the aging population is a worldwide problem. Three major themes emerged. First, the built environment affects older adults in the most fundamental way at home through design considerations, modifications, and technological advances promoting aging in place and accessibility. Secondly, built environments outside the home can affect older adults’ physical activity and overall function with regard to mobility, transportation, and activities of daily living. The majority (22 of 45 publications) focused on this theme. Finally, the built environment in neighborhoods can affect older adults’ perception of social support, their social participation, and quality of life. Conclusion. As the built environment is created by humans and can be substantially modified, it possesses considerable potential for enhancing functional ability, social participation, and overall quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. It is possible to design a better person-environment fit, promoting safety, independence, optimal health, and quality of life. In order to support healthy aging, improvements in the built environment need to be accompanied by appropriate health and social policies, systems, and services. These changes require political will, as well as material resources that may not be readily available especially in the global South. A socioecological approach with adequate resources directed to older adults’ health and healthcare is necessary in order to achieve the ultimate goal of healthy aging in this population.

Occupational Participation Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic led to abrupt occupational disruption for all people. However, some populations, like older adults, were disproportionately impacted particularly in the earlier waves. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand how the occupational participation of community-dwelling older adults was experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the Canadian Model of Occupational Participation (CanMOP) to contextualize findings. Method. Sixty-seven older adults participated in semi-structured interviews from September 2020 to May 2021, 37 of which also participated in a follow-up interview one-year later. Findings. Using reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were generated: (1) experiences of loss are complex and layered for older adults, (2) technology as a medium for occupational participation, (3) risk perception influences return to occupation, and (4) age-related challenges for older adults resuming volunteer work. Conclusion. Increasing frequency and severity of influenza pandemics and other disasters are a global concern, and OTs can use their skillsets to foster participation and expand occupational possibilities for older adults. The CanMOP was a helpful tool to understand the nuances underlying the participation of older adults in this context.

Resistance Exercise Participation in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Korea: Associated Factors and Sex Differences.

Background/Objectives: Despite the importance of resistance exercise in older adults, factors associated with participation remain unclear, especially regarding sex differences. This study investigated sociodemographic, behavioral, and comorbidity factors associated with insufficient resistance exercise participation among community-dwelling older adults in Korea, with analyses stratified by sex. Methods: Nationally representative cross-sectional data from 8671 participants aged ≥65 years (3758 men and 4913 women; mean age 72.8) were analyzed using the 6th-8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2014-2019). Complex-sample multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with insufficient resistance exercise overall and by sex. Results: Women had a higher prevalence of insufficient resistance exercise than men (91.27% vs. 71.04%, p < 0.001). Older age groups, particularly those aged ≥80 years (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.86-3.07), and those with lower education (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.33-1.82), rural residence (OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.49-2.38), low household income, (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.13-1.88), insufficient aerobic exercise (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.46-1.94), current smoking (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.26-2.29), and diabetes (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.09-1.51) were independently associated with a higher likelihood of insufficient resistance exercise. The association of household income, current smoking, hypertension, and diabetes with resistance exercise adherence showed differences in sex-stratified analyses. Conclusions: Multiple sociodemographic, behavioral, and comorbid factors are linked to resistance exercise adherence among older Koreans. Tailored, sex-specific interventions are needed to promote resistance exercise in this population, informing public health strategies and further research on effective approaches for diverse older adults.

Significance of an Interprofessional Healthy Aging Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Narrative Study.

Participation is widely recognized as an important health determinant for older adults. Exploring interventions to promote active participation of community-dwelling older adults is an important step in translating current knowledge into practice. Few studies have examined community-level interventions to support older adults' participation. The study purpose was to examine the significance of the lived experiences of community-dwelling older adults who participated in an interprofessional healthy aging promotion program. The specific aims were to uncover the narrative significance of the lived experiences and how they evolved and intertwined with the life histories of the older adults 2 years after the intervention ended. A narrative inquiry design was used. Four key informants participated in two semi-structured interviews and a member-checking process. The data were analyzed from a three-dimensional inquiry space of time and continuity, place and context, and social interactions. The findings affirmed three core threads that wove the participants' lived experiences within the program together with their life histories after the intervention. These were enjoyment, learning, and sharing. Four themes revealed the essential elements of the lived experience, and three others exposed participants' growth and life enrichment, all being fundamental to participation. The 3-year community-level intervention was valued and a novel opportunity for facilitating participation and successful aging. It allowed the participants to acquire an evolved vision of self, have meaningful interactions, develop the means to engage in future community activities, implement new self-care strategies, and establish memories and friendships significant for life participation.

