Abstract
The overall objective of this study is to compare community participation differences between older and younger individuals with disabilities. This study analyzed data from a national purposive sample of 692 adults between the ages of 19 and 74 years. All participants lived in the community and were discharged from rehabilitation for at least one year. Average length of time living with disability ranged from 1 year (Neurological disorder) to 74 years (Glaucoma). The data were stratified into two groups by age, under 50 (n=343) and 50 and older (n=345). Differences in demographics and aspects of participation related to frequency of visiting community sites, evaluation of participation (importance, satisfaction, level of choice and level of control), environmental features and support used were examined. Participation frequency differences were statistically significant for going to pharmacies (p<.05), places of worship (p<.05) and gas stations (p<.05) with older adults going more frequently and homes of family/friends (p<.05) and places of work/volunteer/education (p<.01) with younger adults going more often. Further understanding factors that can lead to decreased community participation by older adults is an essential step necessary to develop effective interventions for improvement.