Social Participation Of Older Adults Research Articles

The Role of Age-friendly City Indicators in Predicting Social Belonging in Older Adults Residing in Mohammadiyeh County, Qazvin, Iran

Objectives A strong sense of belonging is crucial for the physical and mental health of older adults and their social interactions. The age-friendly city offers various opportunities for social participation of older adults. The present study aims to determine the role of age friendly-city indicators in predicting social belonging of older adults residing in Mohammadiyeh County, Qazvin Province, Iran. Methods & Materials This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 300 older adults in 2022, who were selected by a cluster sampling method from six municipal districts of Mohammadiyeh County. Data were collected using a demographic checklist, an age-friendly city scale, and a social belonging scale. Data analysis was conducted in SPSS software version 23 using multivariate linear regression analysis. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results The mean age of participants was 67.55±6 years, ranging from 60 to 84 years. The majority of them were male (n=157, 52.33%), married (n=216, 72%), and illiterate (n=157, 52.33%). Among the age-friendly city indicators, the highest score was related to the safety/ease of transportation (16.86±4.51) and open public spaces (45.61±11.47) indicators. The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that marital status (β=-0.150, P=0.006), lower than high school education (β=0.170, P=0.003) and high school diploma (β=0.192, P=0.001), and the age-friendly city indicator of safety/ease of transportation (β=0.328, P<0.001) were predictors of social belonging in older adults. Conclusion The majority of older adults in Mohammadiyeh County are dissatisfied with age-friendly indicators. Those who feel safe and have easy access to public transportation are more likely to have a stronger sense of social belonging. The results of this study can effectively help policymakers and city managers in proper planning in order to develop an age-friendly city.

The relationship between cognitive function and physical activity, functional status and social participation in older adults: a cross-sectional study

Aims: Cognitive function in older adults has been a topic of growing interest in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cognitive function and physical activity, functional status, and social participation in older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 123 older adults aged 65 years and older who met the study’s inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria for the study were as follows: who were aged 65 years or older, literate, volunteering to participate in the study, had no hearing or vision defects that prevented the measurement of the scales used in the study, had no chronic disease that prevented the scales used in the study. The data in the study were collected with sociodemographic form, Montreal cognitive assessment, international physical activity questionnaire, timed-up-and-go test, 10-meter walk test, and Keele assessment of participation. Results: The average age of the participants was 69.5±4.6. The study included 46.3% women and, 57.7% primary school graduates. A positive and moderate relationship was found between cognitive functions and physical activity level, functional status, and social participation in older adults. Additionally, there was a moderate positive relationship found between the level of physical activity, functional status, and social participation. In the cognitive function risk model, it was found that age, education level, and social participation significantly impact cognitive functions in older adults. Conclusion: Increasing physical activity, functionality, and especially social participation in older adults can be considered an important intervention to protect and improve the cognitive functions of older adults.

The Relationship of Active Aging Perspectives and Social Participation of Elderly Individuals with Their Mental States and Functional Independence

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the active aging perspectives and social participation of older adults and to determine their relationship with their mental states and functional independence. Method: A total of 298 participants over the age of 60, with a mean age of 70.94±8.1 were included in the study. The degree of cognitive function of the individuals included in the study was evaluated with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the level of functional independence was evaluated with the Barthel Index. The social participation statuses of the older adult participants included in the study were analyzed with the social participation evaluation form created by the researchers. Results: Individuals with high social participation evaluation form mean scores had higher Mini Mental State Examination mean scores and Barthel Index mean scores (r1: 0.329, p

The transformation of 20-year social participation policies of older people in China: Network analysis and text analysis.

Social participation of older adults is a crucial component of China's aged care services and an important strategy for actively addressing the aging population. Analyzing policy texts on older people's social participation can inform future policy formulation and the development of relevant programs. This study aims to quantitatively analyze the transformation of China's social participation policies for older people from 1999 to 2023, employing institutional network analysis and policy text analysis. A two-dimensional policy analysis framework was constructed based on the perspective of "policy tools and social participation stages." Using Rost Content Mining 6.0 and Nvivo 11.0 Plus software, 55 national-level policy texts were coded. Structural analysis of policy-issuing subjects and topic words was conducted to visualize the findings. The analysis revealed that the policy-issuing subjects demonstrated strong authority but weak coordination, with a lack of communication and cooperation across subjects. The use of policy tools was imbalanced, with an over-reliance on supply-type tools and insufficient use of demand-type tools. Additionally, the lack of effective policy tools to support various social participation stages has limited policy implementation. With technological advancement and changing needs of the elderly population, there is a need for a more systematic and forward-looking top-level design of elderly social participation policies: accelerating the systematization and precision of technological elements in policies for elderly social participation, integrating social organizations via technological platforms to mobilize diverse stakeholder engagement, and addressing the digital divide between the elderly and new technologies is imperative.

Modifiable Predictors of Social Participation in Older Adults With Chronic Disease: Identifying Targets for OT Intervention

Abstract Date Presented 03/23/24 The social isolation epidemic is particularly dire for older adults. We need to identify modifiable risk factors within the OT practice domain that are associated with the occupation of social participation for this group to develop targeted programs. Primary Author and Speaker: Mansha Mirza Additional Authors and Speakers: Heidi Christine Fischer, Dalmina Arias

Enhancing Social Participation of Older Adults to Promote Active Ageing in High-Density Urban Communities: A Case Study of Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong

Enhancing Social Participation of Older Adults to Promote Active Ageing in High-Density Urban Communities: A Case Study of Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong

Routines and Attitudes of Smart Phone and Tablet Use for Social Participation Among Older Adults

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 Information and communication technology (ICT) use among older adults is associated with decreased loneliness and social isolation. This project investigated routines and attitudes of ICT use for social participation of older adults. Primary Author and Speaker: Chelsea Ann Conrad Additional Authors and Speakers: Maya Dupree, Deja Myers, Monica Le Contributing Authors: Amanda Davis

Fostering social participation among older adults: Perspectives of stakeholders

Background Fostering social participation for active and healthy ageing among older adults is an urgent issue in a changing society that requires new approaches from occupational therapists as well as from society at large. Aim To explore possibilities to foster social participation for older adults in society from the perspective of stakeholders. Material and methods A qualitative design was applied. 18 key informants, engaged in supporting older adults in their organisational roles as either professionals or volunteers, participated in five different focus groups discussions. Results The results involved two overarching themes that reflects different perspectives on key informants’ possibilities to foster social participation for older adults. The first theme describes how they direct their attention towards their roles within the organisations to foster social participation in their own context. The second theme describes the broader societal perspectives that they address to establish a common ground for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among different stakeholders. Conclusions The findings emphasise how addressing common challenges and developing collaboration are essential to foster older adults’ social participation. It is therefore necessary to involve policy-makers and decision-makers. Occupational therapists and researchers should consider the value of occupational justice to drive collective and social approaches.

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.

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.

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.

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.