Participation of metropolitan, urban and rural community-dwelling older adults

Environmental factors are important in maintaining a high level of participation. This cross-sectional study aimed at comparing the level of participation of older adults living in rural, urban and metropolitan environments and exploring sociodemographic factors associated with participation according to each type of environment. A total of 350 community-dwelling participants showing a normal aging process were randomly recruited. Participation in daily activities and social roles was measured with the Assessment of Life Habits. Sociodemographic and environmental data were gathered using a questionnaire. Participants from the rural region reported less schooling, a lower income, no access to public transportation and less access to stores than others. Participants from the metropolitan region differed in terms of less use of a car, less satisfaction with their social support and feeling less secure in their neighborhood. However, no significant difference was found between the metropolitan, urban and rural groups for participation in daily activities and social roles. Furthermore, the variables most associated with participation were similar for all three regions. This suggests that although the environment of older adults living in metropolitan, urban and rural region differs, their level of engagement in daily activities and social roles is similar. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.