Social participation of seniors: Applying the Framework of Occupational Justice for healthy ageing and a new approach to policymaking

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Lewis_Emma_JOccupSci_2020.pdf (2.49 MB)

Date

2020

Authors

Lewis, Emma
Lemieux, Valérie

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Journal of Occupational Science

Abstract

Background: Social participation is associated with positive health outcomes for seniors. However, not all seniors may be able to achieve a satisfactory level of participation. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the social participation of seniors within the Framework of Occupational Justice (FOJ) to promote an occupational perspective to policymaking. Methods: This study employed a deductive and inductive thematic content analysis of seniors’ responses from focus group data that looked at seniors’ experiences with social participation in Montreal, Canada. Twelve focus groups for a total of 111 participants from diverse backgrounds were analyzed. Results: The analysis revealed structural and contextual factors that can enable or prevent social participation. Potential enablers to social participation include the presence of individual community support workers, the design and accessibility of the physical environment, and programs tailored to seniors’ needs. Underlying occupational determinants identified as barriers are related to cultural values and policies tied to ageism. Inductive reasoning also yielded new, neutral, occupational outcomes for the FOJ. Conclusion: When applying the FOJ to a diverse population, there is the possibility of a spectrum of occupational outcomes, which shifts the perspective from the polarity of rights and injustices currently presented in the FOJ. In terms of social policy, social participation is viewed as a right and that public policy can work towards promoting this right.

Description

Keywords

occupational science, participation, seniors, human rights

Citation

Lewis, E. & Lemieux, V. (2020). Social participation of seniors: Applying the Framework of Occupational Justice for healthy ageing and a new approach to policymaking. Journal of Occupational Science. https://doi.org/10.1080/14427591.2020.1843069

URI

https://doi.org/10.1080/14427591.2020.1843069
 http://hdl.handle.net/1828/12591

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Faculty and Staff Publications
 
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