About Aging with Dignity and Independence
Read the summary report – Actionable Themes: Issues and Opportunities. This summary is designed as a catalyst providing questions to spur creative thinking, ideas for change, and resources and best practices successful in other communities.
With more than 32 percent of its residents over age 65, Sarasota County is the oldest large county in the United States, and is at the forefront of aging trends. It is a unique setting for identifying and trying out creative approaches to enhance aging.
Experiencing dignity and independence are important no matter what our age. What happens to dignity and independence as we get older? What is the local lived-experience of older adults residing in Sarasota County? The Aging with Dignity and Independence initiative sought to understand this.
Led by the partnership of SCOPE, The Patterson Foundation, and the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, this qualitative study of the community involved forums, interviews, surveys and focus groups. The research revealed six themes integral to aging with dignity and independence. The themes also present challenges and opportunities for community action:
1) Meaningful Involvement – being engaged in activities that matter to oneself and others
2) Respect & Social Inclusion – being valued and experiencing considerate interactions in community life
3) Communication & Information - accessing timely and accurate information easily
4) Health & Well-being – developing strategies for maintaining health and coping with decline and loss
5) Aging in Place - being self-sufficient and self-reliant
6) Transportation & Mobility - accessing required goods, services and lifestyle
Within each of these areas, the research identified many opportunities for innovative community action.
The Aging with Dignity and Independence initiative seeks to catalyze the community to develop actions that foster dignity and independence.
The schedule of community presentations will be posted soon. “Like” SCOPE on Facebook to stay connected to the latest information on the Aging with Dignity and Independence initiative.
Resources:
Actionable Themes: Issues and Opportunities, October 2011
Best Practices and Resources, October 2011
Summary Report - 65+, May 2011
Summary Report - Community Stories, February 2011
The partners are The Patterson Foundation, SCOPE and USF Sarasota- Manatee. SCOPE and USF Sarasota-Manatee conducted the research, combining the art of SCOPE’s civic engagement with the rigors of the university’s scientific approach. A community Advisory Committee of key community providers, volunteers, experts and stakeholders in aging provided direction during the first year of research , discovery and analysis.
How does this initiative honor the Patterson Legacy?
Dorothy Clarke Patterson endured rheumatoid arthritis and dementia; yet she aged with dignity and independence. This was possible because she created a web of support that surrounded her, both formal and informal. For Mrs. Patterson, living with dignity and independence was realized by being able to make decisions for herself and age in her own home.
What are the objectives of the Aging with Dignity and Independence initiative?
Dignity and independence are important concepts to all persons. Living with dignity and independence is impacted by the broader network in which people live. This network includes formal support systems (healthcare providers, home maintenance, grocery, legal, etc.) and informal such as friends, neighbors, social groups.
The Aging with Dignity and Independence Initiative is focused on understanding the local lived-experience of older adults and inspiring the community to develop innovative approaches to enhance aging with dignity and independence within the context of a community and social relationships. In 2012, with community research and analysis completed, the Information will be shared through the website and blog, social media, published materials and presentations at forums and conferences, both local and nationally.
What exactly do you mean by ‘aging with dignity and independence’?
The meanings are inherently subjective. There are multiple interpretations of the term ‘dignity’ and the concepts of dignity and independence are often intertwined. Research suggests that the concept of dignity pertains to the domains of identity (self-respect, esteem, trust), human rights (equality, choice) and autonomy, of which independence is a part.
SCOPE, in partnership with the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, conducted focus groups and collected survey responses in order to better understand how people experience these concepts. SCOPE also facilitated community forums in order to learn the perceptions and observations of individuals who interact with older adults.
Who are the partners?
The partners are The Patterson Foundation, SCOPE and USF Sarasota- Manatee. SCOPE and USF Sarasota-Manatee conducted the research, combining the art of SCOPE’s civic engagement with the rigors of the university’s scientific approach. A community Advisory Committee of key community providers, volunteers, experts and stakeholders in aging provided direction during the first year of research , discovery and analysis.
How can individuals, businesses and organizations support this initiative?
In 2012, SCOPE is sharing the research wisdom with the community. Individuals and groups can support this initiative by:
- Learning more by attending a presentation or reading the report at www.scopexcel.org
- Reflecting on and discussing the research and ideas for change with others
- Helping implement innovative ideas that come from the initiative
Why did the Patterson Foundation partner with SCOPE?
Since 2001, SCOPE has demonstrated the value of engaging the broader community through a variety of community initiatives. SCOPE’s community impact reflects the power of active citizens working together to build a thriving community. Positive change has resulted in quality of life issues in the environment, senior transportation, diversity training by and for youth, and roadway efficiency. SCOPE’s creative abilities to convene citizens and engage the Sarasota community helped provide greater understanding of the dimensions of aging and honored the wisdom of the local lived experience to age with dignity and independence.
What is the connection between this initiative and the Institute for the Ages?
They are separate. The Aging with Dignity and Independence research is a source of local qualitative data for the Institute for the Ages. The recently formed Institute for the Ages is positioned to be the national think-tank and innovation center that will work with national businesses, research organizations and the public sector to generate new products, services and policies for the second half of life.
Is the work local, national or international in focus?
Though uniquely focused on our own Sarasota County community, implications of the project are likely to be relevant to other communities throughout the United States that are also searching to improve the lives of their burgeoning populations of older adults. The project’s unique community-based approach will provide an example of “processes” for other cities and townships that can be replicated throughout the nation. Exciting possibilities of application are anticipated as community sectors take action to better the lived experience of older adults in our community. .
Visit the ADI Blog on The Patterson Foundation website. Click here.
