Exploring social and leisure participation among stroke survivors: Part two

Older adults who live in the community often report decreased levels of social and leisure participation following stroke. A qualitative study using open-ended, focused interviews was conducted with a sample of 12 older adult stroke survivors. This study aimed to explore how often older adult stroke survivors participate in social and leisure activities, the meaning(s)associated with this participation and the factors felt to hinder or contribute to this participation. Background information and the methodology are described in part one. In this second part, the findings and discussion of the interviews are provided. Using a modified grounded theory approach to analysis, four main themes emerged from the data: 'it's a completely different life'; 'what limits me from participating'; 'what I need to participate'; and `continuing on with my life'. A model was developed to describe the potential relationships between the themes generated. This study highlights the re-establishment of continuity in social and leisure participation following stroke. The findings provide implications for health-care providers, who can help in developing programmes that support social and leisure participation among stroke survivors in the community.