Social Participation Among Adults Aging With Long-Term Physical Disability: The Role of Socioenvironmental Factors

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the environmental barriers and facilitators that hinder or promote participation among adults aging with physical disabilities. Method: Data come from an ongoing study of 1,331 individuals aging with long-term physical disability ( M = 65 years). Linear regression examined the association between individual and socioenvironmental factors and participation restrictions in work, leisure, and social activities. Results: Pain, fatigue, and physical functional limitations were significant barriers to participation for individuals aging with physical disability. Barriers in the built environment also reduced participation, net of health and functioning. Poor access to buildings was especially problematic for participation among individuals not using any mobility aid to get around. But for those using wheel or walking aids, environmental barriers had no adverse effect on participation. Discussion: These findings highlight the importance of disentangling the role of different environmental factors by distinguishing between assistive technology for mobility and the physical built environment, including their interactive effects.

Understanding the Association Between Osteoarthritis and Social Participation: The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

“…This may be reflective of proactive steps taken by people with milder OA to maintain activity and social engagement. In a study of midlife to older adults with a range of long‐term physical health conditions, Clarke et al showed that those with a greater number of years since diagnosis had somewhat greater participation and suggested that this was due to coping or adaptation strategies learned over time (38). Unfortunately, OA disease duration was not available for our study.…”

“…Unfortunately, OA disease duration was not available for our study. Clarke et al also reported that those individuals with higher levels of perceived social supports reported greater ability to participate in social roles and activities (38). As the participation measure used in the study by Clarke and colleagues most closely aligned with our social participation–intensity indicator, their findings support those revealed in our study, linking the perceived availability of instrumental support with social participation–intensity.…”

Definitions and Operationalization of Mental Health Problems, Wellbeing and Participation Constructs in Children with NDD: Distinctions and Clarifications

“…Antecedents of participation from across the fields of literature can also be summarized as factors related to the person or the context. Person-related antecedents include interest or willingness to take part [54], and past satisfaction [64], as well as antecedents that prevent participation, such as pain [64], depression, mood disorder [32], fatigue, or physical limitations [65]. Age was proposed to shape participation in that it influences capacity for choice.…”

Neighborhood Participation Is Less Likely among Older Adults with Sidewalk Problems

“…We had hypothesized that participants who self-reported activity limitations and those using mobility aids would be more vulnerable to barriers in the outdoor built environment. Given findings of previous research, we expected perceived sidewalk problems to be associated with less frequent neighborhood participation, particularly in those with underlying limitations in mobility function (Clarke et al, 2019). We did not observe interactions between severity of sidewalk problems and activity limitations.…”