Social participation is an important part of an active and healthy ageing. However, the possibilities for social participation often change during ageing due to changing life situations. Additionally, shifts in society such as the digital development also have an impact on the possibilities for social participation. Thus, the overall aim of this thesis is to contribute with knowledge and understanding of how social participation can be fostered when ageing. 

The thesis is informed by four qualitative studies. Study I utilized qualitative content analysis, and older adults were interviewed about maintaining and developing social participation. A grounded theory design was used in study II exploring older adults’ experiences of participating in health promoting ‘social online meetings’. Study III also utilized a grounded theory design and explored the process of co-creating knowledge of information and communication technologies [ICT] for social participation. Study IV was conducted using focus group methodology, exploring possibilities to foster social participation among older adults from the perspective of stakeholders in society.

The findings contribute with an understanding of how older adults strive to maintain social participation by developing strategies and adapting to new circumstances when ageing (study I). Further, how group initiatives such as “social online meeting” can offer opportunities to discover facets of social participation that contributes to changes in everyday life (study II). Moreover, how a co-creating process of using ICT for social participation can facilitate learning and the development of agency (study III). Finally, findings show how stakeholders in society identified common challenges to meet changing needs when ageing, and emphasized collaboration and knowledge sharing in society as essential to foster social participation (study IV).

To conclude, the findings reflect how older adults’ social participation is an active process that changes overtime; influenced by situational and contextual aspects. Sharing knowledge and experiences among older adults within group initiatives using ICT have the potential to foster social participation. Furthermore, fostering social participation requires collaboration among different stakeholders in society. From an occupational perspective, fostering social participation when ageing can be regarded as a matter of occupational justice highlighting the importance to take advantage of collective and social approaches.