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Learning Objectives: 12-6: Summarize findings about optimal living situations for aging adults.

Graham, C., Scharlach, A. E., & Kurtovich, E. (2016). Do Villages Promote Aging in Place? Results of a Longitudinal Study. Journal of Applied Gerontology. doi:10.1177/0733464816672046

Description: Villages are a new, grassroots, consumer-directed model that aims to promote aging in place and prevent unwanted relocations for older adults. In exchange for a yearly membership fee, Villages provide seniors with opportunities for social engagement (social events and classes), civic engagement (member-to-member volunteer opportunities), and an array of support services. In total, 222 Village members were surveyed at intake and 12-month follow-up to examine changes in their confidence aging in place, social connectedness, and health. The strongest positive results were in the domain of confidence, including significantly greater confidence aging in place, perceived social support, and less intention to relocate after 1 year in the Village. As most seniors were in good health and well connected at the time they joined the Village, there were not improvements in health or social connectedness. Authors discuss the importance of longer term, longitudinal studies to examine the effectiveness of Villages in preventing institutionalization over time.

Questions to Consider

1. Compare and contrast a Villages living from a typical convalescent home.
    
2. Compared to the average older adult, which of the below is true regarding the Village residents?
   
   1. They were overwhelmingly in poor health
   2. They had lower levels of education
   3. They had slightly higher rates of ADL impairment (Correct answer)
   4. Most were financially struggling
       
3. Compared to the average older adult, which of the below is false regarding the Village residents?
   
   1. Most reported good health upon entering the village.
   2. They had higher levels of education
   3. They were more financially secure
   4. There confidence in aging in place declined