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

BMC Geriatrics

Irma Clapperton¹  Sonia Routhier²  Frances Gallagher³  Chantal Doré⁴  Mélanie Levasseur⁵ 

[1] Public Health Direction, CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada;Research Centre on Aging, Estrie Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre – Sherbrooke University Hospital Center (CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS), Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada;School of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada;Research Centre, CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada;School of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada;University Institute for Primary Health Care & Social Services, CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada;School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, J1H 5N4, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada;Research Centre on Aging, Estrie Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre – Sherbrooke University Hospital Center (CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS), Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada;

关键词: Aged;    Community-based participatory research;    Social participation;    Social planning;    Rural population;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12877-020-01849-5

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

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

【 授权许可】

CC BY