Supporting Older Men’s Social Participation: A Framework for Engagement

Abstract

Community social participation activities are considered effective in reducing social isolation and loneliness (SIL) amongst older people. However, most community social group participants are women with a paucity of research exploring older men’s perspectives and preferences. This study explored the challenges and facilitators to older men’s social participation utilizing a multi-method qualitative design including interviews (n = 18) and a collaborative workshop (n = 7) with older men and community organizations. The resulting data was analyzed thematically. Five themes were identified, “meaningful occupations”, “identity and loss”, “connections”, “landscape of service delivery”, and “therapeutic landscapes”. The findings informed the development of a framework for engaging older men. The model emphasizes the built environment and intergenerational connections as necessary components for social participation.