December 7, 2009

There's No Place Like Home: Models of Supportive Communities for Elders

This document was written by Candace Baldwin, MCED, NCB Capital Impact, and Susan Poor, MPH, Susan Poor Consulting. California's older adults want to remain in their homes and communities as long as possible. Those who do "age in community" can benefit in terms of their health and longevity. Seniors who maintain active social relationships and connections in the community may decrease their risk of institutionalization by almost one-half, according to one study. A 2006 study showed that having close friends and staying in contact with family members offers a "protective effect against the damaging effects of Alzheimer's Disease." These findings are crucial to California's long term care system as demographic projections point to rapid growth of the 65 and older population between 2010 and 2050. This report examines the trends impacting the California's seniors and the long term care system and identifies innovative models that provide access to the components needed to support community living. Successful aging within the community requires economic security, adequate and affordable housing, and access to health care.