Participation in the Community Among Seniors
Participation among seniors in the local community may prevent loneliness, enhance social connectedness, and promote health in later life.
Background
The number of seniors in the population is expected to increase, and community participation is a key determinant in relation to quality of life [1]. The Public Health Report emphasizes the need for age friendly communities that promote participation and social inclusion [2]. Although interest in recognition, belonging, and feeling valued is growing, little research has examined how seniors experience participation in their local community in relation to these aspects [3]. This study examines how seniors experience ageing and participation in their local community.
Methods
A qualitative design with semi-structured interviews was used to collect data. Thirty six seniors aged 64–96 from two communities were interviewed individually to capture their experiences of ageing and participation.
Results
The analysis shows that seniors’ experiences of ageing and participation are strongly linked to feelings of recognition, inclusion, and perceived significance within the community. Informants described how everyday interactions, social invitations, and opportunities for participation shaped their sense of belonging and value. At the same time, several felt less individually recognized and no longer asked for or invited, experiences that shaped how they viewed their possibilities for participation. Overall, the findings illustrate the central role of participation in the community and wellbeing in later life.
Conclusion
As the proportion of seniors continues to rise, it is essential to understand how communities can support participation. Recognition and social invitations appear essential for fostering belonging, supporting wellbeing, and preventing isolation. Health promotion and prevention strategies can be strengthened by creating community environments that recognize the value of seniors, while ensuring that participation opportunities are accessible over time. Future research should examine how experiences vary across community contexts and how they evolve over time as seniors encounter shifts in health, roles, and expectations.
References
1. Monteiro, J. M., Gonçalves, R., Bastos, A., & Barbosa, M. R. (2024). Social engagement and wellbeing in late life: A systematic review. Ageing & Society, 45(7), 1327–1354. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X24000011
2. Ministry of Health and Care Services. Folkehelsemeldinga—Nasjonal Strategi for Utjamning av Sosiale Helseforskjellar [The Public Health Report—National Strategy for Reducing Social Health Inequalities]; Meld. St. 15, 2022–2023; Kingdom of Norway.
3. Yan, M., Salinas Navarro, S., Lomeli, S., & Wilber, K. (2024). Does the sense of mattering buffer depressive symptoms? Evidence from the CHAT Program Survey. Journal of Aging and Health, 35(5–6), 535
Forfattere:
Rakel Rustand Bruland, Wenche Karin Malmedal, Lene Elisabeth Blekken, Ellen Strøm Synnevåg
Tema:
2. Nærmiljø og stedsutvikling - felleskap og stedsutvikling i lokalsamfunnet
Type:
Forskning
Institusjon(er):
Høgskulen i Volda
Presentasjonsform:
Muntlig presentasjon og publisering på hjemmesiden (engelskspråklige abstrakt publiseres i SJPH)
Presenterende forfatter(e):
Rakel Rustand Bruland
