Skip to main content

Subscribe

We just need your email, then we'll add you to the list!

Subscribe
McMaster University 905-525-9140 info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org Your source for healthy aging information that you can trust. 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8 McMaster Optimal Aging Portal home
  • Browse
  • Blog
  • E-Learning
    • Lessons
    • Micro-learning
  • Videos
  • Professionals
    • Clinician
    • Public health professional
    • Policymaker (health systems)
    • Policymaker (social systems)
    • Promotional Materials
  • Help
  • Français
Log In Donate
View All Topics

Civic engagement

Volunteers can provide many benefits to society, but being actively engaged in community activities also has benefits for those involved. Participating in meaningful activities is one way for older adults to remain connected to their communities and maintain social ties. Find out more in our resources below.

Break the cycle of isolation and stay healthy: Get involved in your community!
Read Blog Post
Social media: Can they be used by older citizens to make their voices heard?
Read Blog Post
Making a Better World: Achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
Read Blog Post
Get the latest content first. Sign up for free weekly email alerts.
Subscribe
Filter Results
100 Show All 17Blog Posts 13Evidence Summaries 70Web Resource Ratings 0Patient Decision Aids

Want to know what professionals are reading?

Search all our content.

Browse other AGE-WELL categories

Supportive homes and communities Health care and health service delivery Autonomy and independence Cognitive health and dementia Mobility and transportation Healthy lifestyles and wellness Staying connected Financial wellness and employment
  • Evidence Summary

    Neighbourhood characteristics influence community participation among older adults

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Journal of Aging and Health (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Interventions to address the social needs of older adults should focus on their desire for connectedness, participation and independence

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Ageing and Society (2018)
  • Evidence Summary

    Engaging local residents with dementia is key in planning dementia-friendly neighbourhoods

    Rating 2 out of 5 stars
    The Gerontologist (2021)
  • Evidence Summary

    Arts programming serves as a platform for communication and knowledge translation for older adults

    Rating 2 out of 5 stars
    Arts and Health (2019)
  • Evidence Summary

    Intergenerational programs offer benefits for both younger and older generations

    Rating 2 out of 5 stars
    Journal of Intergenerational Relationships (2019)
  • Evidence Summary

    Civic participation allows older adults to keep active and socially engaged

    Rating 2 out of 5 stars
    The Gerontologist (2019)
  • Evidence Summary

    Neighbourhood watch can reduce crime

    Rating 2 out of 5 stars
    Campbell Systematic Reviews (2008)
  • Evidence Summary

    Gardening can improve the overall well-being of older adults

    Rating 2 out of 5 stars
    Activities, Adaptation & Aging (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    ‘Urban renaissance’ policies may negatively affect low-income residents, including older adults, living in urban areas

    Rating 2 out of 5 stars
    European Journal of Housing Policy (2004)
  • Evidence Summary

    Social exclusion can become a downward spiral for older people

    Rating 2 out of 5 stars
    European Journal of Ageing (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Climate change expected to disproportionately affect older adults

    Rating 1 out of 5 stars
    Environmental Health Perspectives (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Social media can provide a venue for older adults to challenge ageism and influence public policies

    Rating 1 out of 5 stars
    Politics, Groups, and Identities (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Tenants' protection, controlling ownership and development, and community empowerment can help to mitigate displacement due to the gentrification of neighbourhoods

    Rating 1 out of 5 stars
    Geography Compass (2018)
  • Blog Post

    Transitions in Later Life – Part 3: Social Entrepreneurship – turning experience into impact

    Retirement can be the beginning of new projects and new role, and for some this might include “social entrepreneurship”—engaging in small ventures that address real community needs while promoting social participation, providing an outlet for creativity, and generating income.
  • Blog Post

    Transitions in Later Life – Part 1: Navigating grandparenthood

    Grandparenting can bring joy, purpose, as well as challenges and change. Find tips and insights on balancing involvement, independence, and wellbeing as you navigate the grandparenting journey.
  • Blog Post

