3.0 Key Findings of Study
The interview process along with the soundings that were held was informative and crucial to our understanding of seniors and youth in their community. Many interesting and important issues were raised and discussed making clear certain needs they have, and particular reasons they hold for not participating in local decision making processes. Here are some key findings drawn from the analysis of the research conducted.
Seniors
- Although more than half of the organisations interviewed have mandates to address issues of isolation, much of the organisations key decisions are made by the central advisory councils which may or may not include the senior population present in that institution. This has been understood to show that the idea of inclusion and exclusion exist in an abstract form within these organisations, instead of being present in a concrete manner. Unfortunately, the ideas of social and economic inclusion do not seem to extend beyond the mere knowledge of the term onto reports and policies which hold the power to make the necessary changes within the community.
- It was found that exclusion and isolation seem to be an issue for seniors due to the factors of health, loss of control, confidence and their social network. Some feel left out or let down by the government and thus do not wish to participate in political matters. Others feel that not enough time is used in recruiting seniors for their input, advice and expertise. Thus, it can be said that certain passive attitudes towards seniors, coupled with inadequate funding has become aiding factors in the increasing isolation they feel in society.
- Access to transportation for something like entertainment is not as readily available as is emergency transportation. It is assumed that senior’s quality of life is affected by this as it limits their participation level in numerous areas. Elements to reduce this barrier should be tailored to seniors’ needs in this respect. More marketing, funding, and volunteers could be effective measures to reduce current barriers so that seniors are more included.
- It was noted that pain due to seniors’ cognitive or physical decline is a limiting factor that needs to be taken into consideration. Therefore, it would be very beneficial that transportation be made available for seniors so that they can attend the numerous things they actually want to be involved in. Seniors enjoy things such as going to the theatre, or a visit to the mall; these are highly important in increasing their well-being and sense of self worth within the community.
- Rapid growth of the rural regions and lack of leadership capacity were also major concerns for rural seniors, as was the restriction and access to transportation and medical care.
- Seniors want to be independent, but seem to appreciate the extra assistance when it’s needed. The emphasis is on the significance of relationships in terms of community inclusion.
- It is clear that we need more funding in the community to support institutions that can provide the types of services that increase seniors’ well-being
- Lastly, hardly any of the participants had any knowledge of other projects within their community that dealt with the issue of isolation. This shows a lack of awareness of this issue in the community even though it is clear that isolation amongst the senior population is a great dilemma we face today.
Youth
- Every participant felt that the best way to understand youth and therefore include them in the community was to build a relationship with individual youth. By talking and more importantly, listening to what the youth population had to say, organisations could then truly understand what the youth wanted and truly include them in decision-making and programs. However, it was noted that many adults do not have the patience and/or knowledge to understand how to approach youth at all.
- Time and again we heard that “there is not much to do here,” especially in rural settings. It seems that, indeed, participation in the community can be a function of how much effort is put into strategic community planning by City officials regarding key features such as youth drop in centers and programs that cater to a wide variety of interests (not just sports, as was a complaint from many rural youth).
- Youth want credit for their achievements; they feel that too much emphasis is placed on those few individuals in the community who cause trouble for others, which perpetuates negative stereotypes in the community and limits resources for positive change for those who are responsible (i.e., “the good kids”). As one participant said, “It takes longer to earn others’ trust because of these negative stereotypes.”
- Rural youth feel, to a certain extent, that they were not included in the planning of the rural development; and that the recent population growth has sometimes made them feel less connected to the community on the whole.
- True relationship building has been compromised because of dependence on electronic media.
- Need for Employment within their Communities: Many rural youth must travel to Cambridge for their part time jobs. They would prefer to work in their own communities, but the opportunities are very limited and there is a lot of competition for the few positions that are available. Competition for employment is increasing with the growth of rural areas such as Ayr.