Older Adults’ Views on Characteristics of Groups to Support Engagement

ABSTRACT

Taking part in formal classes or social engagement opportunities are important aspects of aging well, yet little is known about the key elements underlying the success of these initiatives. This qualitative study therefore aimed to examine older adults’ views on characteristics of formal classes or opportunities that support engagement. Twenty-four older adults (age range 66–93) from South Australia participated in semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analyzed, applying the lens of Self Determination Theory (SDT). Specifically, how engaging in these opportunities fulfil psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness was considered. Characteristics of formal classes or engagement opportunities that were both conducive to their success and SDT need satisfaction included good organization, clear communication, belongingness and alignment with the needs, interests, and resources of participants. We provide a conceptual model which could be applied in designing such opportunities for older adults.

KEYWORDS:

• Psychological needs
• qualitative
• self-determination theory
• social engagement

Author contributions

R Walker and T Windsor planned the study, supervised, and conducted the qualitative analysis, and wrote the paper. I Belperio conducted the interviews and performed initial qualitative analysis as well as contributed to revising the paper. J Scott, M Luszcz and T Mazzucchelli helped to plan the study, assisted with data analysis, and revising the manuscript. T Evans assisted with manuscript editing.

Consent to participate statement

Written informed consent was obtained from participants prior to their participation in the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data is unable to be shared as the Ethics approval for this study requires that all data be stored in a password-protected database in de-identified form; consequently it is unavailable for third-party access.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a grant from the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage, LP170100461. The funding body played no role in the design, execution, analysis and interpretation of the data, or writing of the study.