![]() ![]() By participating in various activities offered in AICs, residents are able to meet new people and begin to build new social networks. One way research proposes building new social networks is through participation in activities ( Ball et al., 2000 Park, 2009 Park, Zimmerman, Kinslow, Shin, & Roff, 2012). As their already established social networks have been geographically removed and are therefore more difficult to access, greater emphasis on building new social networks is important for maintaining or increasing quality of life ( Litwin & Shiovitz-Ezra, 2006). Previous research has shown the importance of social networks and social interaction for successful aging and quality of life individuals living in AICs provide a unique sample for examining how to improve quality of life and connection to social networks. This may result in individuals feeling socially isolated and lonely ( Bear, 1990 Cutchin et al., 2003 Park, 2009). Although residents may desire to maintain former social relationships, declining health, both physical and mental, may impair their ability to do so. However, living in an AIC removes individuals from their familiar surroundings and places them in new social networks ( Rowe & Kahn, 1987). ![]() Although one negative consequence of relocation is the potential loss of the previous neighborhood-based social networks ( Dupuis-Blanchard et al., 2009), moving into AICs provides a safety net wherein older adults may receive additional assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) that they might not be receiving at home. Although aging in place in one’s home or home community is preferred ( Kassner et al., 2008), it is often not possible. This article examines whether participation in 8 weeks of focused intervention activities affects life satisfaction, loneliness, and social isolation for residents of AICs.Īdjustment to and living in an AIC can significantly affect, both positively and negatively, the quality of life of the individual ( Ball et al., 2000 Chapin & Dobbs-Kepper, 2001 Dupuis-Blanchard, Neufeld, & Strang, 2009 Park, 2009). Participation in activities affects quality of life among older adults who live in assisted and independent living communities (AICs) ( Mitchell & Kemp, 2000 Silverstein & Parker, 2002). Research evaluating the impact of meaningful types of activities on aspects of quality of life ( Park, 2009), levels of depression ( Adams, Sanders, & Auth, 2004 Park, 2009), and loneliness ( Adams et al., 2004) has shown that participation in activities has a positive impact on many quality of life measures. Part of successful aging, as described by Rowe and Kahn, involves maintaining social contacts and engaging in activity throughout the aging process. ![]() ![]() Rowe and Kahn (1987) popularized the term successful aging in the late 1980s, proposing that aging is not, nor must it be, a period of continuous decline and removal from society. Determining the impact participation in activities has on residents is vital to being able to help develop a more comprehensive understanding of how quality of life can be maintained in AICs.Īs people live longer, greater emphasis is being placed on healthier, more productive and successful aging. Forming alliances and group identities is the key for building new relationships and maintaining relationships in the community. Older adults who participated in 8 weeks of discretionary activities reported greater life satisfaction and lower levels of social isolation compared with non-participants. This study evaluates the impacts of participation in discretionary activities on life satisfaction, social isolation, and loneliness, using data from a longitudinal study of older adults in AICs. Activity and continuity theories maintain that participation in discretionary/informal activities is crucial for psychosocial health and well-being (aspects of quality of life). These transitions can significantly affect quality of life. population ages, interventions are needed to ensure quality of life continues as boomers enter assisted and independent living communities (AICs). ![]()
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