Tools For Building Empowered Communities.
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
Bartle, P., PhD (2007). Community empowerment mobilizer’s training modules.
Retrieved 5/29/09 from: http://www.scn.org/cmp/
This comprehensive Community Empowerment website is an international “cafeteria-style” collection of training materials for low-income communities with the goal to overcome poverty. Translations are available in 9 languages. Although it is not age-specific, these principles and methods could help develop age-friendly communities. It is geared for the community field worker and it is also low tech. Short documents can be printed out. (Although the author holds a copyright, the material is free as long as it is not plagiarized). Over four hundred training documents, on a wide range of topics, can be easily accessed and understood by grass-roots workers. It also serves as a great reference for experienced field workers. The article gives advice in how to organize community, community groups and organizations, along with management training methods to strengthen them. Examples of modules are: Introduction to the Site/How to Use It, What Is Community?, A Sociological Perspective, Community Empowerment: Making Neighborhoods Stronger, A Mobilization Cycle Outline that can be modified for varying situations which includes dealing with local leaders and Government officials, and public meetings of target communities (which is also available on Power Point), Useful and Interesting Links – an aid workers network where one can post questions and share with the community. Guidelines for grant applications are given, but no project funds are provided.
New York City Office of the Public Advocate http://pubadvocate.nyc.gov/index.html has formed the Community Organizing and Constituent Services Department that plans to:
- Formulate organizing toolkits in multiple languages for interested New Yorkers, which will include information on how government functions and on action steps residents and groups can take to advocate for policy change.
- Hold workshops in neighborhoods across the five boroughs to educate New Yorkers on organizing strategies. These workshops will feature local leaders and grassroots organizations that support the program.
- Launch a new organizing page on the Public Advocate Website to connect New Yorkers across the City who face related challenges or support similar issues and help them organize petition drives, demonstrations, and civic actions.
- Build coalitions with existing local organizations that can help neighborhoods organize on key issues including housing, education, police-community relations and other social justice priorities.
- Distribute Annual Public Advocate Organizing Awards to emerging leaders in communities that successfully fight on behalf of their neighborhoods.
NYS Office for the Aging Community Empowerment Toolkit
- A logo was developed for the Empowering Communities for Successful Aging Conference, held in Saratoga Springs November 12-13, 2008, and has been used since to identify the ongoing work by community groups throughout the state. It may be useful to use this logo to provide a visual cue about a statewide movement. However, use of this logo in connection with any plans or activities or its appearance on any materials or website does not necessarily indicate approval or endorsement by the NYS Office for the Aging of these activities, plans, materials or website. Please contact communityempowerment@ofa.state.ny.us with any questions.
- Flyer – describing community empowerment for livable communities
- PowerPoint Presentations
- Powerpoint with talking points
- This powerpoint can be printed out and used as a presentation handout, or copied to a disk or memory stick to be projected for presentation purposes. Or you can download the powerpoint to your computer to edit and adapt for your viewing audience.
- NYSOFA staff can help you adapt the powerpoint for your use (please request assistance at least 2 weeks prior to your presentation date and submit your request to CommunityEmpowerment@ofa.state.ny.us) and, if desired, we can provide demographic information for your community. View the powerpoint in slide show format to see the presentation as your audience would, including “animation.”
View the powerpoint in notes format to see the narrative suggested to accompany the slides.
- Powerpoint on Successful Aging Friendly Community Initiatives
- This powerpoint was presented as part of a training session by the New State Coalition for the Aging and the NYS Association of Area Agencies on Aging. If you have trouble viewing this powerpoint, please contact our Community Empowerment office at CommunityEmpowerment@ofa.state.ny.us
- Outreach tools:
- Media tools:
- Letter to editor (to be posted shortly)
- Op-Ed/Guest Editorial (to be posted shortly)
- Press Releases
- Advocacy tools:
LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
Aging Futures Partnership (2004). Broome County, NY. Aging futures …older adults living well as they define it: Strategic Plan. http://www.agingfutures.org/agingfutures/pdfs/AgingFuturesStrategicPlan2004.pdf
A strategic plan is provided that was developed as a part of the Aging Futures Project of Broome County. Through a community planning process, older adults and service providers in Broome County identified ten priority concerns that affect their ability to remain independent. The issues are: Caregiver Support through Transitions; Managing Chronic Illness; Staying Socially Connected; Understanding and Accessing Services; Home Repair and Modification; Finding Affordable and Appropriate Housing; Legal and Financial Planning; Maintaining Health and Wellness; Mental Health; and Transportation. This comprehensive website details ways to empower seniors. It encompasses a myriad of ideas for services and engaging seniors in a fulfilling life by offering a wide range of opportunities including innovative programs. Their goal is the integration of organizational and financial sustainability. Systemic change is achieved by empowering members to assume responsibility and share the fruits of their labor. Lastly, an extensive list of partnerships is included. The project was funded by the Community Partnerships for Older Adults Initiative of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
AARP has created a Livable Communities Evaluation Guide.
