Social participation is a key determinant of successful and healthy aging and therefore an important emerging intervention goal for health professionals. Despite the interest shown in the concept of ...social participation over the last decade, there is no agreement on its definition and underlying dimensions. This paper provides an inventory and content analysis of definitions of social participation in older adults. Based on these results, a taxonomy of social activities is proposed. Four databases (Medline, CINAHL, AgeLine and PsycInfo) were searched with relevant keywords (Aging OR Ageing OR Elderly OR Older OR Seniors AND Community involvement/participation OR Social engagement/involvement/participation) resulting in the identification of 43 definitions. Using content analysis, definitions were deconstructed as a function of who, how, what, where, with whom, when, and why dimensions. Then, using activity analysis, we explored the typical contexts, demands and potential meanings of activities (main dimension). Content analysis showed that social participation definitions (
n = 43) mostly focused on the person’s involvement in activities providing interactions with others in society or the community. Depending on the main goal of these social activities, six proximal to distal levels of involvement of the individual with others were identified: 1) doing an activity in preparation for connecting with others, 2) being with others, 3) interacting with others without doing a specific activity with them, 4) doing an activity with others, 5) helping others, and 6) contributing to society. These levels are discussed in a continuum that can help distinguish social participation (levels 3 through 6) from parallel but different concepts such as participation (levels 1 through 6) and social engagement (levels 5 and 6). This taxonomy might be useful in pinpointing the focus of future investigations and clarifying dimensions specific to social participation.
As opportunities for social interactions proliferate online, questions arise as to how engagement in such activities may relate to mental health. Given older adults’ shrinking networks and increasing ...use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), online interactions could offer alternatives for connections that could ultimately benefit older users’ mental health. This article examines associations between older adults’ online social engagement and their mental health. Using data from an online survey of older adults ages 60+, we find positive and negative associations between different forms of online social engagement and anxiety. In terms of depression, two forms of online social engagement showed positive associations with this mental health indicator. Our results can help explain inconclusive findings of previous research on ICT use and mental health by looking at how specific online social activities relate to mental health.
The mental health problem of middle and old people cannot be ignored, while depression is a common but serious mental illness that affects the health of the elderly. In order to find the optimal ...social activity which seniors would like to do to decrease their depression, this research employed 5 different models onto elderly longitudinal study from 4 different countries. Based on database analysis and detailed interpretation, the research found suitable approaches to prevent senior depression in different countries and communities.
Social relationships, which are contingent on access to social networks, promote engagement in social activities and provide access to social support. These social factors have been shown to ...positively impact health outcomes. In the current systematic review, we offer a comprehensive overview of the impact of social activities, social networks and social support on the cognitive functioning of healthy older adults (50+) and examine the differential effects of aspects of social relationships on various cognitive domains.
We followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines, and collated data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs), genetic and observational studies. Independent variables of interest included subjective measures of social activities, social networks, and social support, and composite measures of social relationships (CMSR). The primary outcome of interest was cognitive function divided into domains of episodic memory, semantic memory, overall memory ability, working memory, verbal fluency, reasoning, attention, processing speed, visuospatial abilities, overall executive functioning and global cognition.
Thirty-nine studies were included in the review; three RCTs, 34 observational studies, and two genetic studies. Evidence suggests a relationship between (1) social activity and global cognition and overall executive functioning, working memory, visuospatial abilities and processing speed but not episodic memory, verbal fluency, reasoning or attention; (2) social networks and global cognition but not episodic memory, attention or processing speed; (3) social support and global cognition and episodic memory but not attention or processing speed; and (4) CMSR and episodic memory and verbal fluency but not global cognition.
The results support prior conclusions that there is an association between social relationships and cognitive function but the exact nature of this association remains unclear. Implications of the findings are discussed and suggestions for future research provided.
PROSPERO 2012: CRD42012003248 .
As populations age globally, understanding the dynamics that influence the well-being of older individuals become increasingly crucial. The research employs a comprehensive approach to unravel the ...multifaceted interplay between social engagements and subjective health perceptions of older Indians, with a special focus on gender differences.
This study used data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) wave 1, 2017–18 with a total sample of 30,533 older adults aged 60 years and above. Bivariate analysis, chi-square tests and unadjusted and adjusted average marginal effects from logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between social engagements and subjective health among older adults, stratified by gender.
The prevalence of poor health status decreased with higher frequency of social networks among both men (pp. (percentage point) = 6.1; CI (Confidence Interval): 10.6, 1.6) and women (pp. = 9.2; CI: 14.9, 3.4). The adjusted average marginal effects demonstrate that with an increase in the overall score of social engagement, the likelihood of poor health is almost reduced by half. For men, the prevalence of poor health was 9.8 pp. (95 % CI: 13.7, 5.8), while for women, it was 9.3 pp. (95 % CI: 15.2, 3.1).
Gendered perspectives unveil unique patterns, highlighting how societal expectations and roles assigned to each gender may influence the subjective health perceptions of older individuals. This study adds to the expanding knowledge base to enhance the well-being and fulfillment of aging populations, considering the complex interplay of social dynamics and gendered perspectives.
