Environmental Factors Associated With Social Participation of Older Adults Living in Metropolitan, Urban, and Rural Areas: The NuAge Study

Objectives. We compared the social participation of older adults living in metropolitan, urban, and rural areas, and identified associated environmental factors. Methods. From 2004 to 2006, we conducted a cross-sectional study using an age-, gender-, and area-stratified random sample of 1198 adults (aged 67–82 years). We collected data via interviewer-administered questionnaires and derived from Canadian censuses. Results. Social participation did not differ across living areas (P = .09), but after controlling for potential confounding variables, we identified associated area-specific environmental variables. In metropolitan areas, higher social participation was associated with greater proximity to neighborhood resources, having a driver’s license, transit use, and better quality social network (R 2 = 0.18). In urban areas, higher social participation was associated with greater proximity to neighborhood resources and having a driver’s license (R 2 = 0.11). Finally, in rural areas, higher social participation was associated with greater accessibility to key resources, having a driver’s license, children living in the neighborhood, and more years lived in the current dwelling (R 2 = 0.18). Conclusions. To enhance social participation of older adults, public health interventions need to address different environmental factors according to living areas.