Development of a social activities scale for community‐dwelling older people requiring support

Abstract

Abstract Aim This study aims to develop the Social Activities Scale for Community‐Dwelling Older People Requiring Support (SASOS). Design This study is a cross‐sectional investigation. Methods The participants were healthy older people (HOP; N = 140) and those requiring support (OPRS; N = 250). An anonymous questionnaire included items on SASOS, subjective health and ikigai (Japanese well‐being concept). Criterion‐related validity was examined using the Social Activity Index for Elderly People (SAI‐E). Results Seventy‐five HOP and 157 OPRS provided effective responses. The scale (α = 0.805) had three subscales: "interactions with friends and neighbors (F1),” "close relationships with family (F2)” and "interactions with others through activity programs (F3).” SASOS and SAI‐E scores were correlated (r = .558, p < .01), indicating criterion‐related validity. In known‐groups validity analysis, F1 were significantly higher among HOP and F3 were significantly higher among OPRS. Total scores correlated with perceived health (r = .240, p < .01) and ikigai (r = .419, p < .01).

Keywords

• aged
• instrument construction
• older people requiring support
• social participation