Preliminary effects of a WeChat-based educational intervention on social participation among older adults in a community.

The social participation of older people should be encouraged, as it is fundamental to their well-being and the practice of aged care. Therefore, the ability of older persons to participate in society should be strengthened. To evaluate the preliminary effects of a WeChat-based educational intervention on the social participation of community-dwelling older adults in China. This study was a quasi-experimental design. Twenty-eight community-dwelling older adults participated in a WeChat-based educational intervention. The intervention contents included concepts and preparation of social participation, analysis of participation resources and capabilities, technological adaptation, emotional management, setting of to-do lists, etc. Social participation, self-worth and subjective well-being were measured via the WeChat application on smartphones at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and a 3-month follow-up. We analysed data using paired t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA). We found statistically significant improvements in social participation (active aging) (F = 4.408; p < .05) as well as the self-worth dimensions of moral worth (F = 4.135; p < .05) and psychological worth (F = 3.234; p < .05), and the negative-affect dimension of subjective well-being being decreased (F = 2.484; p < .05). The WeChat-based education intervention can effectively improve social participation and self-worth, and may provide effective preventive healthcare solutions for older adults in China. The enormous value of the social participation of independent older adults must be recognised. Nurses can use smartphones to deliver health and social participation information in routine programs in aged care.

Factors Associated with Participation of Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Activities Related to Leisure and Social Participation: A Systematic Review

Context: The significant and rapid growth of the aging population is one of the most important phenomena of the current century. According to the main component of the World Health Organization, the concern over aging can be operationalized through informal contributions such as social and leisure activities. Objectives: The current study mainly aimed to review the factors associated with the participation of community-dwelling older adults in activities related to leisure and social participation. Data Source: In this study, based on PRISMA guidelines, articles investigating factors associated with the participation of community-dwelling older adults in activities related to leisure and social participation and published from 2005 to 2022 in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were screened. Inclusion criteria consisted of articles having been published in peer-reviewed journals between 2005 and 2022 and reaching I, II, III, and IV AOTA levels of evidence. To complete the study, a total of 651 articles were retrieved. Finally, 29 articles were reviewed. Results: Out of 29 articles, three articles were at evidence level I, 12 were at evidence level II, one was at evidence level III, and 13 were at evidence level IV. The social participation of the elderly was discussed in all 29 articles; however, the activities related to leisure of the elderly, in addition to the social participation, was discussed in only 11 articles. Levels of education and disability were the most relevant individual factors affecting the social participation and leisure activities of elders, respectively; the social networks with families, friends, etc., on the other hand, were the most relevant environmental factors influencing both social participation and leisure activities. Conclusions: Since the levels of education and disability were the most relevant individual factors affecting the participation of the elderly in activities related to social participation and leisure, respectively, and because it was difficult to make interventions in these factors, it was suggested that occupational therapists and other geriatric specialists should make advocacy-based interventions in the social networks which was recognized as the most relevant environmental factors contributing to leisure and the social participation.

Effects of self-management exercise group participation in community-dwelling older adults

