- 期刊
Remaining Healthy and Independent by Age Group among a Florida Village Sample - A Convergent Mixed Methods Study
摘要
Background: Community-based models providing social programs have the potential to facilitate older adults aging in place. Village programs, started in 2001, is an emerging consumer-driven grassroots network that aims to promote aging-in-community through a combination of social engagement, member-to-member support, and collective bargaining for services in their neighborhood communities. This study examines perceived abilities to remain independent and living a healthier lifestyle by age group among a Florida village older adult sample. Methods: A mixed-method convergent study design was used. Validated measurements on remaining independent (RI) and healthier lifestyle (Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus, and Friends) were used. Data were analyzed by age: pre-old (＜ 64; 23%), ＂young old＂ (65-74; 41%), ＂old＂ (75-84; 29%), and the ＂oldest-old＂ (85+; 7%). Qualitative data on aging-in-place related barriers and services recommended were analyzed via open, axial, and selective coding. Result: Ninety-six older adults from two Florida villages participated; with 79% females, 91% whites, 86% had college education, and 46% living alone. Reliabilities of the RI (alpha = .81) and healthier lifestyle profile scales (alphas ranged .76 to .92) were both satisfactory. The ＂young old＂ scored higher on RI than the ＂old＂ (p = .009) and the ＂oldest-old＂ (p = .009). The ＂young old＂ also scored higher on FAITH than the pre-olds (p = .029). Qualitative findings showed barriers varied by age, yet participants regardless of age desired social connections. Conclusion: The study's quantitative and qualitative data provide compliment insights. More village studies and larger study samples are recommended. Study provides evidence of the potential positive impact village programs have among their members.