Aging In Place Directory

#57 - The Role of Community Support in Aging in Place

• Esther C Kane CAPS, C.D.S. • Episode 57

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Aging in place is fundamentally about choice and community support, not stubbornness or isolation. A robust network of connections transforms aging at home from merely surviving to genuinely thriving with dignity and independence.

• Strong social connections lead to fewer hospitalizations and longer lives
• Community support makes aging at home more affordable than institutional care

Whether you're an older adult seeking resources, a family member supporting a loved one, or someone interested in strengthening your community, this episode offers both inspiration and practical starting points. Because ultimately, aging is a journey best traveled together.

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Speaker 1:

Welcome to the Aging in Place Directory podcast, where we explore the journey of growing older with dignity, independence and a little more joy every day. I'm your host, robin Schiltz, and today we're unpacking a topic that is not only close to my heart but deeply important to millions the role of community support in aging in place. The role of community support in aging in place. Imagine this You've built your life in a home full of memories, in a neighborhood where the mail carrier knows your name and you can recite your neighbor's kids' names like clockwork as the years go by. It's natural to want to remain rooted to age in place, but thriving at home isn't just about ramps and grab bars. It's about the people, services and connections that surround us. So, whether you're an older adult, a caring family member, a professional or simply curious, stick with us. We're going to journey into heartwarming stories, real challenges and fresh ideas for building community webs that catch and carry us as we age. Here we go. So let's start by busting a myth Aging in place is not about stubbornly refusing help or clinging to every old trinket in the attic At its heart. It's about choice having the ability and support to live where and how you want, safely and independently for as long as possible.

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Picture Judy, a retired teacher who still greets her students at the grocery store decades later. She doesn't want to move to an unfamiliar place where every corridor looks the same. She wants the freedom to wake up in her own bed, make coffee in her favorite kitchen and stroll through her flower-filled gardens. These aren't little luxuries. They're anchors of well-being and identity. But let's be real as we age, everyday life can bring new challenges A slippery sidewalk, complex medication schedules, isolation or even just too many stairs. This is where community support comes into play. When we say community, we're talking about the people, programs and services, both formal and informal, that help Judy and others like her smile from their familiar front doors year after year.

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So what is community support? Well, it's a multi-layered network and to really see its magic we need to zoom in and out. The family and friends are the original community. These are the folks who check in, bring over soup when you're sick, troubleshoot a stubborn TV remote or accompany you to medical appointments. Sometimes they're your lifeline, other times just a source of camaraderie and laughter. Then there's neighbors. Remember block parties and borrowed cups of sugar In aging. A neighbor who notices your mailbox overflowing becomes crucial. They might shovel a walkway or just share a smile. Neighborhood Facebook and WhatsApp groups can quickly mobilize help for those who need it.

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Then there's local organizations Senior centers, libraries, faith communities and area agencies on aging offer everything from exercise classes to transportation, meal delivery to friendly phone calls. Their role is critical, especially for those with limited family. Then there's volunteers Never underestimate the power of a friendly visitor or a volunteer driver. Volunteers extend the reach of families and organizations, often bringing not just help but companionship and richness to daily life. There's also the health care and social services aspect. Nurses, home health aides, therapists, case managers they're the pros with expertise and heart and heart. Community-based care teams bridge the gap between the clinic and the home, coordinating resources and providing medical and emotional support. And then there's informal networks book clubs, walking groups, hobby circles. These are often the true connectors, offering purpose, routine and a reason to get up in the morning.

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In essence, community support is the invisible scaffolding that lets older adults feel seen, valued and, most importantly, not alone. So why is all this support so important? Well, let's break it down. There's health outcomes. Studies consistently show that older adults with strong social networks have fewer hospitalizations, lower risk of depression and even live longer. Social isolation, on the other hand, carries health risks comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Community support enables people to handle daily tasks getting groceries, managing medications, even maintaining the house that otherwise might force a premature move to assisted living.

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Aging at home with good community support is often far less expensive than long-term care facilities For older adults on a fixed income. This support isn't just nice, it's essential. And who wouldn't want to be aging while surrounded by friends, memories and favorite haunts? Community support turns just surviving into truly thriving. And in case you think this only matters for people who are ill or frail, think again. Even the most robust seniors eventually need a hand with something. Community doesn't ask are you struggling? It says we're here just in case.

