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]
Indicator
Involvement in Groups |
| Group activities allow people to socialize and connect and can increase their sense of belonging.[4]
For older adults, taking part in social activities decreases loneliness and increases emotional support as well as a sense of being valued.[5] MeasuresIn 2013, 65% of Canadians 15 years and older were part of a group, organization or association.[6] There are no local measures available at this time.
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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, p. 2141-2149.
[2] Novek S, Menec V, Tran T, Bell S. (2013) Exploring the Impacts of Senior Centres on Older Adults. Winnipeg, MB: Centre on Aging
[3] Gilmour, H. (2015). Social Participation and the health and well-being of Canadian Seniors. Government of Canada Available at: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2012004/article/11720-eng.htm
[4] Government of Canada (n.d.). Social Participation -Participation in Group Activities Available at: http://well-being.esdc.gc.ca/misme-iowb/.3ndic.1t.4r@-eng.jsp?iid=70
[5] Public Health Agency of Canada (2013) What makes Canadians Healthy or Unhealthy? Available at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/determinants/determinants-eng.php#unhealthy
[6] Turcotte, M. (2015). Spotlight on Canadians: Results from the General Social Survey: Civic engagement and political participation in Canada. Available at: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-652-x/89-652-x2015006-eng.htm