Perceived benefits of social participation among older adults living with congenital disabilities or disabilities acquired prior to adulthood

Social participation is a determinant of healthy aging. Despite the fact that the lives of people with congenital disabilities or disabilities acquired prior to adulthood become more complex as they age, understanding social participation among this distinct population remains underdeveloped. This qualitative descriptive study addresses this gap in knowledge by focusing on perceptions of social participation among this group. Five focus groups were conducted with 31 participants 50 years of age or older. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data demonstrated that perceived benefits of social participation include personal fulfillment, life meaning, a sense of well-being, and belonging. It also demonstrated that social participation is expressed through the enactment of meaningful projects that help others and through interactions with people with and without disabilities. In sum, social participation helps to meet the basic psychological needs of this population and their perception of its tangible benefits justifies its promotion.