Exploring the Relationship Between Life Experiences and Social Participation of Older Adults

The study explored the implications of past life experiences on social participation among older adults residing in assisted living facilities. The study employed an explorative qualitative design for data collection. The data consisted of semi-structured interviews with 20 adults aged 65 or older. The semi-structured interviews consisted of a list of 15 questions that guided the interviews, asking participants to describe their lived experience with social participation. Four themes identified the significant life experiences affecting older adults’ social participation. Four themes emerged: (1) Past profession experiences influencing social participation, (2) Active lifestyles influencing social participation, (3) Unintentional afflictions influencing social participation, and (4) Caregiver experiences influencing social participation. The study identifies specific life experiences that can be used by healthcare practitioners to facilitate social participation among older adults in assisted living facilities. Relying on life experiences allows for more client-centered, motivating, and individualized treatment.