Social Strategies
Between Change and Continuity: Exploring the Realities of Aging with an Early-Onset Neurological Disability
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Mia Lapointe, Ronen Ore, Pascale Simard, Ann-Frédérique Giguère, Valérie Poulin, Manh Hung Nguyen, Samuel Turcotte, Angéline Labbé, Megan Veilleux
Improved healthcare and social conditions have extended the lifespan of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Understanding the realities of aging with an early-onset neurological disability is crucial for developing inclusive approaches to healthy aging, with social participation being a key modifiable health determinant. This qualitative descriptive study, part of a larger participatory research project, explores the lived experiences of individuals aging with an early-onset neurological disability and their perspectives on social participation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants aged 50 and older, living with MS, SCI, or TBI (n=8 per condition) in Quebec, Canada. Analyses were based on a mixed approach where the deductive portion relied on the Human Development Model – Disability Production Process. Aging with an early-onset neurological disability necessitates ongoing adaptations in various domains. Participants expressed the importance of adapting to evolving social networks, (re)discovering meaningful ways to contribute to society, and managing symptoms. Over time, participants described their identity as becoming more consolidated. While they did not define themselves solely by their disability, this aspect was integrated into their sense of self. For many, their condition even became a source of pride, contributing to a complex but cohesive identity. Social participation is influence by numerous factors such as involvement opportunities. Yet barriers such as stigma, limited access to information persist. By deepening our understanding of the lived realities of these individuals, this project will contribute to promoting a more inclusive vision of active and healthy aging.
The Housing Situation of Individuals Aging with Traumatic Brain Injury in Quebec, Canada: A Mixed-Methods Study
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Angéline Labbé, Marie-Ève Lamontagne, Manh Hung Nguyen, Mia Lapointe, Samuel Turcotte
Advancements in healthcare and rehabilitation have improved life expectancy for individuals living with traumatic brain injury (TBI), introducing new challenges in housing stability. This study portrays the housing situation of individuals with TBI in Quebec, Canada. Additionally, it explores their needs and preferences, as well as the facilitators and obstacles to achieving housing stability. A mixed-methods study was conducted in collaboration with a national organization that federates 13 regional associations serving people with TBI and promoting their quality of life. Adults with TBI members of an association (n=175) completed a questionnaire on their housing situation, the Residential Environmental Satisfaction Scale and the Housing Instability Risk Identification and Assessment. Semi-structured interviews (n=20) were also conducted with selected participants to further explore their housing experiences. A World Café on perceived facilitators and obstacles to housing stability for individuals with TBI was also realized with 19 key actors from across Québec. The study shows that 10% of individuals were at risk of housing instability. While 12% of individuals live with a relative, 18% rely on caregiver assistance and financial support to maintain their living arrangements. Individuals with TBI and key actors expressed serious concerns about the aging of both individuals and their caregivers, as well as limited access to and availability of personalized housing options. This study highlights the urgent need for innovative long-term housing solutions for individuals aging with TBI that provide tailored support and opportunity for healthy ageing.
The Role of Peer-Led, Place-Based Approaches to Healthy Ageing in Rural Communities
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Sean MacDermott
Place-based initiatives offer both opportunities and challenges for advancing healthy ageing in rural contexts, where social connection, engagement, and wellbeing can be shaped by complex and even contradictory community dynamics. Focusing on the implementation and evaluation of the Healthy Ageing Hub project in Victoria, Australia, this paper examines how collaborative, community-led approaches might create sustainable legacies and foster social connection. The Hub approach reveals how rurality produces distinctive patterns of social engagement shaped by both the strength and exclusivity of existing community networks. The rural context provided both advantages, such as direct influence and strong local relationships, and challenges, including the complexities of close-knit social dynamics. Findings revealed that while the Hub enhanced trust, communication, and collaboration among local organisations, it is still challenging to address the needs of some cohorts. The Hub project shows the importance of flexible, inclusive strategies tailored to rural contexts, emphasising the role of place-based, community-led models in supporting healthy ageing. The lessons learned offer practical insights for other rural communities seeking to build connected and inclusive environments for older adults. Ultimately, we argue for a nuanced approach to place-based program design that is attentive to hidden dynamics of power, belonging, and marginalisation within rural communities, in order to support more equitable and effective models of healthy ageing.