    Intergenerational mentorship programs: Passing down knowledge and building connections

    Your life experience can shape the future! Intergenerational mentorship programs offer older adults a powerful way to share their wisdom, forge meaningful connections, and leave a lasting legacy while enriching their own lives.
  • Blog Post

    Building a better world for all

    As part of the 2030 Agenda, the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are part of a global plan to create a better world for all. What lessons can we draw of the first five years of existence of the SDGs with regard to older adults?
  • Blog Post

    Forging strong intergenerational bonds

    Learn about non-family intergenerational interventions and their impact on the social and mental well-being of young people and the elderly.
  • Blog Post

    Age-friendly communities: Designing accessible, inclusive and safe communities

    As a response to global population ageing and rapid urbanisation, the 'age-friendly community' movement focuses on action at the local level that fosters the full participation of older adults in community life and promotes healthy and active ageing.
  • Blog Post

    Climate change: When generations face challenges together

    The prevailing discourse on climate change sometimes pit generations against each other or place blame on certain generations over others. But evidence shows the importance of intergenerational relations and solidarity to face this pressing societal challenge.
  • Blog Post

    Public art and its impact on our lives

    Public art leaves few people completely indifferent. It can move, amuse, make people think, confuse, cringe, and sometimes even shock. But what does research tell us about the effects of public art on cities, places and people's lives?
  • Blog Post

    Collaboration is key: Patient engagement for healthcare improvement

    Working together! Research highlights some of the potential organizational/health care provider and patient-related benefits of co-producing hospital tools and resources with patients.
  • Blog Post

    Rebuilding greener, healthier and stronger economies to face climate change

    Climate change is affecting everyone on the planet, but research evidence shows that it is disproportionately affecting older adults. As countries move toward rebuilding their economies after COVID-19, their recovery plans can shape a new path towards greener, healthier and stronger economies.
  • Blog Post

    Community resilience: Responding to and recovering from disasters together

    It is not only individuals who are struck by disasters like a pandemic, it is entire communities that are shaken. Implementing a community resilience plan can help a community come together and overcome any disaster, while rebuilding socially, physically and economically.
  • Blog Post

    Making a Better World: Achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals

    The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for the world. Learn about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and what you can do to shape our world, now and into the future.
  • Blog Post

    Civic participation of older adults: Beyond volunteering

    Civic participation is a pillar of our communities, and can help people keep a healthy, active and engaged life.
  • Blog Post

    Social media: Can they be used by older citizens to make their voices heard?

    Public debates, as well as public consultations led by governments, are increasingly being conducted online, including social media. Unlike young people who grew up with new information and communication technologies, many older citizens feel excluded from online public debates and consultations on social media.
  • Blog Post

    Addressing the social needs of older adults: A contributing factor to their health and well-being

    No matter our age, we all have social needs. Volunteering or participating in social activities appears to be the key to address the needs of older adults for greater proximity, meaningful relationships and reciprocity.
  • Blog Post

    Gentrification: When neighbourhoods change, lives change

    Sometimes central and disadvantaged neighbourhoods experience major changes, referred to as gentrification. Neighbourhood gentrification can have a significant impact on older adults who often have low and fixed incomes.
  • Blog Post

    Break the cycle of isolation and stay healthy: Get involved in your community!

    Volunteering is a form of civic engagement that builds on the experience of older adults and breaks down social isolation, while providing them with a sense of accomplishment and belonging to the community. Concrete measures can encourage the engagement of older adults and maintain their participation in volunteer activities.
Want the latest in aging research? Sign up for our email alerts.
Subscribe

Our Content

  • Blog
  • Videos
  • E-Learning
  • Evidence Summaries
  • Professionals

About

  • Our Content
  • Registration
  • Leadership team
  • Labarge Initiative
  • Partners
  • Contact

Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.

 McMaster University
© 2012 - 2020 McMaster University | 1280 Main Street West | Hamilton, Ontario L8S4L8 | +1 905-525-9140 | Terms Of Use
+AA
Fr