A Barusch1, D L Waters. 1. Prof Amanda Barusch, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand 9054, amanda.barusch@otago.ac.nz, 64 3 479 5677.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Social isolation is a significant problem for frail older adults and the determinants of social engagement are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: This study explored the social engagement of frail elders to identify personal attributes associated with social engagement. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional sample of seventy-three people receiving home-based care in one town on the South Island of New Zealand (mean age 82 (7.2) yrs, n=51 Females, 21 Males). MEASUREMENTS: Face-to-face semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Functional independence was measured using Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (EADL), self-efficacy by General Self Efficacy Scale, and 2 open-ended questions were piloted on social activities and helping others. RESULTS: Regression models identified two statistically associated components of social engagement: social activities and civic involvement. Contributions to families and community organizations and exercise were important social activities. Personal attributes included perceived functional independence and self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: In frail older adults, a measurement of social engagement should address activities older adults identify as important, including exercise. Independence, self -efficacy, and social engagement may interact in reinforcing cycles of empowerment and could play a role in developing interventions to retain and maintain function in frail older adults.
BACKGROUND: Social isolation is a significant problem for frail older adults and the determinants of social engagement are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: This study explored the social engagement of frail elders to identify personal attributes associated with social engagement. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional sample of seventy-three people receiving home-based care in one town on the South Island of New Zealand (mean age 82 (7.2) yrs, n=51 Females, 21 Males). MEASUREMENTS: Face-to-face semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Functional independence was measured using Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (EADL), self-efficacy by General Self Efficacy Scale, and 2 open-ended questions were piloted on social activities and helping others. RESULTS: Regression models identified two statistically associated components of social engagement: social activities and civic involvement. Contributions to families and community organizations and exercise were important social activities. Personal attributes included perceived functional independence and self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: In frail older adults, a measurement of social engagement should address activities older adults identify as important, including exercise. Independence, self -efficacy, and social engagement may interact in reinforcing cycles of empowerment and could play a role in developing interventions to retain and maintain function in frail older adults.
Authors: B Vellas; L Balardy; S Gillette-Guyonnet; G Abellan Van Kan; A Ghisolfi-Marque; J Subra; S Bismuth; S Oustric; M Cesari Journal: J Nutr Health Aging Date: 2013-07 Impact factor: 4.075