Social participation is when a person takes part in activities that allow them to spend time and connect with others.[1]
Social participation affects physical and mental health and is especially important for older adults. Health benefits include better quality of life, living longer, and a decreased risk of acquiring a disability, depression, anxiety, or dementia.[2,3]
Involvement in Groups |
|
Group activities allow people to socialize and connect. For older adults in particular, taking part in social activities decreases loneliness and increases emotional support as well as a sense of being valued.[4] In 2020, 59% of Canadians age 15 years and older were part of one or more groups, organizations, or associations.[5] There are no local measures for involvement in groups available at this time. |
References
[1] Levasseur, M., Richard, L., Guavin, L., & Raymond, E. (2010). Inventory and analysis of definitions of social participation found in the aging literature: Proposed taxonomy of social activities. Social Science and Medicine, 71, 2141-2149.
[2] Novek, S., Menec, V., Tran, T., & Bell, S. (2013). Social participation and its benefits. https://www.gov.mb.ca/seniors/publications/docs/senior_centre_report.pdf
[3] Gilmour, H. (2015). Social participation and the health and well-being of Canadian seniors. Government of Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2012004/article/11720-eng.htm
[4] Public Health Agency of Canada. (2013). What makes Canadians healthy or unhealthy? https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/population-health/what-determines-health/what-makes-canadians-healthy-unhealthy.html
[5] Statistics Canada. (2022). Table 43-10-0065-01 Civic engagement and engagement in political activities, by groups designated as visible minorities and selected sociodemographic characteristics, 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2023, from: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=4310006501