Beacon Hill Village. (2001). http://www.beaconhillvillage.org
The Beacon Hill Village is an organization that began in 2001 to help persons age 50 plus age in place. A membership fee is charged for residents to have access to social/cultural activities, household and home maintenance, medical care and assisted living at home. This website provides information on the program and services, and has created a publication, The Village Concept: A Founder’s Manual, available for purchase to assist in duplicating the village concept. A Conference DVD and Workbook are also available. see also
Village to Village Network
Feldman, P.H. & Oberlink, M.R. (2003). The advantage initiative: Developing community indicators to promote the health and well-being of older people. Family Community Health. 26(4):268-274.
As the number of older adults “aging in place” increases, communities face challenges as well as opportunities to address the needs of this population and create “elder-friendly” communities. A qualitative research study was conducted for the AdvantAge Initiative, a project of the Center for Home Care Policy and Research, to introduce the elder-friendly community model, and a set of objective measures or indicators of elder friendliness. Local communities can use these indicators to estimate their readiness, and to help plan action steps to increase their capacity to support the health and well-being of seniors. A total of 14 focus groups were conducted in four geographical locations; Chicago, IL; Allentown, PA; Asheville, NC; and Long Beach, CA. At each location, the focus groups included three to four specific population groups: older-old (ages 75+), younger–old (60-74), younger (35-59), and community leaders. Focus group participants indicated that they wanted to remain active and engaged in their communities as they age. Participants identified five factors as being necessary for successful aging in place: financial security; health and health care; social connections; housing and supportive services; and, transportation and safety. The categories were organized into four domains; address basic needs, optimizes physical and mental health well-being, maximizes independence for the frail and disabled, and promotes social and civic engagement. Each one of these domains contained indicators that are essential elements of an elder-friendly community.
Geriatric Mental Health Alliance of New York. A Guide for Planners Addressing The Mental Health Needs Of Older Adults in “Age-Friendly Communities”
Guengerich, T. (2008). 2007 Westchester County, New York livable communities fact sheet annotation, and methodology. AARP Knowledge Management. AARP Policy and Research for professionals in Aging. http://www.aarp.org/research/housing-mobility/indliving/ny_communities_08.html
This 30 page research report is based on survey results of telephone interviews of 800 residents ages 50 and over who reside in Westchester County, NY. The survey questions were focused on residents who lived in the County for an average of 30 years and desired to age in place. They were asked about the satisfaction with their community and quality of life of issues. Nineteen percent said their homes needed major repair or modification. Only three in ten people utilized public transportation. Fact sheets highlight what was or was not perceived as a problem by the residents. Fifteen percent favored more affordable housing. Results of the 43 questions and methodology used are included
Kochera, A, and Bright, K. (2006). Livable communities for older people. Generations. 29 (4), 32-36. http://www.generationsjournal.org/generations/gen29-4/toc.cfm
A review of an AARP detailed study is provided by the authors that involved a1000 people aged 50 and older. Those who felt isolated tended to view their home as inadequate for aging generally didn’t know many neighbors and were less likely to want to remain in their homes as they aged. Those who felt their homes were adequate for aging desired to age in place. Another issue the authors explore is what people need to age in place (i.e. lifts, pull down cupboards, accessible countertops, and doorway widths). However, the article does not address who will pay for the cost of the modifications.
MetLife Foundation. (2007). A blueprint for action: Developing a livable community for all ages. National Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Partners for Livable Communities. http://www.livable.com
Although similar in many ways to existing publications for livable communities, some special features are included in the document, such as: “How to Use Icons: listing facts, best practices, key challenges and action steps. Side articles were also inserted that highlight examples of strategies already in place. This guide can be used as a quick reference kit for those who are looking for tools and best practices. Several charts throughout the publication make it easy to follow and can be used by the general public. Community based experiences and challenges serve as examples of real solutions. A comprehensive list of resources and their websites are included.
