« Back to Glossary Index
Aging in community means staying active and connected in your neighborhood as you get older. It’s more than just staying in your house; it’s about being part of the people and places around you.
Key Features:
- Staying Connected: Keeping up with friends, family, and neighbors.
- Getting Support: Having help with things like shopping, transportation, and health care.
- Being Involved: Joining clubs, volunteering, and taking part in local events.
- Safe and Easy Living: Having homes and places that are easy to move around in.
- Feeling Like You Belong: Knowing you are a valued part of your neighborhood.
Who Benefits from Aging in Community?
- Older adults who want to stay active and independent.
- People who want to feel connected to their community.
- Seniors who need help with daily tasks.
- Families who want their loved ones to be safe and happy.
The Misconception: Aging in Community is Just “Staying Home Alone” and “Hoping Someone Checks on You.”
The Interesting Angle: Aging in Community is Like “Building Your Own Support Village” – It’s About Creating a Network of Friends, Helpers, and Fun Activities That Keep You Happy, Healthy, and Involved, No Matter Your Age!
- The Common Misunderstanding:
- People think aging in community means being alone and waiting for help.
- The Real Story: Building Your Own Support Village
- Think of aging in community as “building your own village.” It’s about:
- Having friends nearby: People to talk to and do things with.
- Getting help when you need it: Neighbors, volunteers, and services to assist you.
- Staying active and having fun: Joining clubs, going to events, and trying new things.
- Feeling safe and secure: Knowing you have people who care about you.
- It is about actively building connections: Not passively waiting for them.
- It’s about creating a strong network of support, not just being alone.
- It’s about active participation, and not passive isolation.
- Think of aging in community as “building your own village.” It’s about:
- Why This is Powerful:
- It changes the idea from “loneliness” to “community.”
- It shows that aging in community is about more than just staying in your house.
- It helps people see the importance of social connections and support.
- The “Get it Wrong” Factor:
- People think it’s only about staying home, but it includes being active in the community.
- They think it’s only for people who are very frail, but it’s for all older adults.
- They think it is only about need, and not about joy.
Resources for Aging in Community:
- Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs):
- These agencies help seniors find local services and support.
- Use the Eldercare Locator to find your local AAA.
- Link: https://eldercare.acl.gov/
- National Institute on Aging (NIA):
- Provides information on healthy aging and community resources.
- Link: https://www.nia.nih.gov/
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons):
- Offers resources and advocacy for older adults.
- Link: https://www.aarp.org/
- Local Senior Centers:
- These centers offer activities, meals, and social connections.
- Search “[your city/town] senior center.”
- Village to Village Network:
- Helps communities create “villages” to support older adults aging in place.
- Information can be found by searching “Village to Village Network”.