BackgroundThe effects of physical fitness and age on motor function in older adults who continue to exercise remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of participation in self-management exercise groups in adults aged ≥65 years.MethodsThe motor functions of 372 citizens who participated in a self-management exercise group for 1 year were examined. The motor functions were assessed by measuring grip strength, five-repetition sit-to-stand test, 5-m fastest walking time (walking time) and timed up and go test. The participants were grouped according to their baseline grip strength (low or high grip strength groups). The baseline parameters were compared to those assessed 1 year after group participation. In addition, the rates of long-term care/support need certification were examined at 2-year follow-up.ResultsIn the low grip strength group aged ≥75 years, the grip strength of men, and grip strength and five-repetition sit-to-stand test results of women improved after 1 year. In the high grip strength group, the five-repetition sit-to-stand and timed up and go test results of men aged 65–74 years and five-repetition sit-to-stand test results of men aged ≥75 years improved. Among women in the high grip strength group, grip strength, five-repetition sit-to-stand test, walking time, and timed up and go test results improved in the participants aged 65–74 and ≥ 75 years. The number of new long-term care/support need certifications was comparable in both groups.ConclusionsParticipation in self-management exercise groups led to maintaining or improving physical fitness among community-dwelling-older adults. Furthermore, higher baseline grip strength was associated with improvements in many motor functions; therefore, participation in self-management exercise groups before the onset of functional decline is desirable.

Social participation of community-dwelling older adults in western China: A latent profile analysis.

ObjectiveSocial participation has become a policy framework to address population aging. However, little is known about the social participation of older adults in western China, and extensive, multicenter, regional research is lacking. This research investigated the profiles of social participation of older adults in western China and explored the characteristics and factors influencing social participation.MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 3 provinces (Chongqing, Sichuan, and Inner Mongolia) in western China from March 2021 to December 2021 and included 3,456 participants aged 60 years or older. Social participation was assessed using the Chinese version of the Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire (IPA). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to extract latent classes of social participation among older adults in western China. The chi-square test and multinomial regression analyses were used to identify differences between these classes.ResultsThree social participation classes were identified by LPA: high social participation (25.2%), moderate social participation (55.1%), and low social participation (19.7%). Being older, having a primary school education level, having mobility or speaking impairment, using assistive devices, and having a chronic disease were highly associated with the low social participation class (P < 0.05). Furthermore, older adults with no dependence (OR = 0.018, 95% CI = 0.005–0.062) or mild dependence (OR = 0.039, 95% CI = 0.011–0.139) in activities of daily living (ADLs) were less likely to be in the low social participation class. Older adults who were cared for by non-spouse primary caregivers were more likely to be assigned to the moderate social participation group (OR = 2.097, 95% CI = 1.501–2.930) than to the high social participation group.ConclusionsMost older adults in western China have a moderate level of social participation. Advanced age, reduced ADL ability, reduced speech ability, reduced mobility, and non-spouse care are related to the level of social participation. Healthcare professionals should pay attention to the predictors for different classes, identifying high-risk groups as early as possible.

Understanding influences on physical activity participation by older adults: A qualitative study of community-dwelling older adults from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, UK.

BackgroundThe health benefits of physical activity (PA) participation in later life are widely recognised. Understanding factors that can influence the participation of community-dwelling older adults in PA is crucial in an ageing society. This will be paramount in aiding the design of future interventions to effectively promote PA in this population. The main aim of this qualitative study was to explore influences on PA among community-dwelling older people, and the secondary aim was to explore gender differences.MethodsQualitative data were collected in 2014 by conducting focus group discussions using a semi-structured discussion guide with older people resident in Hertfordshire, UK. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and transcripts analysed thematically.ResultsNinety-two participants were recruited to the study (47% women; 74–83 years) and a total of 11 focus groups were conducted. Findings indicated six themes that appeared to affect older adults’ participation in PA: past life experiences; significant life events; getting older; PA environment; psychological/personal factors; and social capital. Overall, the findings emphasised the role of modifiable factors, namely psychological factors (such as self-efficacy, motivation, outcome expectancy) and social factors (such as social support and social engagement). These factors exerted their own influence on physical activity participation, but also appeared to mediate the effect of other largely non-modifiable background and ageing-related factors on participants’ engagement with PA in later life.ConclusionIn view of these findings, intervention designers could usefully work with behavioural scientists for insight as to how to enhance psychological and social factors in older adults. Our data suggest that interventions that aim to build self-efficacy, motivation and social networks have the potential to indirectly promote PA participation in older adults. This would be best achieved by developing physical activity interventions through working with participants in an empowering and engaging way.

