Social participation for older people experiencing homelessness : a sociocultural framework

Abstract

Older people experiencing homelessness (OPEH) are a rapidly growing demographic worldwide, including in Hong Kong, posing complex challenges for policymakers as societies age. This article introduces key findings from a study of OPEH, emphasizing the underexamined role of social participation in addressing homelessness. Emerging from Hong Kong’s unique context, this study prioritizes how sociocultural factors affect social participation among OPEH. Constructivist Grounded Theory was employed to analyze the social participation of 44 OPEH, collecting data from them and seven service providers in Hong Kong. Six key themes were identified: three barriers (“saving face,” mental health issues, and chronic pain and age-related decline) and three facilitators (volunteerism, hidden dreams and talents, and incentives as catalysts), from which a socioculturally informed framework was developed to enhance engagement for OPEH. Drawing on voices and experiences of OPEH and service providers, this study develops a theory to support their social participation. Although specific to Hong Kong, the findings are relevant for practitioners and policymakers globally, providing a starting point for working with diverse people and underscoring the importance of sociocultural values in understanding social participation. Through this study, a socioculturally grounded, strengths-based approach to designing and implementing initiatives for these individuals is offered.