Grant: Catalyst Grant: Analysis of CLSA Data - Patient Oriented Research

Social isolation kills. As the global population ages and chronic diseases increase, social isolation and loneliness should be addressed by enhanced inclusive and accessible environments that foster health, and social participation and connection for everyone, including aging adults. Although research shows that social participation and connection evolve and are positively influenced by inclusive environments that support active aging, little is known about the trajectories of social participation and connection, and their association with the environment. Additionally, these trajectories and their potential predictors among disadvantaged groups remain underexplored. In collaboration with experts, using existing data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging and other sources, stratified by women and men, this study aims to compare trajectories of social participation and connection of aging adults, and examine their individual and environmental predictors. An advisory committee will identify key areas and potential determinants for action and policy development, including for marginalized groups. By bringing together experts in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics and urban planning, and by mobilizing knowledge users and collaborators, this project will generate and synthesize information to plan actions that enhanced inclusive and accessible environments that foster health, social participation and connection. The results of this project will help communities identify key characteristics for tailored actions at various stages of aging and among different groups, including disadvantaged ones. The combined expertise of the research team, previous collaborative experience and coordination strategies will ensure the successful completion and dissemination of the study's findings that will ultimately lead to more effective actions that improve health, and social participation and connection among aging Canadians.