Establishing and maintaining social connectivity: An understanding of the lived experiences of older adults residing in regional and rural communities.
OBJECTIVE
To better understand how to plan for an ageing demographic that resides in ever-changing community typologies.


METHODS
Semi-structured in-depth interviews.


METHODS
Community settings in rural and regional towns in Queensland.


METHODS
Twenty-two people aged over 65 years living in regional and rural Australia.


METHODS
Qualitative study of social connectedness.


METHODS
Thematic qualitative analysis.


RESULTS
Formal and informal social contact, through family, friends and social groups, was found to be important to the everyday lives of the participants.


CONCLUSIONS
Social connections for older adults are important in maintaining independence and community engagement.
School of Design, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Laurie
L
Buys
Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, School of Psychology, Counselling and Community, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
Lorelle
L
Burton
Institute of Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
Michael
M
Cuthill
Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
Anthony
A
Hogan
EU Centre at RMIT, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Bruce
B
Wilson
School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane.
Douglas
D
Baker
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005195:Family Relations / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011793:Queensland; D019035:Rural Health Services; D012424:Rural Population; D058992:Social Participation / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
older adult; regional and rural community; social connectedness