1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«This study aims to bring forth and understand the subjective experiences of social isolation among older adults living in an age segregated rent-geared-to-income apartment complex in Montreal, Quebec.» (p. 10)

Questions/Hypothèses :
The author has three main questions: «1) What are older adults (aged 60 years and above) everyday experiences with the phenomenon of social isolation? 2) How do older adults make sense and view social isolation? 3) What types of strategies (if any) are adopted by older people to protect them from experiencing the ill effects (if any) of social isolation?» (p. 9)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«[Six] [p]articipants for this research project were recruited from an autonomous-living low-income apartment complex (LIAC) for older adults in Montreal, Quebec.» (p. 33)

Instruments :
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

According to the author, «[p]olicies and programs aimed at combating social isolation for community residing older adults are commonplace. Strikingly, these policies and programs are based on a body of literature that largely excludes the voices of older adults. Understanding how older adults perceive, experience and respond to social isolation is important if current policies and programs aim to better meet their needs. [...] All participants resided in a rent-geared-to income complex in Montreal and all were identified as socially isolated by their service providers. The study revealed that older adults actively protect themselves from social isolation by engaging in purposeful activities within their homes and housing communities, and by engaging in low-risk social interactions. Policy and practice implications emerging from these findings include the significance of critically examining notions of aging well and the potential importance of fostering safe common spaces within housing facilities.» (p. 2) Cette étude traite de l’importance de la famille sur le plan des relations sociales et de son rôle pour combattre la solitude.