Social Participation Among Older Adults: Role of Perceived Accessibility of Living Environment and Services

Background Perceived accessibility of living environment dimensions can influence social participation. Objective This study investigated the association between perceived living environment accessibility and different aspects of social participation among community‐dwelling older adults. Methods A questionnaire was administered to 495 older adults using several validated scales. Measurements Social participation factors included social integration, social relationships, and electronic social networking. Environmental factors included immediate home, neighborhood, and environmental health. A scale measuring perceived accessibility of living environment was used. Correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed. Social relationships and electronic social networking had the highest and lowest social participation scores, respectively. Results Significant associations were observed between most independent and dependent variables, especially “Environmental health.” When controlling for confounding variables, all prediction models were statistically significant. Among the independent variables, only “Environmental health” significantly predicted all community social participation variables. “Immediate environment” significantly predicted social integration and electronic social networking. “Neighbourhood accessibility” did not predict any social participation types. Conclusions Environmental Health is the strongest contributor to social participation. To promote older adults' health and well‐being, public health nurses, geriatric specialists and policymakers should focus more on environmental factors such as accessibility and safety, as well as on activity opportunities.