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

Cowen, Kate; Collins, Tracy; Carr, Susan; Wilson-Menzfeld, Gemma

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.

Citation

Cowen, K., Collins, T., Carr, S., & Wilson-Menzfeld, G. (online). Supporting Older Men’s Social Participation: A Framework for Engagement. Journal of Men's Studies, https://doi.org/10.1177/10608265241263917

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 23, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jul 19, 2024
• Deposit Date: Aug 16, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 16, 2024
• Journal: The Journal of Men’s Studies
• Print ISSN: 1060-8265
• Electronic ISSN: 1933-0251
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10608265241263917
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2757007