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Table 2 Factors reported by participants as important for social participation in the RCM

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

Personal factors

Interest in social activities and participation

Desire to stay active and socialize (+)a

Habit of being socially active (+)

Desire to be involved in the community and volunteer (+)

Motivation and initiative (−)

Health

Physical environment

Availability and accessibility of infrastructures and meeting places

Distance to resources, recreational facilities and social partners

Social environment

Availability and organization of transportation

Availability of assistance (+)

Invitation to activities, solicitation and recruitment process

Availability of activities devoted to older adults and suited to their needs

Identification of interests and needs of older adults in the area (+)

Support and presence of family and friends

Availability of volunteers

Responsibilities and support related to caregiving role

Family habits of meeting, phoning and visiting the older adult

Sustainability of activities

Availability of information concerning activities and resources

Attitudes toward older adults

  1. a Although all are potentially both barriers and facilitators, depending on experience, some factors were reported as mostly fostering (+) or impeding (−) social participation
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BMC Geriatrics

ISSN: 1471-2318

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