Social participation of elderly visually impaired persons: determinants and intervention

Summary:

Due to aging the prevalence of visually impaired elderly increases. In general, these elderly have a sedentary lifestyle, which causes dependency and social isolation. Little is known on the degree of social participation of these elderly and the influencing factors.

The project consists of two studies: a survey and an intervention. Goal of the survey study is to explore the degree of social participation of visually impaired elderly by means of telephone and  focus group interviews. In addition, determinants of social participation will be identified. Two hundred visually impaired elderly (>55 years) will be asked to participate.

In the second part of the study an exercise intervention will be developed and offerd to 45 visually impaired elderly with a low degree of social participation. The effectiveness of this exercise program on social participation and on the related influencing factors will be studied. The exercise program will be adapted to specific needs and restrictions connected with vision loss. The program is characterized by a social interactional approach.

Results of both studies constitute an empirical basis for the implementation of an exercise program and for future policy development in the field of rehabilitation of visually impaired elderly.

The study is performed in cooperation with Visio-Noord