Nurturing the Seeds of Participation: Unveiling the Foundational Path for Understanding Aging in Place Barriers and Facilitators From the Perspective of Older Adults Using Mixed Methods and Translational Science

Authors

Emily J. Balog, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program, Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences, School of Health Professions, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.
Sabrina Figueiredo, PhD in Translational Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Tracey Vause-Earland, Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Elena Ragusa, Drive Evaluation Studio, Inc, Westmont, NJ, USA.
Philip J. Van der Wees, PhD in Translational Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2-1-2024

Journal

Journal of applied gerontology : the official journal of the Southern Gerontological Society

DOI

10.1177/07334648231225336

Keywords

Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research; community action planning; mixed methods; participation

Abstract

Participation in society is a cornerstone for quality of life, active aging, and aging in place. While the majority of older adults prefer aging in place, health and financial challenges can hinder this vision. Conducted in suburban South Jersey, this study utilized mixed methods, including surveys and interviews with older adult participants. Surveys indicated that satisfaction with participation in the community is influenced by functional ability, healthcare service availability, and information access. Interviewees identified suggestions to overcome barriers (e.g., improve access to community and address ageism). Combined results provide a theory of change which suggests older adults' empowerment in community participation hinges on home living support, participation options aligning with ability and interest, and accessible information on community events. This person-centered planning approach emphasizes the importance of older adult and stakeholder participation in foundational community planning, offering translational foundational tools for evidence-based strategies to engage them in future community action plans (CAPs).

APA Citation

Balog, Emily J.; Figueiredo, Sabrina; Vause-Earland, Tracey; Ragusa, Elena; and Van der Wees, Philip J., "Nurturing the Seeds of Participation: Unveiling the Foundational Path for Understanding Aging in Place Barriers and Facilitators From the Perspective of Older Adults Using Mixed Methods and Translational Science" (2024). GW Authored Works. Paper 4414.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/4414

Department

Clinical Research and Leadership