Page 86 - IJPS-8-2

International Journal of
Population Studies Resources for healthy aging in community

for age, income, or ability level like purposefully designed age, it is important to have adequate available resources. As
aging communities (Tovel & Carmel, 2014). To AIC, both we age, we must begin creating these resource caches. The
personal resources for reacting to unforeseeable events and bigger the contribution is, the more likely one will have
preparation for future events can influence the likelihood of adequate resources when retirement status begins and
stability and success for someone to AIC (Hossain & Ismail, aging impacts resource utilization (Hou, 2019).
2020). Resources are a supply that someone can use in a Recent studies in gerontology have identified programs
time of need and be able to assist them in working through that are directing attention to providing supplemental
a situation (Merriam-Webster, 2021; Szanton et al., 2014). support for older adults within their existing communities
More specifically relating to the study of AIC, resources (Greenfield et al., 2012; Hou, & Cao, 2021; Hou et al.,
refer to support measures required for adults during daily 2019). The village model is a community collection of
activity that would otherwise be supplemented by staff at services that are governed by a legal entity, which can assist
adult day cares or assisted living facilities (Cutchin, 2003). in aiding people in AIC. The village model can offer civic
A theta refers to the decomposition of a resource compared engagement and empowerment for the members to reduce
to the resources forecast over time (U.S. Census Bureau, AIC burdens while improving quality of life (Sharpe,
2006). The theta, or the forecasted decomposition, of 2021). Village models also address resource dependency
resources for aging represents the allocation of and ability through its design which allows members to access needed
to capitalize on resources as someone approaches needing services with reduced or no dependency on their individual
to depend on this resource for stability (U.S. Census resource caches (Rameli & Marimuthu, 2018).
Bureau, 2006). Resources preparation in the context of
aging is battling a negative theta. Therefore, as we age 1.2. Significance of the study
the ability to progress positively in resource allocation While longitudinal studies emphasize the need for
becomes less likely.
preparation (Gibbs, 2007), determining which resources
As resources and abilities decline, the safety of the are most desirable and its impact on older adults’ quality
aging person also declines, and the resources for recovery of life is difficult to predict. Many preparation programs
are diminished (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021). While AIC, focus on finite aspects, such as retirement income (Yu
homeowners are less likely to want to leave their residence et al., 2021), but fail to recognize impacts on quality of
as they age. Only 5.3% of citizens over the age of 65 life. To determine what preparation methods are likely
relocated in 2006 (Di, 2003; Golant, 2008). Therefore, as to lead to a more preferred outcome of AIC, we must
people age, they are likely to remain in housing structures understand what areas are most important to older adults
that are older and less likely to remain current on proper that require long-term design. We can then recommend
maintenance (Lagergren et al., 2017). The allocation of further research that emphasizes a quality lifestyle while
financial resources at this stage becomes less liquid as a living in community. This study intends to determine what
significant source of net worth for older adults sits in the quality-of-life resources require long-term investing for
equity of their home (Park et al., 2016). As adults age with individuals that desire to AIC.
financial resources locked in assets, releasing these assets
may cause additional burden on their daily life. 2. Data and methods

A reduction on one resource poses potential access This qualitative study gathered information from older
limitations to other resources. This includes access to goods adults who attend programs designed for them to interact
and services which can be a determinant of longevity of life in their communities. Participants were selected because
(Hughes et al., 2008; Steverink et al., 2001). Resources used of their membership of one of two social groups, the
while AIC impact the quality of life one wishes to have. lifelong learning program (LLP) and a village program.
Financial resources can control the level of access to goods Both community models offer similar services to aid
and services which directly impact one’s ability to set their their members to promote AIC. The village model is a
level of comfort or meet basic individual needs. Utilization collaboration of community members, volunteers, sponsors,
of resources can also have compounding effects. Social and a governing board that hosts an array of services and
networks take time to develop and have a direct impact activities for its members. The services can include access
on other accessing or building resources for aging adults to volunteers for assistance maintaining their home and
(Taylor & Doverspike, 2003). However, resources also differ lifestyle such as handyman services, transportation service,
in the ability to use with liquidity. For example, one cannot financial guidance, and more. The village model is often
access their home equity without risking financial stability, associated with a non-profit organization to support
but they can call on a community member for assistance the needs of the members (Greenfield et al., 2012). The
and still retain social stability (Bookman, 2008). As adults LLP functions very similarly to the village model but is

Volume 8 Issue 2 (2022) 80 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.v8i2.303