Beyond invitation: why community participation does not fit all older adults

Background

In later life, participation in community activities may help mitigate social isolation and support healthy ageing. Yet many older adults do not engage with available opportunities, and reasons for non-participation remain insufficiently understood. This study explored how non-participation was understood across stakeholder groups in Odivelas, Portugal, and its implications for social prescribing.

Methods

A multi-stakeholder qualitative study was conducted with four focus groups involving nurses, community agents, older adults participating in activities and older adults not participating (N = 23). Data were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results

Across stakeholder groups, non-participation was seen as complex and context-dependent. Stakeholders identified a mismatch between available opportunities and realities of later life. Protecting autonomy was important for older adults, and rigid schedules or formal commitments could be experienced as loss of control. Participation was also shaped by anticipated failure, including fear of pain, falling or not coping physically or socially. Caregiving responsibilities, transport, financial constraints, digital barriers and smaller social networks further limited equitable access. Engagement was understood as relational from the outset: companionship, encouragement and support were often needed before participation began. Generic advice to “go and see” was insufficient as it transferred responsibility for navigating opportunities onto the individual. More acceptable pathways were imagined as personalised, concrete and supported by trusted professionals.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that non-participation is shaped by intersecting factors beyond individual choice. Generic referral approaches may be insufficient, and future social prescribing pathways should be personalised, relational and context-sensitive. Further research with larger populations is needed to inform implementation.

Key messages

• Personalised interventions can contribute to community participation in older adults.

• Support healthy ageing by formalising social prescribing.