The Situation of Social Participation and Social Networks among the Elderly
Keywords:
Participation, Social activity, Social network, Older adultAbstract
The purpose of this cross-sectional survey research was to examine the situation of social participation activities and social networks among the elderly. A total of 1,960 elderly individuals across five regions of Thailand were recruited using stratified sampling and then purposive sampling. The research instruments are: 1) a personal information questionnaire 2) the participation of the elderly in social activities, including participation in social activities, the desire for participation in social activities, and barriers to participation in social activities 3) the Lubben Social Network Scale, and 4) the Barthel ADL Index. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
The study found moderate levels of social participation among the elderly, along with correspondingly moderate demand for such activities and moderate obstacles to engaging in them. Notably, the elderly scored low on social network measures for both family and close friends/neighbors. Interestingly, the three activities with the lowest participation rates across both genders were: gaming or recreational, using computers or mobile phones for communication and information (e.g., Line, email, internet browsing), and participation in vocational training and community-based product initiatives respectively.
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