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Establishing and maintaining social connectivity: An understanding of the lived experiences of older adults residing in regional and rural communities
Author(s) -
Buys Laurie,
Burton Lorelle,
Cuthill Michael,
Hogan Anthony,
Wilson Bruce,
Baker Douglas
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
australian journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.48
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1440-1584
pISSN - 1038-5282
DOI - 10.1111/ajr.12196
Subject(s) - social connectedness , thematic analysis , psychological intervention , qualitative research , gerontology , independence (probability theory) , social engagement , rural community , sociology , psychology , medicine , social psychology , nursing , socioeconomics , social science , statistics , mathematics
Objective To better understand how to plan for an ageing demographic that resides in ever‐changing community typologies. Design Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews. Setting Community settings in rural and regional towns in Q ueensland. Participants Twenty‐two people aged over 65 years living in regional and rural A ustralia. Interventions Qualitative study of social connectedness. Main outcome measure(s) Thematic qualitative analysis. Results Formal and informal social contact, through family, friends and social groups, was found to be important to the everyday lives of the participants. Conclusions Social connections for older adults are important in maintaining independence and community engagement.