The Socio-Ecological Model: A Framework for Understanding Factors That Influence Aging in Place in Rural Canada

Canadian older adults express interest in maintaining independence and remaining in their homes as they age, a phenomenon known as aging in place. A variety of supports are needed to age in place, and rural older Canadians face barriers. Much of the current literature on aging in place in Canada focuses on urban environments. However, rural-dwelling older Canadians face unique challenges with aging in place.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the factors that influence a rural-dwelling older adult's ability to age in place and identify any unique barriers faced by the older adult.

The socio-ecological model is a theoretical framework that assesses how factors at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community, and policy levels influence health. The socioecological model is used as a framework to investigate the older adults' ability to age in place in rural Canada.

This research noted facilitators to aging in place in rural Canada, such as social support and a culture of self-reliance. Barriers to aging in place in rural Canada, such as transportation and healthcare access, are also shown.

While implementation of the socio-ecological model can be challenging, findings from this research can inform the development and delivery of health promotion interventions by framing the complex interplay of multi-level factors that influence aging in place for rural Canadians.