Fostering Social Participation in Older Adults at Risk of Social Exclusion: Importance of Community Interventions Implemented in the Neighborhoods’ Heart

This study aimed to describe and explore how three interventions (coffee-meetings, art workshops, guided library tours) could foster the social participation of older adults at risk of social exclusion in a revitalizing city. Using action research, the interventions were experimented in spring 2024 in Sherbrooke (Québec, Canada), with 20 older adults (71 ± 4.5; 16 women). Four focus groups involving all older participants and individual telephone interviews with three community organization workers enabled the description and exploration of the interventions through thematic content analysis. Older participants reported positive effects on their personal factors, physical environment, and social participation. The location of activities, adaptation to their preferences and social interactions were the main facilitators for their participation, while lack of accessibility was the main obstacle. Alongside the physical environment, it is important to consider the social environment in revitalization initiatives to foster social participation and awareness of community services.