Michigan Certified Elder Friendly Communities (2005). Michigan Vital Aging Think Tank (supported by MSU Extension) and Michigan Commission on Services to the Aging. http://www.otsego.org/efc/index.htm
This website is a project of the Michigan Vital Aging Think Tank and Michigan Commission on Services to the Aging. It defines an Elder Friendly Community, describes their certification process, and gives links to related articles. Two assessment tools are available to help build these communities: “Communities for a Life Time” whose application includes ten basic questioning categories, and “Community for a Life Time Toolkit” which includes resources and best practices.
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Partners for Livable Communities and the MetLife Foundation: A Blue Print for Action: Developing Communities for All Ages http://www.n4a.org/pdf/07-116-N4A-Blueprint4ActionWCovers.pdf
This guide provides local leaders with procedures for assessing the readiness of a community to meet the goals and objectives of the livable communities premise. Creating livable communities for all ages calls for partnerships across agencies and among different sectors within communities. The guide provides a quick-reference kit for practitioners looking for tools, resources, and best practices to assess its needs. It includes an effective tool for assessing the resources available in a community to create livable community for all ages. In addition, it provides a topic-specific list of studies, articles, and leading organizations.
National Council on Disability (2004). Livable communities for adults with disabilities. http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2004/pdf/livablecommunities.pdf
This document is a product of the National Council on Disability stressing the importance to integrate older and disabled individuals into the community, especially those seniors coping with sensory disability involving sight or hearing. This study suggests that the disability community and aging network need to collaborate. Bringing resources to people is a good way to address those who have difficulty going outside their home. People with disabilities feel more isolated and many experience difficulty leaving their homes. Highlights of several communities are illustrated. They have all made strides, but none have overcome all the barriers.
Oberlink, M. R. (April 2008). Independent living in brief: opportunities for creating livable communities. AARP Policy and Research for Professionals in Aging. http://www.aarp.org/research/ppi/liv-com/Other/articles/2008_02_communities.html
A detailed outline of recommendations for making communities livable is offered in this policy brief that focus on need for required multi-faceted local planning and decision-making. Areas include: housing policy; road design; land development; and zoning. The goal of this report is to provide the framework for planners, policymakers, regulators, and community advocates to understand how to assess what needs to be done to overcome these barriers that affect older adults. It can also spark new ideas to make their community age-friendly.
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2007). Age-friendly rural and remote communities guide. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/pubs/age_friendly_rural/index_e.htm
This report focuses on several factors unique to Canada that impact the older population including; population aging experience, degree of remoteness, economic status (agricultural based, tourism) and ethnic diversity. Findings were based on ten communities in 8 provinces. It discusses the importance of preventing social isolation, qualities of an age-friendly community, identification of barriers, and suggestions for improvement.
Toolbox for community and economic development - http://www.cdtoolbox.net/ To assist community leaders in decision making and determining the future of their communities, consisting of several component models including Basic Community Development Concepts and Visioning Techniques, What is Smart Growth, Understanding the Grantseeking Process and Writing Effective Proposals http://www.cdtoolbox.net/
United Hospital Fund (2008) NORC Blueprint- A Guide to Community Action. http://www.norcblueprint.org/toolbox
The Blueprint provides a step-by-step guide to developing and managing naturally occurring retirement communities. The information is well organized and includes helpful tools such as forms and checklists, templates for creating minutes of community meetings, and guides for conducting surveys. The site also features “Stories from the Field” with information about successful NORCs projects.
Village to Village Network - http://vtvnetwork.clubexpress.com/
Designed to help communities establish “Villages” to assist older adults to age in place in their home and neighborhood is sponsored through a joint partnership between Beacon Hill Village and NCB Capital Impact and was developed in response to requests from Villages nationwide.
