Social Participation Of Older Adults Research Articles

Association between education and disability-free life expectancy among Japanese older people: The Ohsaki Cohort 2006 study

BackgroundHigher education level is associated with longer disability-free life expectancy (DFLE). However, evidence is scarce regarding factors that can contribute to eliminating inequality in DFLE according to education level. This study aimed to clarify the association between education and DFLE and estimate whether DFLE in people with lower education may increase to the same level as that in people with higher education through social participation. MethodsWe analyzed data from 13,849 Japanese people aged 65 years and older who participated in a 13-year prospective study. At baseline, we collected information on education levels (low, middle, or high) and social participation. DFLE was defined as the average duration people expect to live without disability. To calculate DFLE for each education level group, the multistate life table method was employed using a Markov model. ResultsAt the age of 65 years, DFLE (95 % confidence interval [CI]) in women with low education was 21.3 years (20.8–21.8) without social participation and 24.3 (23.8–24.9) with social participation. In the middle education group, DFLE was 22.1 (21.6–22.6) without social participation and 25.0 (24.6–25.5) with social participation. In the high education group, DFLE was 22.1 (21.5–22.8) without social participation and 25.5 (25.0–26.0) with social participation. Similar results were found for men. ConclusionsDFLE in people with low or middle education with social participation was almost the same as that in those with high education with social participation, suggesting the possibility that disparities in DFLE by education level could be offset by promoting social participation in older adults.

The mediating roles of depressive symptoms and social participation in the relationship between the effects of pain and cognitive function among Chinese older adults: A longitudinal study

Decline in cognitive function poses a substantial burden on individuals, families, and society. However, the longitudinal potential mechanism underlying the link of pain and cognitive function remains unclear. Using data of 4247 participants aged 60 years and over from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011, 2013, 2018, and 2020, we discussed the longitudinal predictive effect of pain on cognitive function and the mediating effects of depressive symptoms and social participation. The longitudinal mediation model analysis revealed that pain could not directly influence cognitive function, but it could indirectly predict cognitive function through the independent mediation effects of depressive symptoms and social participation. Moreover, the association between pain and cognitive function was serially mediated by depressive symptoms and social participation. Diversified interventions aimed at relieving pain and depressive symptoms, and increasing social participation in older adults would be beneficial for their cognitive function.

More than Fresh Fruits and Veggies: Farmers’ Markets as a Locus of Social Participation for Older Adults

As awareness of the benefits of social participation for older adults has grown, ideas for how social services agencies can increase older adults’ social participation have proliferated. The goal of this research is to explore how older adults experience the farmers’ market as a hub of social participation. Fifteen older adults in a rural area in the deep South of the U.S. participated in semi-structured interviews. All interviews were transcribed verbatim; transcripts were analyzed using analytic induction techniques. Most participants describe the farmers’ market as an important context for their social participation. They enjoyed the family-like environment, expanded their social network with vendors and volunteers, and received financial support such as the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Some described their experiences of civil engagement and their contribution to the community. Yet some barriers to their participation exist, such as transportation issues. Implications include further exploration into the potential for farmers’ markets as a context for increasing social participation of rural older adults. In particular, future research should explore the perceptions of social service professionals regarding this connection and the potential for social service agencies to harness the reciprocal nature of the relationship between markets and older patrons.

Life-Space Mobility, Transportation, and the Companionship Network of Members of a Hispanic Senior Center.

Companions (i.e., friends who spend time together) are important for the well-being of older adults. Senior centers in the United States are places for older adults to participate in group activities and form and maintain companionships. However, differences in mobility and transportation may affect the ability of older adults to leverage senior center activities into actual companionships. This social network analysis was conducted to characterize the companionship network among members of a senior center in relation to their life-space mobility and transportation resources. An exponential random graph model was estimated to identify mobility- and transportation-related correlates of the likelihood of a companionship tie among senior center members (N = 42). Members had an average of 2 companionships with one another (M = 2.2, SD = 2.7). Companionships were more likely for members with greater life-space mobility (p = .009), who attended the senior center more frequently (p = .004), with automobile ownership in their households (p = .034), and who were not transportation cost-burdened (i.e., spent less than 15% of their income on transportation, p = .005). Demographic characteristics, limitations on instrumental activities of daily living, and being at risk for depression were not significantly associated with the likelihood of companionships. These findings extend previous knowledge of the role of life-space mobility and transportation in supporting general social participation for older adults to include the importance of transportation and mobility for having companions within a senior center.

