The goal of this observational study is to determine whether the Count Me In Program (Participe-Présent in French), which focuses on the strengths and power to act of older adults, can improve social participation and psychosocial factors among older adults with loss of autonomy, as assessed by the following outcome measures: (1) loneliness; (2) depressive symptoms; (3) cognition; (4) frequency of participation in leisure activities; and (5) type of social participation. Participants will attend seven weekly workshops in the Count Me In Program.
The first workshop, "Participate, what is it?", invites participants to explore the diversity, benefits, obstacles, and facilitators of social participation. The second workshop, "Building on Strengths", leads participating older adults to identify their own strengths, such as creativity or a sense of humor, and to choose a personal goal, such as meeting new people. At the third workshop, "The Community, a Source of Opportunities", discussions focus on participation opportunities offered within the community. The discussions notably address the possibility of finding affordable activities, organizing outings, or inviting organizations to visit institutions. The fourth workshop, "Aging and the Power to Act", proposes a dialogue on natural aging, ageism, and self-ageism. Participants explore the myths and realities of aging and identify strategies to strengthen their power to act. The fifth workshop, "Spending to Participate", has been withdrawn, given the complex context of personal financial management for the majority of these individuals. At the sixth workshop, "Communicate to Participate", several social skills are addressed, such as active listening, making requests, and resolving disputes. The seventh workshop, "Social Networking: Staying Connected", leads participants to define what a social network is, discuss it, and explore different strategies to meet their needs. Finally, the eighth workshop, "Citizen Participation", focuses on the recognition of rights, such as the equality of fundamental rights (justice, dignity, access to services), as well as on ways to be actively involved in society (e.g., signing petitions, participating in a users' committee).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
8
Seven weekly workshops
Lonliness
The question about loneliness will be phrased as follows: "Do you suffer from loneliness? (never / sometimes / often or always)".
Time frame: At enrollment and eight weeks after enrollment
Depressive symptoms
The Nursing Homes Short Depression Inventory (NH-SDI). It includes 16 closed-ended questions on depressive symptoms.
Time frame: At enrollment and at 8 weeks from enrollment.
Lavel of social participation
Participants' social participation will be classified into six categories. The first level concerns all the daily activities that an individual normally performs alone in preparation for other activities that will put them in contact with other people (e.g., eating). The second level also includes activities where the individual is not in direct contact with other people, but where other people are present (e.g., listening to music in a performance hall). At the third level, the individual is in social contact with other people, either in person or online, but does not engage in any specific activity with them. At the fourth level, the individual collaborates with others to carry out an activity and achieve a common goal. The fifth level includes activities where the individual helps others (e.g., as a caregiver or volunteer). Finally, at the sixth level, the individual contributes more broadly to society through civic activities (e.g., getting involved in political parties).
Time frame: At enrollment and eight weeks after enrollment.
Cognition
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). It evaluates short-term memory, visuospatial function, executive function, attention, concentration, working memory, language and orientation.
Time frame: At enrollment and eight weeks after enrollment.
Frequency of participation in leisure activities per week
The frequency of participation in leisure activities per week will be documented by the administrative data of the leisure worker.
Time frame: At enrollment and eight weeks after enrollment.
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