How to build your own Retirement Village
http://www.usnews.com/money/blogs/the-best-life/2009/10/30/seniors-finding-that-it-does-take-a-village
Westchester County Livable Community Initiative Survey. http://www.westchestergov.com/pdfs/Seniors_Livable_Communities_Village_Survey022509.pdf and http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/il/ny_communities_08.pdf
This Livable Community Interests/Needs Survey will help communities learn more about what issues are important to local stakeholders. It also encourages groups to tap into the skills and talents of their members so that stronger ties are made and better communities are built. The survey is easy to complete and serves as an excellent planning tool as well as a catalyst for discussion about making a community more livable for persons of all ages
World Health Organization (2007). Global age-friendly cities: A guide. http://www.who.int/ageing/publications/Global_age_friendly_cities_Guide_English.pdf
This publication explores a broad spectrum of international approach to building age-friendly communities. It is based on interviews with citizens aged 60 plus in 33 cities in all World Health Organization regions. Interviewers asked older people in focus groups to describe the advantages and barriers they experience in eight areas of city living. In most cities the reports were compiled from focus groups of caregivers and service providers in the public, voluntary and private sectors. This study provides information on advantages and barriers of aging in cities, and an explanation of how this guide was developed, and how to use it. Major focuses include: outdoor spaces and buildings; transportation; housing; social participation; respect and social inclusion; civic participation and employment; communication and information; community support and health services; and a summary to help move forward and help implement the programs.
World Health Organization (Jan. 2007) Checklist of essential features of age-friendly cities, http://www.who.int/ageing/publications/Age_friendly_cities_checklist.pdf
A checklist is provided in this short document of the essential features in age-friendly communities based on results of the World Health Organization Global Age-Friendly Cities project consultation in 33 cities in 22 countries. It is used as a tool for a city’s self assessment and a map for charting their progress. Older people must be involved as full partners in this checklist as it matches their perception of livability. This report addresses outdoor spaces and buildings; transportation; housing; social participation; respect and social inclusion; civic participation and employment; communication and information; and community health services.
HOUSING
AARP (2008). Rate your home: Special needs checklist for home design. Policies Research for Professionals in Aging. http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design/rate_home/a2004-03-23-special_needs.html
This article features a useful “yes” and “no” answer universal design checklist that can be completed online. Universal design is applicable to anyone who faces physical challenges.
Questions relate to poor strength in hands and arms; balance and coordination problems; trouble walking and climbing stairs; using a wheelchair; limited standing; reach; vision; and lastly hearing impairment. Links are provided to help with information on modifying your home.
The Center for Universal Design Publications
http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/quicklinks_ql/qlquicklinks.htm
New York State Housing, Planning, and Zoning Initiative:
The Legislature amended Section 202 of New York State Elder Law, directing the New York State Office for the Aging, in cooperation with the New York State Department of State, to empower citizens and municipalities to better respond to their dramatically changing populations. Under this initiative, municipalities across the State will be provided with information, technical assistance, and examples of successful models and practices focusing on the following areas: housing, universal design, planning, land use, zoning, energy alternatives and efficiency, green-building, and mobility and transportation. This resource will be widely disseminated as a means for supporting communities' efforts to create livable communities that reflect the evolving needs and preferences of older people, younger people with disabilities, families, and caregivers. This work is now underway - stay tuned for a resource manual and series of community forums.
Download Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt) viewer at
http://http://www.microsoft.com
Planning and Zoning Issues that are critical to creating Livable Communties for older New Yorkers are presented by Linda King, former Land Use Training Manager, New York State Department of State at a September 2008 conference on model planning and zoning issues.
The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification.
http://www.usc.edu/dept/gero/nrcshhm/
Suffolk County requires universal design under affordable housing opportunities programs through a legislative resolution that may serve as a model for other communities' efforts.
Using Smart Growth Principles.
http://www.smartgrowth.org/about/principles/default.asp?res=1024
TRANSPORTATION
Community Transportation Association of America. Senior Transportation: Toolkit and Best Practices - http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/articlefiles/senior_toolkit_color1.pdf
Independent Transportation Network (ITN).
http://www.itnamerica.org/content/Overview.php
Independent Transportation Network® (ITN) allows seniors to maintain their independence and their dignity. This innovative transportation model provides safe transportation to older adults so that they remain vital to the economic and social health of their communities. The ability to stay mobile empowers older persons, allowing them to stay connected to family, friends and community. Businesses retain their valuable customers, and more importantly, adult children find relief from a daunting and complex problem.
These programs allow older people to trade their own cars to pay for rides, and enable volunteer drivers to store credits for their own future transportation needs. The program’s Road Scholarship Program converts volunteer credits into a fund for low-income riders, and the gift certificate program helps adult children support their parents' transportation needs from across the street or across the nation.
Robert Wood Johnson report "Making the Link from Transportation to Physical Activity and Obesity" summarizes the most up-to-date research regarding how transportation investments encourage healthful activity.