Adverse childhood experiences, sarcopenia, and social participation in older adults: a cohort study

ObjectivesTo examine the relationships between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and developing sarcopenia in older adults and the modifying effects of active social participation.MethodsThis prospective cohort study used survey data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, including baseline surveys from 2011, follow-up data from 2013, follow-up data from 2015, and information on ACEs from the 2014 Life History Survey. Information concerning 10 ACEs, including five threat-related ACEs and five deprivation-related ACEs before 17 years of age was obtained by questionnaires through face-to-face interviews. Sarcopenia status was assessed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 algorithm, consisted of low muscle mass, and low muscle strength, or poor physical performance. The relationship between ACEs, social participation, and sarcopenia was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard regression models.ResultsThe study population comprised 6859 older adults in main analyses. Having experienced ≥ 3 ACEs led to an increased 31% risk of developing sarcopenia (hazard ratio [HR]:1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.10–1.56). Participants having experienced ≥ 2 threat-related ACEs (HR:1.22, 95%CI:1.04–1.43) or deprivation-related ACEs (HR:1.22, 95%CI:1.02–1.46) had a 22% higher risk of developing sarcopenia. Active social participation significantly modified the association between ACEs (p < 0.05), especially threat-related ACEs (p < 0.05), and sarcopenia.ConclusionsACEs were associated with the development of sarcopenia; however, social participation had a modifying effect. These findings provide insights for early identification of vulnerable groups, advance intervention timing, and highlight the benefits of promoting active social participation among individuals with sarcopenia who have experienced ACEs.

Digitalization of Activities of Daily Living and Its Influence on Social Participation for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Scoping Review.

Everyday technology (ET) has been defined as the broad set of devices and artefacts that are currently present in people's lives both inside and outside of the home. A subgroup within ET is known as everyday information and communication technologies (EICTs). The main characteristic of these technologies is that they can facilitate or disrupt the engagement of individuals in their daily activities. This scoping review aims to identify what is known about how ET can function as facilitators or barriers to occupations, such as the social participation of older adults. The proposed scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines and checklist. The scoping review was conducted across five online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE and PsycoINFO [EBSCO]) to identify published, peer-reviewed records. Studies were screened by two independent reviewers against the inclusion criteria. This review considered studies concerning the use of ET or EICTs in community-dwelling adults aged over 60 years, with or without cognitive impairment or dementia. All of the articles were in English, and reviews were not included. Eleven papers were selected and showed that despite the increasing demand for technologies of daily life and the digitalization of society and processes, according to our research, few studies addressed the limitations in the social participation of older adults. In conclusion, ET can provide a way to promote and maintain the personal autonomy for older adults in community dwellings. However, cognitive impairment hinders the use of electronic technologies and increases perceived problems.

Social participation experiences of older adults with an early-onset physical disability: a systematic review protocol.

The objective of this review is to assess and synthesize the available qualitative evidence on the experiences of social participation of older adults with an early-onset physical disability. Understanding the experiences of social participation among older adults with a physical disability acquired earlier in life can guide the development of interventions and policies. It will also help with fostering meaningful community participation and aid in improving the quality of their social participation. This review will consider primary studies that explore the experiences of social participation of older adults with an early-onset physical disability. The review will focus on qualitative data, including methods such as phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, action research, and feminist research. Studies in French or English will be considered for inclusion, and there will be no limitation on publication dates. A keyword search strategy will be carried out in MEDLINE (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (ProQuest) will be searched for unpublished articles. Two independent reviewers will perform the screening and inclusion process, assess the quality of the evidence, and complete data extraction. The JBI approach to critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction, and data synthesis (meta-aggregation) will be used. The ConQual approach will be used to establish confidence in the synthesized findings. PROSPERO CRD42022371027.

Examining behaviour change techniques (BCTs) in technology-based interventions for enhancing social participation in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionTechnology-based interventions have improved the social participation of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Nevertheless, how these interventions modify social participation remains to be seen, and what...

Depressive Symptoms Associated With Social Participation in Older Adults Living With Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) affects 15% of adults 50 years old and over. Individuals living with MCI have shown decreased social participation, a critical activity as it may delay cognitive decline. Depression may be a key factor in limiting participation. This study is a secondary data analysis of 30 older adults living with MCI, looking for associations with participation. Participation was examined using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) Satisfaction with Participation in Social Roles Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) form. Depressive symptoms were reported using the PROMIS Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders Depression CAT form and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PhQ-9) form. Results showed that demographics (age, sex) were not significantly associated with participation, but depressive symptoms were significantly associated. This suggests that adults living with MCI who have higher levels of depressive symptoms may be a uniquely vulnerable population who benefit from interventions that support participation.