•Our findings point out an overall low social engagement among older adults.•Among older adults, only 6% of men and about 3% of women participated in social or civic activities.•We find a general decline in subjective health as the age advances for older adults.•Our findings highlight that older adults' health declines with weaker social participation, especially for older women.
Contemporary strategies for health and wellbeing fail our biological needs by not acknowledging that feelings of safety emerge from internal physiological states regulated by the autonomic nervous ...system. The study of feelings of safety has been an elusive construct that has historically been dependent upon subjectivity. Acknowledging that feelings of safety have a measurable underlying neurophysiological substrate would shift investigations of feelings of safety from a subjective to an objective science. Polyvagal Theory provides an innovative scientific perspective to study feelings of safety that incorporates an understanding of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. This perspective identifies neural circuits that downregulate neural regulation of threat reactions and functionally neutralize defensive strategies via neural circuits communicating cues of safety that enable feelings of safety to support interpersonal accessibility and homeostatic functions. Basically, when humans feel safe, their nervous systems support the homeostatic functions of health, growth, and restoration, while they simultaneously become accessible to others without feeling or expressing threat and vulnerability. Feelings of safety reflect a core fundamental process that has enabled humans to survive through the opportunistic features of trusting social engagements that have co-regulatory capacities to mitigate metabolically costly defense reactions. Through the study of neural development and phylogeny, we can extract foundational principles and their underlying mechanisms through which the autonomic nervous system leads to feelings of safety and opportunities to co-regulate. Several principles highlight the validity of a science of safety that when implemented in societal institutions, ranging from healthcare to education, would enhance health, sociality, and lead to greater productivity, creativity, and a sense of wellbeing. By respecting our need to feel safe as a biological imperative linked to survival, we respect our phylogenetic heritage and elevate sociality as a neuromodulator that functionally provides the scientific validation for a societal focus on promoting opportunities to experience feelings of safety and co-regulation.
Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), describes the abuse of Internet games with detrimental impact to the real-life social engagement of some gamers. Indeed, evidence suggests that gamers differ on the ...severity and way in which they express IGD symptoms, as well as their social engagement behaviours. The present study aimed to: a) profile gamers regarding their experience of IGD symptoms and; b) examine how different IGD profiles varied on social engagement behaviours. Methods: A sample consisting of 1032 gamers (18–72 years, Mage = 24) was assessed with the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale 9 Items Short Form (IGDS9-SF) and social engagement questions regarding their participation in employment, education, romantic relationships and living status. Results: Latent class analyses (LCA) resulted in 4 distinct IGD classes. These entailed ‘IGD aversive’ (11.5%), ‘Normative’ (47.9%), ‘Moderate IGD risk’ (31.2%) and ‘High IGD risk’ (9.4%) gamers. The high IGD risk profile linked with higher unemployment, lower level of education and tended to live with divorced parents, friends and/or had transient accommodation. Conclusion: Findings suggest that there are different IGD profiles driven by symptom severity, whilst gamers higher on IGD risk present with lower social engagement signs. Thus, social engagement and participation should be particularly targeted by IGD immunization and treatment protocols.
The Pentecostal mission has always been labeled a mission for the number of people who believe in God. The Church Center is the main target, and social-cultural involvement is left alone. Therefore, ...it is necessary to explore the stages of involvement and social theology of Pentecostalism so that findings can become study material for driving social missions today. This research aims to explore the theological stages and social involvement of Pentecostalism. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative one, with data collection methods using a historical approach. The research results show that Pentecostalism at its initial formation in Azusa Street 1906, still needed to be sensitive to theology and social involvement. However, entering the 21st century, Pentecostals began to expand their mission concept to social involvement issues. The main reason for this involvement was and remains the reality of poverty in Pentecostal congregation members, which needs to be improved. This article is unique because it discusses the stages of Pentecostal involvement and social theology, which can be the basis for constructing a more relevant Pentecostalism in Indonesia.
Learning is mediated by language of instruction and social engagement. Both factors may play a significant role in understanding motivation to learn in massive open online courses (MOOCs). Therefore, ...the goal of this study was threefold: a. to compare motivation patterns of MOOC participants who study the same course but in a different language of instruction; b. to examine relationships between motivation gain and diverse modes of engagement; and c. to characterize MOOC completers according to their learning motivation. An exploratory case-study was conducted in the settings of a MOOC in Nanotechnology and Nanosensors, delivered in two languages: English and Arabic. The research sample included 325 participants from the English (N = 289) and Arabic (N = 36) MOOCs. The study applied the mixed methods approach, collecting data via pre- and post-questionnaires, forum posts, and email messages. Findings indicated that regardless the language of instruction, MOOC participants were driven to learn by similar goals, emphasizing intrinsic motivation and self-determination. Findings indicated a positive relationship between motivation gain, the number of messages posted to the online forums, and the number of members in the online study groups. Five types of MOOC completers were identified: problem-solvers, networkers, benefactors, innovation-seekers, and complementary-learners.
•Regardless language of instruction MOOC participants are driven to learn by similar goals.•Intrinsic motivation and self-determination are rated high among MOOC participants.•Five types of MOOC participants were identified according to their learning motivation.•Large and small group interactions are significant for MOOC completion.
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