Transportation Research Board. Transportation in an aging society: A Decade of Experience http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/conf/reports/cp_27.pdf
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Safe Mobility for a Maturing Society: Challenges and Opportunities - http://www.crag.uab.edu/safemobility/safeMobility.pdf
When You Are Concerned - NYS Office for the Aging’s guide for families, friends and caregivers concerned about the safety of an older driver - http://www.aging.ny.gov/Caregiving/OlderDriver/Handbook2007.pdf
VOLUNTARISM/CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Foster-Bey, Grimm & Dietz (2007). Keeping Baby Boomers Volunteering. A Research Brief on Volunteer Retention and Turnover. Corporation for National and Community Service http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/07_0307_boomer_report.pdf
Outlined in this article are the key issues in recruitment and retention of older volunteers, specifically focusing on the unique issues of the Baby Boomer population. Baby Boomers in their 40’s and 50’s are volunteering at higher rates than previous generations were at the same age. Additionally, the volunteering trends of this group are focused more on children and adolescents, whereas cohorts before them were more likely to engage in political activities and groups. This may be attributed to Baby Boomers having children at older ages, thus remaining engaged in the school system and with youth later into life. As to why Baby Boomers remain engaged in volunteer opportunities, explanations described include: whether or not the person is attached to volunteering and how much time they spend engaged; whether the volunteer experience fits with the Baby Boomers’ needs and expectations; and the types of family and work commitments that a person has in addition to volunteering. To retain volunteers, the mindset regarding the capabilities and importance of volunteers to an organization must be changed so that they are considered to be as important as paid employees. The article lays out that volunteers should be made to feel useful, necessary, and connected to the organization; they should be thoroughly trained, and human resources personnel should be dedicated to volunteer recruitment and support.
Grimm, R., Spring, K. & Dietz, N. (2007). The Health Benefits Of Volunteering. A Review Of Recent Research. Office of Research and Policy Development, Corporation for National and Community Service. http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/07_0506_hbr.pdf
A research review of the benefits that people accrue as a result of becoming or remaining civically engaged. Volunteering is shown to contribute to better overall physical and mental health. Those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate, greater functional ability, and lower depression rates later in life than those who do not volunteer. In addition, it is shown that older adults receive the greatest benefit from volunteering. The reasons may include that older volunteers greatly benefit from the social and physical activity, as well as creating a needed "sense of purpose."
Harvard School of Public Health. (2004). Reinventing Aging. Baby Boomers and Civic Engagement. MetLife Foundation. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/chc/reinventingaging/Report.pdf
Extensive report that outlines characteristics of Baby Boomers as they relate to civic engagement, and also identifies mechanisms for recruitment and retention. Points of interest include: the age of retirement is increasing due to economic problems, prohibition of mandatory retirement, and lack of faith in social security, which leads people to remain in the workforce. Volunteering is shown to peak during midlife and dwindle during retirement, with the exception of those who begin volunteering early in retirement – they then are more likely to remain volunteering. The article suggests a national campaign that focuses on Baby Boomers and encourages them to find meaningful volunteer opportunities that will give them purpose late in life. Researchers also suggest the creation of a “Civic Engagement” plan at the end of one’s career, similar to other retirement plans they may be making. This would lessen the tendency of retirees to fill their days with other activities and cease to have time for volunteering. In addition, new language and images need to be developed that picture seniors as active and healthy, as opposed to frail and needy. The entertainment industry can aid in this charge by portraying aging as positive and expanding the definition of what aging means. Finally, the article outlines the need to develop varied volunteer opportunities such as: in the professional realm, to include a range of opportunities with varying time commitments; in intergenerational programs; and in the community, to include the creation of community empowerment initiatives that focus not just helping an agency, but helping neighbors, community members, and fill community needs.
Hoffman, L. (2008). Issue Brief: Increasing Volunteerism Among Older Adults: Benefits And Strategies For States. NGA Center for Best Practices, 1-13. http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.9123e83a1f6786440ddcbeeb501010a0/?vgnextoid=e57876f7708e9110VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD
The issue brief discusses the benefits associated with volunteering and practices that can contribute to the recruitment and retention of volunteers. Potential health and wellness benefits include: social engagement; offset feelings of loss; soften aging effects; and reduce depression. The public benefits in that volunteers exhibit high skill level and productivity, organizations report cost savings, volunteers caring for community members and family members reduces hospitalizations and increases the time spent in home and children and aging volunteers mutually benefit from time spent with each other. Some of the reported challenges to recruitment and retention include a lack of connection to opportunities, changing strategies to include a large number of volunteers performing less hours -- as opposed to fewer volunteers with more hours, finding opportunities in a professional setting, insufficient funding for training, and lack of transportation. Solutions to overcome these barriers include: encouraging workforce commitment to volunteering, online clearinghouses with opportunities, encouraging volunteering in public employees still working, provide transportation and discounts and promoting intergenerational volunteering.
