Aline Vézina

On the track of evaluated programmes targeting the social participation of seniors: a typology proposal

ABSTRACT Nowadays, the social participation of seniors represents a central challenge for both individuals and collectivities. The participative perspective is indeed present in most of the contemporary discourses on ageing, and is viewed both as a way to manage the current demographic juncture and as a promising direction for enhancing seniors’ wellbeing and achievements. This article examines 32 programmes aimed at fostering the social participation of seniors that were both implemented and evaluated, and whose results were published between January 1970 and August 2011. Based on each programmes approach, a typology of social programmes is proposed. The programmes are grouped in five categories, ranging from programmes offering an individualised approach to socio-political programmes. Classification is based on the various ways the concept of social participation is defined and acted upon by the reviewed programmes. Far from being neutral, each category suggests a specific representation of the social roles of seniors. In addition, the paper discusses how the proposed typology can guide both policy and practice, linking identity and agency issues to organisational and structural considerations. Three uses for the typology are suggested: as a policy-making support, as an evaluative framework, and as an experimental space for community practice.

Families' Values and Attitudes Regarding Responsibility for the Frail Elderly: Implications for Aging Policy

Abstract This study examines the norms and values associated with care to disabled and frail aging parents, in particular those with regard to the sharing of responsibilities for care between families and formal services, and this within three age cohorts in Quebec, Canada. It is based on a telephone interview of 1,315 people. Factor analysis yielded four factors: (1) family responsibility; (2) uncompromising family obligations; (3) acceptance of services; (4) distrust of services. Analyses of the data indicate that all three age cohorts consider that families have responsibilities for their aging family members, at the same time that they score very high on the acceptance of service scale. This article discusses these seemingly paradoxical results and their implications for aging policy.

State-Family Relations in Quebec from the Perspective of Intensive Home Care Services for the Elderly

The objective of the present study is to better under- stand the relationship between older people, principal natural help- ers, and intensive home care services in Quebec. An exploratory qualitative study conducted in the Quebec City region in 1991 ex- plored thc dimensions surrounding the relationship between families and the State from the point of view of a partnership. (Article copies available from The Hawarth Document Delivery Sewice: 1-800-342-9678.)

Les personnes âgées à mobilité réduite vivant à domicile: modalités de réponse aux besoins et niveau de satisfaction perçu

This research examined transportation problems of non-institutionalized elders with ambulatory difficulties. The purpose was to explore their responses to their needs, and their satisfaction levels. The sample is composed of 67 elderly persons divided into three levels of mobility (low, medium and severely-reduced), and three types of localities (large, rural and semi-rural). In general, transportation is supplied by family and friends. The need which receives the highest level of satisfaction is meals. For elders with medium and severe ambulatory difficulties recreational activities are absent and their satisfaction is low. Urban elders, as opposed to rural elders, are the most unsatisfied. Their insecurity and fear of going outside is one explanation for these results.

Les facteurs favorisant ou contraignant l'engagement bénévole dans les organismes communautaires en soutien à domicile auprès des aînés

The reality of volunteering in nonprofit organizations who offer services to seniors at home was observed from the viewpoint of two types of actors: volunteers and coordinators. Our results suggest that there are three decisive stages in volunteering: recruitment, realization of volunteer activity, and pursuit of this commitment. For each of them, some factors are more influential than others. Their presence or absence makes possible or not the initiation of this commitment and its pursuit. In this context, a constant negotiation takes place between the actors. Each of them has to adapt himself to others. Nevertheless, this adaptation is limited. So, stability between the position of the organization and that of the volunteer is necessary. La réalité de l’engagement bénévole dans les organismes communautaires oeuvrant dans le domaine du soutien à domicile et venant en aide aux aînés a été observée sous l’angle de deux types d’acteurs: les bénévoles et les coordonnateurs. À la lumière de nos résultats, il apparaît que trois phases sont décisives dans l’engagement bénévole: le recrutement, la réalisation de l’action bénévole et le maintien de l’engagement. Pour chacune d’elles, des facteurs sont plus influents que d’autres. Leur présence ou leur absence rend possible ou non l’initiation de cet engagement et son maintien. Dans ce contexte, une négociation constante a lieu entre les acteurs. Chacun d’eux est amené à s’adapter à la réalité des autres. Cette adaptabilité est cependant limitée. Un équilibre entre la position de l’organisme et celle du bénévole est donc nécessaire.The reality of volunteering in nonprofit organizations who offer services to seniors at home was observed from the viewpoint of two types of actors: volunteers and coordinators. Our results suggest that there are three decisive stages in volunteering: recruitment, realization of volunteer activity, and pursuit of this commitment. For each of them, some factors are more influential than others. Their presence or absence makes possible or not the initiation of this commitment and its pursuit. In this context, a constant negotiation takes place between the actors. Each of them has to adapt himself to others. Nevertheless, this adaptation is limited. So, stability between the position of the organization and that of the volunteer is necessary.

Astrid Stuckelberger, François Höpflinger. Vieillissement différentiel: hommes et femmes. Dossier de recherche. Zürich, Éditions Seismo, 1996.

Do men and women age differently? This is the question the authors attempt to answer. By borrowing from biological, psychobehavioural and sociohistoric fields of study, the authors address - from a differential angle - man/woman relationships, life expectancy, causes of morbidity and mortality, health status perception, psychological aging, life cycle events, and family relationships. This is an excellent, well-documented review of writings that elicit reflection on current and future aging at the dawn of the 21st century.