Identification and feasibility of social participation initiatives reducing isolation and involving rural older Canadians in the development of their community.

BACKGROUND: Although some social participation initiatives exist to counter the isolation of older adults, none were identified and prioritized according to the needs of rural regional county municipalities (RCM), including in Canada.

AIMS: To identify and prioritize social participation initiatives for older Canadians, and to document the feasibility of their implementation in a rural RCM.

METHODS: An action research was used to identify, based on a review of scientific and grey literature, social participation initiatives, enriched and prioritized by the community. Facilitators, challenges, and advice for the implementation of these initiatives were documented through nine group discussions (n = 85).

RESULTS: Two social participation initiatives were identified as more relevant to the RCM, combined and adapted as the Benevolent Community to locate and assist isolated older adults. Two other initiatives were prioritized to identify transportation needs and solutions, and create a website on social participation activities available. Most participants perceived these initiatives as feasible, and will address older adults' social participation needs. Two facilitators were a field worker for older adults and the preoccupations of the community toward isolated older adults. The main challenges concerned the difficulty in recruiting volunteers and locating isolated older adults, exacerbated by the RCM's vast territory. Main advice involved suggestions of people for the recruitment of volunteers.

DISCUSSION: Through valuable collaboration with the community, initiatives were identified and prioritized, and challenges were raised, with anticipated success.

CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are needed to document the implementation and effects of these initiatives on the social participation of older adults in the RCM.