Social Engagement of Frail Elders

Social isolation is a significant problem for frail older adults and the determinants of social engagement are poorly understood.

This study explored the social engagement of frail elders to identify personal attributes associated with social engagement.

A cross-sectional sample of seventy-three people receiving home-based care in one town on the South Island of New Zealand (mean age 82 (7.2) yrs, n=51 Females, 21 Males).

Face-to-face semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Functional independence was measured using Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (EADL), self-efficacy by General Self Efficacy Scale, and 2 open-ended questions were piloted on social activities and helping others.

Regression models identified two statistically associated components of social engagement: social activities and civic involvement. Contributions to families and community organizations and exercise were important social activities. Personal attributes included perceived functional independence and self-efficacy.

In frail older adults, a measurement of social engagement should address activities older adults identify as important, including exercise. Independence, self -efficacy, and social engagement may interact in reinforcing cycles of empowerment and could play a role in developing interventions to retain and maintain function in frail older adults.