The Social Side of Aging in Place: Community, Belonging, and Cultural Fit

Aging in place, or the capacity of older adults to remain in their homes and communities as they age has been a central tenet of the field of gerontology and the gerontological social policy area. Although access to physical facilities and service provision has been the main focus of traditional studies, contemporary experience demonstrates that social and cultural issues are equally important as determinants of the quality of life. This thesis discusses the influence of social networks, cultural congruence, and community belonging on the aging in place experience. The content of the study is based on the Ecological Model of Aging introduced by Lawton and the Person-Environment (P-E) Fit framework which uses interdisciplinary findings to demonstrate that community participation, shared identity, and inclusive design result in better psychological well-being and functional independence. Cultural fit is also included in the discussion, to the degree to which the values and traditions of an older adult are harmonized with those of other members of the community. When such alignment is empowered, the older adults develop more confidence and ability in their everyday life, what Lawton refers to as perceived competence, which facilitates a more rewarding aging-in-place experience. Dementia-Friendly America, TimeSlips, and memory cafes are some examples of socially sensitive design. The results emphasize the importance of supportive physical infrastructure, supportive service infrastructure, as well as environments that foster a sense of belonging, appreciation of cultural diversity, intergenerational interaction, to benefit aging in place. The great social networks and cultural programs keep the older adults active and mentally healthy. Elders living long distances away may be connected through technology and digital access to community centers. Small community projects, such as gardens or the local clubs, give time to interact with each other daily. All these strategies provide a safe, meaningful, and socially constructive aging in place.