Incontinência urinária, senso de controle e autonomia, e participação social em idosos residentes na comunidade

Abstract Objective Identify the presence of urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms and test a model of direct and indirect associations with the psychosocial variables sense of control/autonomy and social participation in community-dwelling older adults. Method Cross-sectional study conducted with 419 adults aged 72 years or over (70.2% female) participating in the follow-up survey of the FIBRA Study - Polo Unicamp. Age, sex and educational level were the sociodemographic variables selected as antecedents of the relationship between UI and social participation. A sense of control/autonomy was tested as a mediator of these relationships in a path analysis through structural equation modelling. Results UI was reported by 38% of the sample, with significant differences according to sex (41% female versus 31.3% male). Three levels of social participation were proposed, based on the degree of interaction between the individual and society. The model of relationships explained 15% of the variance in social participation. Direct effects were observed between control/autonomy and social participation; indirect effects between education and participation, mediated by the presence of UI. Conclusion UI contributed to restrictions in social participation at all levels. Control/autonomy, although related, did not prove to be a psychological mediator for the relationship between UI and participation. The presence of UI potentialized the disadvantageous relationships between education and social participation. As modifiable factors, the treatment and management of UI through clinical and psychosocial initiatives can act to reduce negative psychological effects and reduce socioeconomic inequalities in social participation.

Technological Interventions and Social Participation in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With or Without Dementia

Social isolation is a growing health issue in community-dwelling older adults with and without dementia as it can negatively affect their health and well-being. Consequently, psychosocial interventions targeting their social participation are increasingly gaining importance. So far, however, little is known about the potential of technological interventions in this population. Therefore, this systematic review explored the effectiveness of technological interventions in improving social participation of community-dwelling older adults with and without dementia. Records identified through five scientific databases were independently screened by two reviewers. A total of 36 studies published between 2005 and 2020 were included in a narrative synthesis. Studies differed widely in study design, type of technology, used outcome measures, and methodological quality. However, the findings highlight the potential role of technological interventions in improving different dimensions of social participation. At the same time, barriers and facilitators of these interventions to social participation were identified.

Predicting Technology Use Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic With Community Participation

The social isolation imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly affected older adults, and has impacted both their physical and mental health. The pandemic has led to an increase in ageism associated with poorer mental health and a lower sense of dignity, self-esteem and contribution to society. This cross-cultural study involved 24 participants from Italy and Israel aged 79 to 92. The aim was to develop a brief art-based online intervention to enhance the participants’ sense of dignity and sense of meaning in life during this time of crisis. The process focused on the creation of digital photo-collages that captured the participants’ values through three perspectives: their past experiences, legacy, and future perspectives. It employed an arts-based research methodology to explore the participants’ experiences by analysing their relationship with the artistic expression, the photo collage, and its creative process.

Technological Interventions and Social Participation in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With or Without Dementia

Cross-lagged structural equation models examined the bidirectional association between loneliness and self rated health over three time points. We adjusted for age, gender, network size, and depressive symptoms at baseline. At baseline, the sample was 28% Black and 40% male. Average age at time 1 was 46 years, 56 years at time 2, and 63 years at time 3. Results indicated that loneliness at time 1 was associated with loneliness at time 2; loneliness at time 2 was associated with loneliness at time 3. We had similar findings for associations among self rated health. However, only one of the cross-lagged paths was significant. Specifically, more loneliness at time 2 was associated with worse self rated health at time 3. These associations did not vary across black and white race. Findings indicate that loneliness at later midlife may be detrimental to later life health, regardless of race.

Facilitators and Barriers to Social Participation of Community-dwelling Older Adults in Iran: A Qualitative Study

Objectives: Social participation in older adults is one of the key pillars of active aging. Social participation is influenced by multiple underlying factors. The present study aims to explore the facilitators and barriers to social participation in community-dwelling older adults in Iran. Methods &amp; Materials: This is a qualitative study using the grounded theory approach. The study population consisted of community-dwelling older adults. Fifteen samples were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Information were collected until data saturation. Each interview lasted for 45-60 minutes. Analysis was done using the method of Corbin and Strauss (2015). Results: Three main categories and 11 sub-categories were found based on data analysis which were: Participatory elderly (with 5 sub-categories), participatory family (with 2 sub-categories), and community capacity for social participation (with 4 sub-categories). Conclusion: Facilitating social participation of community-dwelling older adults in Iran is associated by individual, family and community. Proper planning should be done in these areas. Providing facilitators for the development of social participation in the elderly can facilitate movement towards active aging.