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Of course, building this community network isn't always smooth sailing. So let's talk about some of the roadblocks. There's changing neighborhoods. Maybe your neighbors are new or the area feels less tight-knit than it used to. Urban areas in particular can struggle with anonymity. Then there's transportation issues. When public transit isn't reliable or accessible, getting to events, appointments or even coffee with friends can feel like a Mount Everest expedition. Then there's pride and independence.

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Many older adults are hesitant to seek help. They're worried about being a burden or seeming weak. Then there's the digital divide. Today, so many community resources and events are coordinated online. For seniors, without internet access or digital skills, this can be very isolating. Then there's health and mobility. Declining health and mobility can make it hard to join community activities, even when the will is there.

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So how do we tackle these? Well, here are a few solutions getting real-world traction. There are community navigators. These are trained locals who act as social concierges, helping older adults tap into services and neighborhood networks. There's ride-sharing for seniors. Programs like GoGo, grandparent or Volunteer Driver Networks provide alternatives when public transit fails. There's senior tech training. Libraries and agencies now offer workshops that teach everything from online shopping to how to video call your grandkids. And there's inclusive building design. Town planners are starting to design spaces with everyone in mind. We're thinking benches, accessible sidewalks and clear signage. The challenges are real, but so are the creative solutions. Every little effort can spark a ripple, so let's take a break from theory and sprinkle in some inspiration.

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I've gathered a few favorite stories from across the country that really capture the spirit of community support. There's the Village Movement, started in Boston. The Village model is a member-driven grassroots network. Members pay modest dues and in return, get access to help with chores, social events, vetted service providers and a Rolodex of trusted volunteers. Now there are over 250 villages in the US and growing Villages help turn wouldn't it be nice if someone could help with into absolutely let's connect you.

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Then there's the intergenerational aspect. Meet Grace, 86 years old, who joined a program pairing older adults with college students for weekly dinners. Grace taught her student friend how to make lasagna. In return she got tech tutoring and, best of all, a regular dose of laughter. Both said the friendship changed their outlook on aging and adulthood. Then there's Home Repair Angels. In Tulsa, a group of retired contractors put on bright yellow t-shirts and take on requests for home safety fixes Grab bars, ramps, leaky faucets. Homeowners pay what they can For the volunteers. It's all. Silver Surfer Squad, a library in Arizona started a Silver Surfer Club helping older adults learn how to use smartphones and the internet. Sessions turned into social hours and now the regulars even organize outings and movie nights.

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These stories aren't isolated, they're spreading and they underscore what we all crave Connection, purpose and belonging. So you think this all sounds good, but you're not sure where to start. Well, here's a quick starter pack for both sides of the support equation For older adults. Reach out to local senior centers, libraries, faith groups or neighborhood associations. Get techy, don't be shy. Ask for help learning your smartphone or computer. Stay visible. Attend local events, join a walking group or start a regular coffee date.

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Ask for help. Your needs are valid. Allowing others to assist you creates happier communities for everyone For family and friends. Make sure you check in on your senior loved one regularly Sometimes a quick call means the world and offer that person specific help. Instead of saying Let me know if you need anything, try something more specific, like Can I bring groceries on Friday? And encourage independence, but watch for signs that someone may need extra support For professionals and organizations. Foster partnerships. Bring together health services, local government and volunteer groups. Prioritize accessibility and inclusion in every program. Offer training and respite for caregivers Community support often starts with them.

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And now let's talk about the future of aging in place. The landscape of aging is evolving. More people are choosing or needing to remain at home and community support systems are adapting in dynamic ways. Tech's advances mean we can connect more easily, monitor safety remotely and access telehealth. Urban planners are creating age-friendly cities with universal design. Multi-generational living is on the rise, offering new kinds of neighborhood bonds.

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But even with the best technology and policies, human connection remains irreplaceable. The cups of coffee, shared stories and neighborly waves ultimately underpin every successful aging in place story. So as we look to the future, let's keep asking how can we make sure no one ages alone or unseen? The answers will be as diverse and beautiful as the communities we live in. Thank you for joining me today on this episode of the Aging in Place Directory podcast. Today we celebrated the power of community and the glue that holds our homes and hearts together as we age. Whether you're building networks, offering a helping hand or finding your own community, know that you're a vital part of what makes Aging in Place not just possible but full of life. So thanks for joining me today and until next time, stay connected, stay curious and remember that aging is a journey best traveled together. Take care. Bye-bye.

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Esther C. Kane, CAPS, C.D.S.

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