Systematic Review on the Social Participation Assessment Tool for Older Adults

AbstractBackgroundDue to the extension of the life expectancy of the elderly population, the importance of living healthy rather than simply leading a life in old age is emphasized. It is difficult to maintain social participation for older adults because most of them experience the termination of work or childcare which have been their major life roles. Considering that social participation is a factor that has a multifaceted effect on the health of older adults, it is necessary to understand and promote older adults’ social participation. This systematic review aims to analyze the literature using social participation assessment tools for older adults and presented the frequency of use, assessment items, and methods of each assessment.MethodUsing databases from Pubmed, Medline, CINAHL, and Web of Science, a total of 2,423 studies were collected. 18 studies were selected according to the selection and exclusion criteria.Result9 studies (50%) were published in the last five years. In the case of research design, 12 studies (66.6%) were designed as cross‐sectional survey studies, which were found to be the most common. There were a total of 11 assessment tools for older adults’ social participation among 18 studies. The most widely used assessment tool was Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE‐H), which was used in a total of 7 studies (38.9%). It was found that the components were different for each tool. Most of the assessment tools were in the form of self‐reporting questionnaires. Frequency of the participation was the most common method. Others asked the degree of difficulty and a number or status of participating activities.ConclusionIn this study, a total of 18 pieces of literature were reviewed to analyze the assessment tool that measured the social participation of older adults of 65 and above. A total of 11 assessment tools were derived, and LIFE‐H was the most frequently used. Through this study, it is expected that clinicians or researchers can help when judging and selecting social participation assessment tools, and that appropriate tool selection can lead to a better understanding of the social participation of older adults.

Social Participation of Older Adults in Rural and Urban Areas: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Turkey

ABSTRACT Social participation is important in terms of active aging and quality of life during old age. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the social participation of older adults in rural and urban areas in Turkey. Related factors were similarly identified. The sample comprised 1,224 people over the age of 60, with a mean of 69.78 ± 7.48 years. Among the participants, 61.4% live in urban areas. The data were collected in family health centers through face-to-face interview and the Interview Form, Social Participation Assessment Form, and Social Participation Dimension of the Turkish Version of the Aging Module of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) Scale. The scores obtained from the social participation dimension of the scale among the elderly in urban areas were higher than those obtained among the elderly in rural areas (p = .002). In addition, older adults in the urban areas who talked on the phone several times a month (p = .025), went to concerts, theater/cinema, museum/exhibition, various visual/musical shows (p = .046), and engaged in gardening (p = .032) obtained higher scores in the social participation dimension than the other participants. Health care professionals should take an advocacy role in building relationships with policy makers and create suitable socialization opportunities for older adults in urban and rural areas.

The association between self-perceived stuttering and social participation among older adults

Abstract Aims Social participation is important for general health and quality of life among older adults. Currently, research concerning the association between stuttering and social participation among older adults with larger data sets is scarce. The aim of this population-based cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between stuttering and social participation among older adults in southern Sweden in 2012. Methods Participants were 8518 inhabitants of the Region Skåne in 2012, aged between 55 and 80 years. They were recruited from a larger survey study in which 28029 participated (51.7% average participation rate). The association between stuttering and social participation were conducted with multiple logistic regressions, and adjusted for independent variables (age, gender, country of birth, socioeconomic status, language spoken at home, hearing and self-rated health). Results The frequency of self-perceived stuttering was 1.9% among women and 3.3% among men. The statistical analyses showed an association between self-perceived stuttering and low social participation. The associations remained even after multiple adjustments, both among women and men. Each independent variable was significantly associated with low social participation. Conclusions In this population-based study, the association between stuttering and low social participation is significant among older adults. Stuttering may thus contribute to low social participation in the age group 55-80 years. Key messages • The association of stuttering and social participation in older adults was explored. • Self-perceived stuttering was associated with lower social participation.

Physical Activity and Social Participation in Older Adults in a Cross-Over Intervention Trial

Abstract: Objective: Using the biopsychosocial model, this study evaluated an intervention targeting physical activity and the extent of social participation among older adults. A longitudinal intervention study with participants randomized to print-based or IT-based interventions was conducted ( N = 251, Mage = 68.42, SD = 5.35). Effects were assessed with mixed model analyses and serial mediation analyses. Results: Time had a significant effect [ F(2,358) = 11.7, p &lt; .001], with an increase in social participation. Poor self-reported physical performance was related to a poorer social participation over time, but being physically active buffered this negative effect (total indirect effect: B = −0.02). Furthermore, highly engaged individuals with poor self-reported physical performance were likely to fall back into a previous stage of change regarding physical activity ( B three-way interaction = 0.28, SE = 0.12, p = .017). Discussion: Individual preconditions should be considered when developing physical activity interventions to improve social participation.