The Effects of Technological Interventions on Social Participation of Community-Dwelling Older Adults with and without Dementia: A Systematic Review.

Social isolation in community-dwelling older adults with dementia is a growing health issue that can negatively affect health and well-being. To date, little attention has been paid to the role of technology in improving their social participation. This systematic review aims to provide a systematic overview of the effects of technological interventions that target social participation in community-dwelling older adults with and without dementia. The scientific databases Medline (PubMed), PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched and independently screened by two reviewers. Results were synthesized narratively. The methodological quality of included studies was independently assessed by two reviewers. In total, 36 studies of varying methodological quality were identified. Most studies evaluated social networking technology and ICT training programs. Three studies focused on people with dementia. Quantitative findings showed limited effects on loneliness, social isolation, and social support. Nevertheless, several benefits related to social participation were reported qualitatively. Social interaction, face-to-face contact, and intergenerational engagement were suggested to be successful elements of technological interventions in improving the social participation of community-dwelling older adults. Rigorous studies with larger sample sizes are highly needed to evaluate the long-term effects of technology on the multidimensional concept of social participation.

The Effects of Social Participation Restriction on Psychological Distress among Older Adults with Chronic Illness

ABSTRACT This study examined how restricted social participation mediates the relationship between chronic illness and psychological distress among community-dwelling older adults. Additionally, the use of the Internet for health care was tested as a moderator to examine whether the relationship between limited social participation and psychological distress differs. Using the multiple-group path analysis approach, 16,032 community-dwelling older adults (65+) from the National Health Interview Survey were analyzed. The findings show that 32.2% suffered from chronic illnesses that limited their daily activities, and 26% reported social participation restrictions to some degree. While having chronic illnesses was associated with greater psychological distress, the association was also through increased social participation restriction (mediation). Furthermore, differences in mediation were found between health information technology users and nonusers (moderated mediation). In contrast to the hypothesis, the adverse relationship between limited social participation and psychological distress was stronger among users, although chronic conditions were associated with greater social participation restrictions among nonusers. The findings suggest that with proper accommodations and interventions that aim to increase the social participation of community-dwelling older adults, the disadvantageous effects of chronic conditions on psychological distress could be ameliorated. Moreover, the importance of such interventions is greater among health information technology users.

Participation in out-of-home activities among older adults: The role of mobility, attitudes and travel behaviors

IntroductionA key determinant of healthy aging is active participation in daily activities. This study proposes a model that explains participation of community-dwelling older adults. The model examines travel attitudes and mobility behaviors as mediating factors between personal characteristics and participation in out-of-home daily activities. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among older adults (N = 277; M = 75.17 years, SD = 6.90; 68.3% women). Participation was measured by the Activity Card Sort, and travel attitudes and mobility behaviors by a questionnaire. The proposed model was analyzed by the Structural Equation Model (SEM) using AMOS software and PROCESS analysis. ResultsThe SEM yielded a goodness-of-fit between the observed model and the structural proposed model [χ2(51) = 76.52; p = .012; N = 277; χ2/df = 1.50]. This model explained 41% of the variance in the older adults' participation, with good indicators (normed fit index = 0.907, comparative fit index = 0.965, and root mean square error of approximation = .043). PROCESS analysis confirmed the central significant role that driving and attitudes towards using public transportation and walking plays in mediating between older adults' personal characteristics (e.g., age and gender) and their participation. ConclusionsOur findings further underpin the importance of enabling older adults to use any available transportation modes to maintain their participation levels in out-of-home activities. Attitudes toward walking or using public transportation significantly affect their use of transportation modes to maintain their participation. Therefore, interventions should include improving public transportation accessibility, together with enhancing older adults’ attitudes towards using it.

Factors Associated with Participation of Community-Dwelling Older Adults in a Home-Based Falls Prevention Program.

