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OBJECTIVES: We compared the social participation of older adults living in metropolitan, urban, and rural areas, and identified associated environmental factors. METHODS: From 2004 to 2006, we conducted a cross-sectional study using an age-, gender-, and area-stratified random sample of 1198 adults (aged 67-82 years). We collected data via interviewer-administered questionnaires and derived from Canadian censuses. RESULTS: Social participation did not differ across living areas (P = .09), but after controlling for potential confounding variables, we identified associated area-specific environmental variables. In metropolitan areas, higher social participation was associated with greater proximity to neighborhood resources, having a driver's license, transit use, and better quality social network (R(2) = 0.18). In urban areas, higher social participation was associated with greater proximity to neighborhood resources and having a driver's license (R(2) = 0.11). Finally, in rural areas, higher social participation was associated with greater accessibility to key resources, having a driver's license, children living in the neighborhood, and more years lived in the current dwelling (R(2) = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: To enhance social participation of older adults, public health interventions need to address different environmental factors according to living areas.
Levasseur et al. (Tue,) studied this question.