Enhancing Community Participation through Age-Friendly Ecosystems: A Rapid Realist Review.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Community Health
• Public Policy

Background:

• Community participation is vital for older adults' health and quality of life.
• Age-friendly ecosystems aim to support and enhance this participation.
• Understanding the factors influencing these ecosystems is essential for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore key components of age-friendly ecosystems promoting community participation in older adults.
• To identify mechanisms and contextual factors influencing the effectiveness of these ecosystems.
• To synthesize evidence on intervention outcomes within age-friendly ecosystems.

Main Methods:

• A rapid realist review was conducted, synthesizing evidence from 2021 and updated in 2023.
• Searched 10 peer-reviewed and grey literature databases, identifying 2823 records.
• Screening and data extraction focused on contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes related to older adults' community participation.

Main Results:

• Effective age-friendly ecosystems feature accessible environments, supportive social networks, and opportunities for meaningful engagement.
• Recognizing diverse older adult needs and involving them in ecosystem design is critical.
• The literature provided limited discussion on specific ecosystem outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Age-friendly ecosystems require tailored interventions considering specific needs and contexts.
• Promoting community participation enhances health, well-being, and quality of life for older adults.
• Implications for policy and practice emphasize inclusive design and older adult involvement.