This observational study was conducted to determine which factors are associated with frequent participation in a home-based exercise program. The effects of frequent participation on health-related outcomes over time are investigated, as well. Community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years participated in a twelve-week home-based exercise program. The program consisted of an instruction book with exercises that were performed individually at home. Frequent participation was classified as performing exercises of the instruction book daily or a few days a week during the study period. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between factors (i.e., demographic and health-related characteristics) and frequent participation. Furthermore, to investigate the effects of frequent participation on health-related outcomes, generalized linear and logistic regression models were built. A total of 238 participants (mean age 81.1 years (SD ± 6.7), 71% female) were included in the study. Frequent participation during the study period was indicated by fifty-two percent of participants. Analyses showed that a higher degree of pain (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.–1.04) was associated with frequent participation. In addition, the effect of frequent participation over time was a significant improvement in current health perceptions (B: 4.46, SE: 1.99).

Patterns of perspectives on fall-prevention beliefs by community-dwelling older adults: a Q method investigation.

BackgroundFalling has high incidence and reoccurrence rates and is an essential factor contributing to accidental injury or death for older adults. Enhancing the participation of community-dwelling older adults in fall-prevention programs is crucial. Understanding fall-prevention beliefs will be beneficial for developing a community-based fall-prevention program. The aim of the present study was to identify the distinct types of subjective views on the fall-prevention beliefs of community-dwelling older adults aged 80 years and older by applying the Q method.MethodsThe Q method was adopted to investigate the pattern of perception on fall-prevention beliefs. Forty-two older adults aged 80 − 92 years from a community care center in Northern Taiwan were recruited and requested to complete a Q-sorting. A series of Q-sorts was performed by the participants to rank 30 statements into a normal distribution Q-sort grid. The Q-sorts were subjected to principal component analysis by using PQMethod software Version 2.35.ResultsFour statistically independent perspectives were derived from the analysis and reflected distinct viewpoints on beliefs related to fall prevention. Participants in the Considerate perspective believed that health problems caused by falling were serious and fall prevention could decrease the burden they place on their family. Participants in the Promising perspective believed that existing health problems could cause a fall and that fall prevention contributed to their well-being. Participants in the Adaptable perspective perceived low barriers to execute fall prevention and displayed self-confidence and independence in preventing falls. Participants in the Ignorance perspective believed that they could not prevent falls and perceived barriers to fall prevention.ConclusionsBy combining theoretical constructs and the Q methodology approach, this study identified four distinct perspectives on fall prevention among community-dwelling older adults. Critical reflection on older adult personal perspectives and interpretations of the required responsive approach is a key element for appropriating fall-prevention support.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12877-016-0307-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Optimizing social participation in community-dwelling older adults through the use of behavioral coping strategies

Purpose: This study aimed to (1) determine the categories of behavioral coping strategies most strongly correlated with optimal seniors’ social participation in different activity and role domains and (2) identify the demographic, health and environmental factors associated with the use of these coping strategies optimizing social participation. Method: The sample consisted of 350 randomly recruited community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years). Coping strategies and social participation were measured, respectively, using the Inventory of Coping Strategies Used by the Elderly and Assessment of Life Habits questionnaires. Information about demographic, health and environmental factors was also collected during the interview. Results: Regression analyses showed a strong relationship between the use of cooking- and transportation-related coping strategies and optimal participation in the domains of nutrition and community life, respectively. Older age and living alone were associated with increased use of cooking-related strategies, while good self-rated health and not living in a seniors’ residence were correlated with greater use of transportation-related strategies. Conclusions: Our study helped to identify useful behavioral coping strategies that should be incorporated in disability prevention programs designed to promote community-dwelling seniors’ social participation. However, the appropriateness of these strategies depends on whether they are used in relevant contexts and tailored to specific needs.Implications for RehabilitationOur results support the relevance of including behavioral coping strategies related to cooking and transportation in disability prevention programs designed to promote community-dwelling seniors’ social participation in the domains of nutrition and community life, respectively.Older age and living alone were associated with increased use of cooking-related strategies, while good self-rated health and not living in a seniors’ residence were correlated with greater use of transportation-related strategies. These factors should be considered in order to optimize implementation of these useful strategies in disability prevention programs.The appropriateness of these selected strategies depends on whether they are used in relevant contexts and tailored to specific needs.