Factors Associated with Participation of Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Activities Related to Leisure and Social Participation: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Context: The significant and rapid growth of the aging population is one of the most important phenomena of the current century. According to the main component of the World Health Organization, the concern over aging can be operationalized through informal contributions such as social and leisure activities. Objectives: The current study mainly aimed to review the factors associated with the participation of community-dwelling older adults in activities related to leisure and social participation. Data Source: In this study, based on PRISMA guidelines, articles investigating factors associated with the participation of community-dwelling older adults in activities related to leisure and social participation and published from 2005 to 2022 in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were screened. Inclusion criteria consisted of articles having been published in peer-reviewed journals between 2005 and 2022 and reaching I, II, III, and IV AOTA levels of evidence. To complete the study, a total of 651 articles were retrieved. Finally, 29 articles were reviewed. Results: Out of 29 articles, three articles were at evidence level I, 12 were at evidence level II, one was at evidence level III, and 13 were at evidence level IV. The social participation of the elderly was discussed in all 29 articles; however, the activities related to leisure of the elderly, in addition to the social participation, was discussed in only 11 articles. Levels of education and disability were the most relevant individual factors affecting the social participation and leisure activities of elders, respectively; the social networks with families, friends, etc., on the other hand, were the most relevant environmental factors influencing both social participation and leisure activities. Conclusions: Since the levels of education and disability were the most relevant individual factors affecting the participation of the elderly in activities related to social participation and leisure, respectively, and because it was difficult to make interventions in these factors, it was suggested that occupational therapists and other geriatric specialists should make advocacy-based interventions in the social networks which was recognized as the most relevant environmental factors contributing to leisure and the social participation.

Association of increased participation in social activity in later life with risk of all-cause mortality and heart diseases in older people: results from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS)

“…A number of studies have shed light on factors determining the social participation in older people. Some individual factors, such as levels of education, socioeconomic status, disability, physical factors (e.g., having urinary incontinence, having pain, impaired endurance, using a mobility device) and cost, as well as some environmental factors, such as social networks with families or friends, social support and access barriers (e.g., transportation issues) ( 32–35 ), seemed to be related to social participation of older people. Therefore, the promotion of social activity participation in older people should focus primarily on those vulnerable individuals, especially those with health and/or social obstacles.…”

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

“…Several recent literature reviews have examined the social participation of older adults from different perspectives. [17][18][19][20] Ibrahim et al 17 conducted a systematic review on the interventions supporting the social participation of community-dwelling older adults. A scoping study by Levasseur et al 18 mentions the importance of proximity to resources, neighborhood safety, and social support networks as determinants of social participation of older adults.…”

“…A scoping study by Levasseur et al 18 mentions the importance of proximity to resources, neighborhood safety, and social support networks as determinants of social participation of older adults. Garmabi et al 19 conducted a systematic review on the factors associated with the participation of community-dwelling older adults in leisure activities, and Townsend et al 21 synthetized the barriers and facilitators for social participation of older adults.…”

“…Several recent literature reviews have examined the social participation of older adults from different perspectives 17–20 . Ibrahim et al 17 conducted a systematic review on the interventions supporting the social participation of community-dwelling older adults.…”