Hoffman, L. and Andrew, E. (2010). Issue Brief: Maximizing the Potential of Older Adults: Benefits to State Economies and Individual Well-Being. National Governor's Assocaition Center for Best Practices Issue Brief
http://www.nga.org/Files/pdf/1004OLDERADULTS.PDF
Kaskie, B., Imhof, S., Cavanaugh, J. & Culp, K. (2008). Civic Engagement As A Retirement Role For Aging Americans. The Gerontologist, 48(3), 368-377.
A group of older Americans were surveyed regarding their civic engagement practices and were segmented in to three categories: (1) those who are not working or volunteering; (2) those who returned to work part-time or seasonally; and (3) those who volunteered less than five hours a week. The objective of the study was to identify characteristics of engaged groups versus those who are not engaged, and lend research toward the concept of civic engagement as a retirement role. The findings show that those who are engaged differed from the other two groups across 24 variables; in particular, they were in better mental health, had higher education, and were in better physical health. Further, those who were engaged were more aware of other volunteer opportunities. Suggested implications from the research include: the importance of making opportunities known and asking people to volunteer, and offering non-cash incentives for those who volunteer more than 10 hours per week.
Lindblom, D. (2001). Baby Boomers and The New Age of Volunteerism. Corporation for National Service, Senior Service, ii-30. http://nationalserviceresources.org/files/legacy/filemanager/download/465/lindblom.pdf
The focus of the report sponsored by the Corporation for National Service is on the creation of a new infrastructure that can be used to recruit and retain Baby Boomer volunteers. Researchers interviewed Baby Boomers in Minnesota to qualitatively assess their opinions and develop new techniques. The findings suggest generating a change in the perception of what volunteering looks like and means in terms of the Baby Boomer population through marketing campaigns that portray the population as an asset to society. Additionally, the authors advocate for the creation of an infrastructure that matches the needs, skills, and desired time commitment of Baby Boomers with opportunities in their community. The use of incentives was suggested in the form of banking hours, time dollar, using a buddy system to complete time commitments, and offering incentives that cater to their needs such as discounts on prescription medicine. The article also addresses the heterogeneous nature of the Baby Boomer population by segmenting it into categories based on their retirement preparedness status and feelings toward retirement.
Lipman Hearne Inc. (2003). RespectAbility: Non-Profit Leadership Interview Report. National Council on the Aging. 1-26. http://www.respectability.org/attachments/CEOInterviews.pdf
A National Coalition on Aging research report that interviewed 20 executives in an effort to gain understanding about demographic trends, uses of volunteers, efforts to recruit and retain, challenges to initiatives, and solutions to challenges. The findings indicated that Baby Boomers’ patience, professionalism, and reliability make them suited and sought after in non- profits. To overcome barriers that currently exist it is necessary to redefine the concept of “senior volunteers;” change volunteer opportunities so that they allow Baby Boomers to make an immediate, noticeable impact; allow for flexible scheduling; begin volunteer recruitment at the local level; hire individuals whose primary job description is volunteer coordination; collaborate with nonprofits in cost sharing techniques; and use older workers in more influential roles.
McBride, A.M. (2007). Civic Engagement, Older Adults and Inclusion. The American Society on Aging, 30(4), 66-71.
McBride addresses the definition of civic engagement, how civic engagement is an integral part of our American history and how at the same time, it is can be an exclusive form of involvement. Groups who may be excluded include those with health and mobility problems; low-income Boomers caring for parents as well as children; Boomers who may need to work longer due to minimal pensions, having dependents longer and wages that may not have adjusted with inflations; and Boomers of color who have not be adequately represented on board or in the volunteer force (with the exception of faith-based volunteering opportunities). Suggested is a model for civic engagement that allows for all people with an interest in volunteering in some capacity having the opportunity to do so. This will be possible through addressing the five dimensions of access, information, expectations, incentives and facilitation. Access refers to the creation of opportunities for all aging Americans based on their skills, time constraints, physical constraints and interests. Information refers to making older Americans knowledgeable about opportunities and expectations of volunteering. Expectations are the norms that are created about civic engagement as an all-inclusive activity for older Americans. Incentives are intrinsic and extrinsic rewards that volunteers receive. Extrinsic rewards and intrinsic rewards (i.e. “giving back) combined is the most effective technique. Finally, facilitation is the support that volunteers receive that allows them to sustain their position.
