DOI: 10.5176/2251-3833_GHC19.133
Authors: Dr. Su-I Hou
Abstract: Purpose: Aging-in-community (AIC) promotes social capital and sense of interconnectedness, has been a preferred way to aging among many older adults. This study examines and compares key demographic characteristics among older adults participating in three programs promoting aging-in-community for program development meeting the diverse aging needs. Methods: Older adults from three community-based programs in a southern state of the U.S. were recruited: a university-based lifelong learning program (LLP), a county neighborhood lunch program (NLP), and a village program sample. Results: A total of 289 older adults participated, with 33% of village programs, 38% from lifelong learning, and 29% from neighborhood lunch programs. Mean age was 72.4 (SD=8.68) years, with majority female (78%). NLP participants were significantly older (77 vs. 70 years; p<.001). More village participants were in pre-old age (<=64 years) (26% vs. 5-17%), NLP had more age over 85 years (20% vs. 2-7%), while LLP had the majority participants in young old group (62% vs. 32-38%). NLP group had the lowest proportion of participants who were married (25% vs. 57-70%; p<.001), had a college education (31% vs. 86-92%), or white (24% vs. 91-95%). In terms of transportation to program activities, LLP and village participants were more likely to drive (60-68% vs. 48%), while NLP participants were more likely to take public transportation or walk to the site (19% vs. 1-8%); p<.001). Data showed a higher proportion of village older adults were living alone (46%), compared with the NLP (35%) and LLP (25%) (p<.05). NLP participants overall had been part of the program longer than LLP members (7.76 vs. 3.43 years; p<.001). Discussion: Current findings highlight the significant differences in the characteristics of older adults participating in different community-based programs. NPL seems to be able to serve the oldest group as they age, while LLP may attract young-old group. Village programs have the majority young-old and old-old group, and may consider transition of program services to meet the needs of aging members, and may learn from NPL service models. Results have implications on tailored program and services development for older adults participating in different AIC programs.
Keywords: aging-in-community; lifelong learning program; neighborhood lunch program; village program; demographics
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