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Quality of Life Research
Published in: Quality of Life Research 1/2016

01-01-2016

Relevance of community structures and neighbourhood characteristics for participation of older adults: a qualitative study

Authors: Ralf Strobl, Werner Maier, Alicja Ludyga, Andreas Mielck, Eva Grill

Published in: Quality of Life Research | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

Community and neighbourhood structures contribute not only to the health and well-being, but also to the participation of older adults. The degree of participation depends on both the living environment and the individual’s personal characteristics, preferences and perception. However, there is still limited empirical evidence on how community and neighbourhood structures are linked to participation and health in the aged population.

Methods

A qualitative exploratory approach was chosen with a series of problem-centred, semi-structured focus group discussions. Study participants were selected from within the city of Augsburg, Southern Germany, and from two municipalities in surrounding rural districts. The interviews took place in 2013. Structuring content analysis was used to identify key concepts.

Results

We conducted 11 focus group discussions with a total of 78 different study participants. The study participants (33 men and 45 women) had a mean age of 74 years (range 65–92 years). Only two study participants lived in an assisted living facility. Of all study participants, 77 % lived in urban and 23 % in rural areas. We extracted four metacodes (‘Usual activities’, ‘Requirements for participation’, ‘Barriers to participation’ and ‘Facilitators for participation’) and 15 subcodes. Health and poorly designed infrastructure were mentioned as important barriers to participation, and friendship and neighbourhood cohesion as important facilitators.

Conclusions

This qualitative study revealed that poor design and accessibility of municipal infrastructure are major barriers to participation in old age in Germany. Community and neighbourhood structures can be part of the problem but also part of the solution when accessibility and social networks are taken into account.
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Metadata
Title
Relevance of community structures and neighbourhood characteristics for participation of older adults: a qualitative study
Authors
Ralf Strobl
Werner Maier
Alicja Ludyga
Andreas Mielck
Eva Grill
Publication date
01-01-2016
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Quality of Life Research / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-015-1049-9

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