Michelle C. Carlson , et al. "Evidence for Neurocognitive Plasticity in At-Risk Older Adults: The Experience Corps Program" December 2009 issue of the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences. http://biomedgerontology.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/64A/12/1275
A new Johns Hopkins study of the Experience Corps, a national service program, suggests that one could reverse the brain's decline that had been thought inevitable with age. The research suggests that interventions designed to promote health and function through everyday activity may improve the brain's plasticity, or the ability to bounce back. The study examined if older Americans can delay or actually reverse brain aging at a neurological level by tutoring young children in reading and math.
MetLife Foundation (2007). Promising Practices In Engaging Older Volunteers. National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, 2-20. http://www.n4a.org/pdf/2007_VolunteerPrograms_AwardsBook.pdf
Summarizes 14 volunteer programs from across the country that received awards based on their excellence. Among the honorees for 2007 are programs that use an intergenerational approach to helping frail older adults remain in their homes by receiving volunteer assistance with transportation, grocery shopping or companionship. Other winning programs utilize older volunteers to tutor and mentor at-risk children, or provide respite care to family caregivers. Some of the keys to successful programs include offering flexible hours for volunteers, providing opportunities that are fulfilling and that utilize the volunteers’ skills and interests, and reaching computer-savvy volunteers through websites and online bulletin boards. Other winning volunteer programs note that “word of mouth” was their best recruiting tool, showing that if you build it, and build it well, they will come! The purpose of Promising Practices in Recruiting and Engaging Older Volunteers is to disseminate proven approaches to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of volunteer programs through recruitment, training, retention and recognition of older volunteers, and program sustainability.
New York Cares - The Leadership Ladder: Fostering Volunteer Engagement and Leadership at New York Cares
Rochester Area Community Foundation (2007). Connecting Seniors for Tomorrow’s Community, Community Assessment Report. Rochester, NY, Retrieved 5/29/09 from http://www.racf.org/page10001502.cfm
The report outlines the barriers and opportunities to civically engage seniors in the greater Rochester community that were part of an effort to plan future initiatives to increase engagement, based on assets the community possesses. The assessment was conducted by an identified Expert Panel, as well as focus groups of Rochester seniors. The final report includes a demographic breakdown of the older population in Rochester, fifteen prominent barriers to engagement, focus group results, six major findings and eight action steps.
Saint Paul Foundation (2007). The Civic Engagement Of Baby Boomers: Preparing For A New Wave Of Volunteers. Community Assessment Report, 1-82.
http://www.wilder.org/download.0.html?report=1979
Barriers to volunteerism and engagement as well as identified motivational reasons behind Baby Boomers volunteering are discussed in this article. Barriers included: the inability to invest staff and resources in coordinating, training and recruiting volunteers; difficulty recruiting volunteers for daytime activities; lack of funds to support volunteers; recruiting a sufficient number of volunteers and finding those that have the adequate or appropriate skills. Motivational factors that influence volunteering included wanting to “give back”; spiritual reasons, sense of responsibility, and social support. Uniquely identified in this article was a Baby Boomer-specific need of wanting to “leave a legacy” and their motivation to volunteer having less to do with feeling that it is their civic duty and more to do with wanting social interaction, their emotional well-being, self-esteem, and intellectual stimulation.
T. Endres and C. Holmes, RespectAbility in America:
Guiding Principles for Civic Engagement among Adults 55+
http://www.ncoa.org/news-ncoa-publications/publications/asa-finalversion-6-21-06.pdf http://www.ncoa.org/news-ncoa-publications/publications/asa-finalversion-6-21-06.pdf
Sample Recruitment Brochure
VolunteerMatch offers a variety of online services related to civic engagement, including a set of free, downloadable Boomer Volunteer Engagement Worksheets. http://www.volunteermatch.org/nonprofits/boomerbook/worksheets.jsp
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed suggested physical activity guidelines for older adults.(http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/olderadults.html)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), jointly developed a report with AARP and the American Medical Society and nine other partner organizations titled, Promoting Preventive Services for Adults 50-64: Community and Clinical Partnerships,
includes a core set of 14 recommended preventive services such as influenza vaccination, cholesterol screening, breast and cervical cancer screening, and binge drinking. Successful strategies to promote, facilitate, and deliver preventive services in communities.
