Quality of Life Among Older People Living in Rural Areas: the Role of Formal Organisations, Social Networks and Civic Participation

As life expectancy increases, the quality of life of older people is becoming a key policy concern in Scotland and the UK. There has been little research investigating the specific experiences, life circumstances and needs of older people living in rural communities

In an attempt to fill this gap, the Scottish Executive commissioned the Arkleton Centre to conduct a scoping study of the quality of life of older people living in rural Scotland. One of the key issues to emerge was the importance of social groups, activities and networks in promoting and enhancing quality of life among older rural residents. Building on this, this study investigated in greater detail the social and community lives of older people in rural areas and the extent to which they contributed to quality of life.

Preliminary findings

The participant observations and questionnaires have provided useful insights into the levels and types of participation in social groups among older people in the study area. Preliminary findings include:

• High levels of participation and involvement in social groups amongst older people (aged over 60)
• Individuals attended an average of three groups and women attended more groups than men.
• As a whole, respondents attended 68 wide-ranging types of groups including: civic participation (e.g. local government), voluntary activities (e.g. Red Cross; Meals on Wheels); friendship, social, leisure, religious, cultural, heritage and special interest groups
• Women were more likely than men to attend friendship and social clubs, to participate in church-related activities, primarily through the Guild and go to coffee mornings while men were more likely than women to participate in outdoor sports
• Those aged in their seventies and early eighties were the most likely to be involved in social activities
• Being married made men more likely to participate in groups and social activities
• Men were more likely to travel to groups in their car, while women were more likely to go by foot

The qualitative interviews will be used to gain more detailed insights into older people's experiences and perceptions of social groups and networks; and the factors and processes that facilitate and impede participation and social inclusion in these groups and networks.

Reference

1. Philip L.J., Gilbert A., Mauthner N. & Phimister E. (2003). Scoping Study of Older People in Rural Scotland. Scottish Executive Central Research Unit, Edinburgh.

Contact

Contact: Dr Natasha Mauthner, University of Aberdeen Business School, Edward Wright Building, Dunbar Street, Aberdeen AB24 3QY

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