Message framing effects on attitude and intention toward social participation in old age

BackgroundMessage framing is frequently used to advocate health perceptions and behaviors. The effects of message framing on various health behaviors have been examined; however, its effects on social participation, a key determinant of healthy aging, are unclear. This study investigated the effects of message framing on older adults’ attitudes and intentions toward social participation.MethodsA questionnaire survey conducted in 2020 targeted community-dwelling people aged ≥ 65 years in two rural areas in Japan. Participants were randomly allocated to four groups according to the types of framed messages to promote social participation activities: “private gain-framed message,” “private loss-framed message,” “public gain-framed message,” or “no message.” Outcomes included attitudes and intentions toward social participation (impression, interest, and readiness for social participation activities).ResultsA total of 1,524 participants were analyzed (men: 46.3%; average age: 75.7 ± 7.9 years). Ordinal logistic regression analyses of individuals who engaged in any social participation activity showed no significant intergroup difference in the outcomes after adjusting for potential covariates. Among people who did not engage in any activity, the private loss-framed message was associated with a more favorable impression and higher interest and readiness than no message. The private gain-framed message was related to a higher interest in social participation.ConclusionsPrivate loss-framed messages are possibly most effective in reinforcing attitudes and intentions toward social participation, particularly among individuals without social participation experience. These findings highlight the possibility of using a message-framing approach to promote social participation in older adults.

The effect of hearing impairment and social participation on depressive symptoms in older adults: a cross-lagged analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hearing impairment, depressive symptoms, and social participation in older adults. The study used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2013 and 2018, which included 3,980 samples. The analysis was conducted using cross-lagged structural equation modeling with SPSS 23.0 and Mplus 7.4. The findings show that from 2013 to 2018, older people had significantly more hearing impairment and depressive symptoms and significantly less social participation. Hearing impairment was a significant negative predictor of social participation, and older adults with hearing impairment were less likely to participate in social activities. In addition, there may be a bidirectional relationship between hearing impairment and depressive symptoms, with both being positive predictors of each other. Finally, the study found that social participation played an important mediating role in the relationship between hearing impairment and depressive symptoms. The study's findings highlight the complex interplay between hearing impairment, social participation, and depressive symptoms in older adults. Therefore, it is important to intervene promptly when hearing impairment is detected in the elderly; pay attention to patient guidance and comfort for the elderly with hearing impairment, give them positive psychological support, encourage them to get out of the house and participate in more social activities to avoid depressive symptoms. The study's results may inform the development of targeted interventions to address the mental health needs of older adults with hearing impairment.

Social participation of older people in urban and rural areas: Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Background and objectivesAlthough the positive influence of social activity on health is now well-established, a complex relationship exists among social participation, personal, social and the environment. Social participation of older adults was examined in rural and urban settings to identify features of the built-environment and perception of neighborhood specific to the locale.Research Design and methodsUsing cross-sectional data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), we examined social participation and health of older people (65 + yrs) in relation to the built environment and sociocultural contexts for urban and rural areas. A social participation index was derived from responses on the frequency of participating in 8 social activities over the past 12 months. Personal, household and neighborhood indicators were examined to develop multivariable regression models for social participation in urban and rural cohorts.ResultsNo meaningful differences were seen with the frequency of social participation between rural and urban settings; however, the type of community-related activities differed in that a greater proportion of urban participants reported sports and educational/cultural events than rural participants. Service club activities were greater for rural than urban participants. Different neighborhood features were statistically significant factors in explaining social participation in rural than in urban locales, although transportation was a significant factor regardless of locale. Trustworthiness, belonging and safety were perceived factors of the neighborhood associated with higher social participation for rural participants.Discussion and implicationsThe relationship between home and health becomes stronger as one ages. Social and physical features of built environment specific to urban and rural settings need to be considered when implementing appropriate social activities for older people.

