Social participation classification and activities in association with health outcomes among older adults: Results from a scoping review

Aims The aim of this study is to summarize the characteristics of social participation classification and examine the association between activities and health outcomes among older adults. Design Scoping review. Data Sources Eight databases (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, The Cochrane Library, Embase, ProQuest, Psychological Information Database, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched. Reference lists of relevant social participation reviews were also considered. Methods This study applied a five‐stage methodological framework. A narrative synthesis summarized social participation classification and activities and their associations with health outcomes among older adults (≥65 years) living at home, in the community or in nursing residences. Results Forty‐two articles published between 1975 and 2022 were selected. Four classification criteria of social participation were extracted and summarized from these studies. Based on the depth and breadth of social interactions, this review proposed a four‐level classification schema. A lower risk of mortality and less visual impairment were associated with participation in level‐one, level‐three or level‐four activities, whereas less depression, less pain and better cognitive function were linked to participation in level‐three or level‐four activities. Conclusion Future studies should provide a clear definition, establish classification criteria for participation and properly select activity forms while considering both subjective and objective dimensions. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care The results could provide data for designing targeted social participation interventions to improve specific health outcomes among older adults. Impact This review could help researchers examine the role of social participation activities in specific health outcomes. Moreover, a proposed classification of social participation activities would benefit researchers and community nurses in discerning the similarities and differences among activities. Reporting Method This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses—Extension for Scoping Reviews guideline. Patient or Public Contribution No patient or public contribution.