Seniors’ experiences of participation in the local community in Norway: the importance of mattering and well-being

Purpose Participation in the local community is linked to well-being among seniors, yet little is known about how experiences of mattering shape community participation. This study aims to generate a more nuanced understanding of what facilitates and inhibits participation in community contexts, thereby contributing to the expansion of research on how seniors experience community participation through the lens of mattering.Methods Thirty-six seniors from two Norwegian municipalities participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.Results Three themes emerged. Feeling seen in the community: This highlights how seniors experience community participation as more than attendance at community events. It involved being recognized, welcomed, and believing that one’s actions make a meaningful contribution. Mattering to others: This emphasizes the emotional significance of being invited, remembered, or missed. Such relational cues strengthened social connectedness and well-being. When mattering fades: This reflects experiences of reduced participation following retirement and being classified as “old.” Many described a sense of invisibility, which weakened their motivation to participate in the community.Conclusions Participation is fundamentally relational. Feeling valued and believing one’s presence makes a difference are central to seniors’ well-being. Community practices that promote recognition may strengthen mattering.