Exploring the impact of online social participation on loneliness in older adults: Evidence from The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

As individuals age, mental and physical impairment can emerge and impact their well-being. Previous research on social participation in older adults has typically focused on specific activities or failed to distinguish between different forms of participation. In contrast, we propose that social participation is a resource optimization process for older adults, where various forms of participation must be optimized in order to improve well-being outcomes. Drawing on Selective Optimization with Compensation theory, we develop hypotheses on how older adults with cognitive decline select and optimize their social participation profile and how multiple modes of participation synergistically affect their perceived loneliness. Using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), we test a polynomial model and find that online social participation has a U-shaped effect on loneliness, while personal-oriented offline social participation mitigates this effect. We also find that the impact of social participation modes varies considerably between younger and older groups. Our findings suggest implications for the design of integrative aging support programs and the use of ICT to promote mental well-being in different stages of advanced age.

Subjective Memory Complaints Predict Decline in Memory, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, and Social Participation in Older Adults: A Fixed-Effects Model.

Although subjective memory complaints (SMCs) have been suggested to be associated with future memory impairment, limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and social participation restriction, these associations are still inconclusive. To determine whether changes in SMCs over time predict decline in memory, IADLs, and social participation in older adults. Longitudinal study. Community. Sample 1 included 2,493 community-dwelling older adults drawn from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data collected between 2004 and 2018. Sample 2 included 1,644 community-dwelling older adults drawn from the HRS data collected between 2008 and 2018. Self-reported SMCs, memory function, self-reported IADL performance, and self-reported social participation. The mean age of Sample 1 at baseline was 70.16 yr; 1,468 (58.88%) were female. In Sample 1, immediate and delayed memory (all ps < .001) and IADL performance (p < .01) declined over time. Increases in SMCs over time significantly predicted future immediate and delayed memory declines (p < .01 and p < .001, respectively) and future IADL performance decline (p < .001), after controlling for depressive symptoms. The mean age of Sample 2 at baseline was 71.52 yr; 928 (56.45%) were female. In Sample 2, social participation declined over time (all ps < .001). Increases in SMCs over time significantly predicted future social participation decline (p < .05), after controlling for depressive symptoms. Increases in SMCs predict future decline in memory, IADL performance, and social participation after accounting for depressive symptoms. What This Article Adds: SMCs can be used as an early indicator of future memory impairment, IADL limitations, and social participation restrictions in older adults. Furthermore, interventions that minimize SMCs may help older adults achieve successful aging.

Access to Information and Communication Technology, Digital Skills, and Perceived Well-Being among Older Adults in Hong Kong.

Population aging is a major concern worldwide. Active aging should be promoted by increasing the social participation of older adults and enabling them to remain involved in the community. Research has demonstrated the utility of digital resources for addressing the needs of older adults, which include networking, entertaining, and seeking health-related information. However, the digital divide among older adults (i.e., the "gray digital divide") is increasingly being recognized as a social problem that may be related to poor well-being. To obtain updated local data on the prevalence of Internet access and usage and their relationship with perceived well-being, we conducted telephone interviews with a random sample of 1018 older adults in Hong Kong from January to July 2021 (This research has received funding support from the Interdisciplinary Research Matching Scheme, Hong Kong Baptist University). We found that only 76.5% of the participants had Internet access at home, a mobile phone data plan, or both, whereas 36.3% had never used Internet services and 18.2% had no digital devices. A younger age, male gender, higher education level, living with others, and higher self-perceived social class were associated with material access to digital devices and everyday use of Internet services. Participants who accessed the Internet every day had higher levels of life satisfaction and self-rated physical and mental health than those who rarely or never used the Internet. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that digital skills were significantly associated with self-rated mental health even when controlling for demographic variables (including age, gender, education level, and self-perceived social class). This study contributes to the limited body of literature on the relationship between Internet use, digital skills, and perceived well-being. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing the digital divide even in cities with high penetration of information and communication technology, such as Hong Kong. We also discuss our insights into the use of timely interventions for older adults to address the gray digital divide.

Examining Awareness of Social Services and the Relationship Between Social Participation and Social Service Use Among Older Adults

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, social services integral to the health and well-being of older adults were shuttered to curtail the spread of the virus. In this context, social participation and awareness of social services may be especially important factors in shaping older adults’ social service use. This study described older adults’ social participation, awareness of social services, and social service use. This study also examined awareness as a mediator in the relationship between social participation and service use among Korean older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used publicly available de-identified cross-sectional secondary data drawn from the 2020 Seoul Welfare Survey. Hayes PROCESS macro was utilized along with bivariate and multivariate analyses. This study found moderate awareness as well as low social participation and social service use. Social participation and service awareness contributed to variation in older adults’ service use. Awareness did not mediate the relationship between social participation and social service use. The findings offer a foundation for understanding the connection between the social participation of older adults and their social service use during a crisis. Based on the study findings, future research should examine the contribution of virtual social participation and its link to service use.