Staying connected: neighbourhood correlates of social participation among older adults living in an urban environment in Montreal, Quebec

• DOI: 10.1093/heapro/dan039
• Publication Date: 2008-12-21T01:13:38Z
• Authors: L. Richard; L. Gauvin; C. Gosselin; S. Laforest
• Keywords: Neighbourhood (mathematics); Social Engagement; Vitality

Alongside community involvement, promoting social participation has been identified as a key strategy of fostering empowerment, one the central tenets health promotion movement. Engagement in and productive activities appears to be particularly beneficial older adults, it found associated with positive outcomes on variety indicators. It is therefore critical identify factors that might lead greater within these age groups. The objective this study was investigate relationship between perceptions neighbourhood user-friendliness while controlling for personal characteristics sample seniors living an urban environment. A convenience adults (n = 282) recruited through organizations located high- average- low-income Montreal neighbourhoods. Data were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing various variables at level (e.g. housing environment, walking environment transportation, services amenities) individual-level status socio-demographic characteristics). Five emerged independent predictors participation. Positive retained final regression model included frequent episodes (almost every day), higher Vitality General Health SF-12v2 scores, perceived accessibility resources adults. Also negative predictor: (R2 0.28). Implications findings research action pertaining ecological, interventions are identified.