Change in Social Participation Over Time Among Persons Aged 45-64 Aging With Long-Term Physical Disability.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Aging with long-term physical disability presents unique challenges to social participation.
• Understanding factors influencing social roles and activities is crucial for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine changes in satisfaction with and ability to participate in social roles over 3 years.
• To identify the impact of physical health, function, depression, fatigue, and pain on social participation.

Main Methods:

• A 3-wave longitudinal cohort survey study (2019-2022) involving 323 participants aged 45-64 with a history of physical disability.
• Utilized Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures for ability to participate and satisfaction with participation in social roles.

Main Results:

• Satisfaction with social participation remained stable, while ability to participate slightly increased over 3 years.
• Greater physical function correlated with higher satisfaction and ability to participate.
• Increased depression, fatigue, and pain were associated with decreased satisfaction and ability to participate.

Conclusions:

• Social participation in aging adults with long-term physical disability is relatively stable but influenced by health and functional status.
• Improving physical health and function may sustain social participation.
• Further research into individual differences and socioeconomic factors is needed to fully understand participation variance.