CIVIC ENGAGEMENT OF OLDER ADULTS IN A NORTHERN CITY OF CANADA

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT OF OLDER ADULTS IN A NORTHERN CITY OF CANADA

Civic engagement is considered virtuous for the citizens as it enhances individual and social well-being. With age, interest and capability of participation in civic activities may decline. This study is part of a larger study on quality of life of older adults in Greater Sudbury. It is based on interviews with 20 citizens over the age of 80 years and examines their civic engagement. The participants were selected through a combination of purposive and snowball sampling designs. During the face-to-face interviews, they were asked questions about the rights of citizens in general and their own involvement in political and voluntary activities. The findings of the study indicate that the older adults in the city consider it their duty to cast vote in elections at all levels, however, they are disappointed with the politicians who either fail to keep their promises or adopt policies that counter social welfare, particularly the welfare of older adults. They also expressed their concerns about many local issues. Their participation in voluntary activities waned down to mostly helping their family and friends, though some of them still supported their community in different ways. Their active participation in civic activities could be enhanced by overcoming some of the age-related challenges.