National summary and state-by-state data to monitor progress in the delivery of services to Americans ages 50-64. “Calls to Action” highlighting existing gaps, barriers, and opportunities to deliver multiple preventive services. http://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/promoting-preventive-services.pdf
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Reference Guide of Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults: A Resource for Planning Interventions
describes multiple programs for promoting physical activity among older adult, providing information on 17 physical activity programs that could be used with older adults having healthy to frail functional status. All of the programs contain physical activity components that might achieve important benefits for older adults. A limited number of the programs were designed specifically for those with diabetes or pre-diabetes. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/RefGuideofActivity.pdf
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Publications
- PREVENTING FALLS AMONG SENIORS A Tool Kit To Prevent Senior Falls is a collection of fact sheets, graphs, posters and brochures about falls and fall prevention for older adults.http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/index.html
- U.S. Fall Prevention Programs for Seniors describes research based fall prevention programs for seniors.
Important components include: education, home assessment for environmental fall
hazards, and access to home modification and/or repair services. These programs may
provide models for agencies or organizations that want to develop fall prevention
programs for older adults.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Arthritis Program recommends evidence-based programs that are proven to improve the quality of life of people with arthritis. http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/interventions/self_manage.htm
Geriatric Mental Health Alliance of New York. A Guide for Planners Addressing The Mental Health Needs Of Older Adults in “Age-Friendly Communities”
Creativity Matters: The Arts and Aging Toolkit - http://www.artsandaging.org/
Grimm, R., Spring, K. & Dietz, N. (2007). The Health Benefits Of Volunteering. A Review Of Recent Research. Office of Research and Policy Development, Corporation for National and Community Service. http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/07_0506_hbr.pdf
A research review of the benefits that people accrue as a result of becoming or remaining civically engaged. Volunteering is shown to contribute to better overall physical and mental health. Those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate, greater functional ability, and lower depression rates later in life than those who do not volunteer. In addition, it is shown that older adults receive the greatest benefit from volunteering. The reasons may include that older volunteers greatly benefit from the social and physical activity, as well as creating a needed "sense of purpose."
Michelle C. Carlson , et al. "Evidence for Neurocognitive Plasticity in At-Risk Older Adults: The Experience Corps Program" December 2009 issue of the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences. http://biomedgerontology.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/64A/12/1275
A new Johns Hopkins study of the Experience Corps, a national service program, suggests that one could reverse the brain's decline that had been thought inevitable with age. The research suggests that interventions designed to promote health and function through everyday activity may improve the brain's plasticity, or the ability to bounce back. The study examined if older Americans can delay or actually reverse brain aging at a neurological level by tutoring young children in reading and math.
National Council On Aging, Spring 2006 Issue Brief: Using the Evidence Base to Promote Healthy Aging
http://www.healthyagingprograms.org/resources/IssueBrief_1-R_UsingEB.pdf
Robert Wood Johnson report "Making the Link from Transportation to Physical Activity and Obesity" summarizes the most up-to-date research regarding how transportation investments encourage healthful activity.
Yonas E. Geda, MD, MSc;, et al, Arch Neurol. 2010;67(1):80-86. Physical Exercise, Aging, and Mild Cognitive Impairment.
In this population-based case-control study, any frequency of moderate exercise performed in midlife or late life was associated with a reduced odds of having MCI.
http://archneur.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/67/1/80?maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=geda&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT
The National Institute on Aging created a guide book that promotes physical activity.
(http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/ExerciseGuide/)
The Weight-Control Information Network website has a page that focuses on healthy eating for older adults titled “Young at Heart, Tips for Older Adults”.(http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/young_heart.htm?debugMode=false)
Download Microsoft Word doc and docx viewer at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/891090
Download Microsoft Powerpoint ppt and docx viewer at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/891090
Download Microsoft Powerpoint ppt viewer at
http://http://www.microsoft.com
Download Microsoft Word doc and docx viewer
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader to view our pdf documents
