A profile of social participation in a nationally representative sample of Canadian older adults: findings from the Canadian longitudinal study on aging
Abstract
Abstract Social participation has tremendous implications for the physical and mental health of older adults. A growing body of Canadian literature has examined social participation among older adults, including frequency of participation; gender, age, and regional differences in participation; and associations with self-perceived health, loneliness, and life dissatisfaction. The current study adds to this important body of research, using a large, nationally representative sample of adults 45–85 years of age (Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging [CLSA] baseline data [n = 51,338]), to examine nuanced characteristics associated with social participation (socio-demographics, social support, cognitive ability, mental health, physical conditions), frequency of participation, and the relationship between the aforementioned characteristics and frequency of participation. Findings indicated that compared with those who reported infrequent/no participation, more frequent participation was associated with greater social support, higher cognitive abilities, increased satisfaction with life, fewer depressive symptoms, reduced odds of self-reported mood and anxiety disorders, and fewer self-reported physical conditions. Findings highlight the importance of active social participation, and have important implications for the development and implementation of accessible community programs across Canada.
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In a survey of approximately 250 older adults from central Canada, over 57% reported being unfamiliar with the types of treatment for mental health problems.
“Survey research by our group, with a sample of approximately 250 older adults from central Canada highlighted that over 57% of our sample reported being unfamiliar with the types of treatment for mental health problems (26).”
From Telephone-based group mental health support for older adults in central Canada: pilot acceptability and effectiveness findings of The CONNECT Program (2025) · cites this paper as [26]
In Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging data (N = 51,338 ages 45-85), more frequent participation in community programming was associated with greater social support, higher cognitive abilities, increased satisfaction with life, fewer depressive symptoms, reduced odds of self-reported mood and anxiety disorders, and fewer self-reported physical conditions.
“Recent research by our group, using nationally representative data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA; N = 51,338 ages 45–85) found that in comparison to those who endorsed infrequent/no participation in community programming, more frequent participation was associated with greater social support, higher cognitive abilities, increased satisfaction with life, fewer depressive”
From Telephone-based group mental health support for older adults in central Canada: pilot acceptability and effectiveness findings of The CONNECT Program (2025) · cites this paper as [26]
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- Authors
- Reynolds, K. A., Sommer, J., Mackenzie, C. S., & Koven, L.
- Affiliations
- University of Manitoba (CA)
- Corresponding author
- Reynolds, Kristin A.
- Venue
- Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press (CUP)
- Published
- 2022-07-28
- Volume
- 41
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 505-513
- ISSN
- 0714-9808 (ISSN-L)
- 1710-1107
- OpenAlex
- W4288096436
- Cited by
- 11
- References
- 32
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 1
- FWCI
- 1.99
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Project Muse (Johns Hopkins University) (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (LSA 94473)
- Canada Foundation for Innovation
- University of Manitoba
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Aging, Health, and Disability
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Aging and Gerontology Research
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Aging, Elder Care, and Social Issues
- Keywords
- social participation (health and rehabilitation), older adults, social support, cognitive ability, mental health, depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, physical health, loneliness, community-based programs, Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
- MeSH terms
- Aged, Canada, Humans, Loneliness, Longitudinal Studies, Social Support, Social Participation
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