Garage sales as more-than-human affinity spaces: Reimagining social participation in later life.

Health vulnerability reflects the adverse state of below-normal health of middle-aged and elderly adults in the process of population aging under the influence of internal and external risk perturbations, and is a comprehensive assessment of individual health status. However, there is a lack of clarity about whether and how the community environment influences the health vulnerability of middle-aged and older adults. This study aims to elaborate the complex pathways of sleep quality, social values, and anti-fragile capacity between community environment and health vulnerability, and to provide a scientific basis for promoting healthy aging in China. This study was screened to finally include 8,032 middle-aged and older adults who participated in the China Family Panel Studies Database 2020 survey. While controlling for confounders we used structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the parallel mediating roles of sleep quality, social values, and anti-fragile capacity in community environment and health vulnerability, and subgroup analyses to explore the heterogeneity of the effects across subgroups of the population. The composite index of health vulnerability of Chinese middle-aged and elderly adults was 0.227 (SD = 0.129). Community environment was positively correlated with sleep quality, social values, and anti-fragile capacity (p < 0.05). Community environment, sleep quality, and anti-fragile capacity were negatively correlated with health vulnerability. In addition, after adjusting for confounders, sleep quality, social values, and anti-fragile capacity were able to partially mediate the association between community environment and health vulnerability among middle-aged and olderadults, with mediating effects of 19.50%, 3.06%, and 2.20%, respectively(p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses further showed that the mediating effects of sleep quality, social values, and anti-fragile capacity on community environment and health vulnerability differed across age, gender, and place of residence subgroups. This study found a complex relationship between community environment, sleep quality, social values, anti-fragile capacity, and health vulnerability in middle-aged and older adults. Various intervention paths should be taken to improve the aging-friendly level of community environments and build home-friendly retirement communities to alleviate the health vulnerability of the middle-aged and elderly groups and promote healthy aging in China. Not applicable.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, improvements in medical care and the popularization of healthy lifestyles have significantly extended life expectancy, accelerating the global aging trend. Consequently, the rapid growth of the older population has led to a substantial increase in demand for age-friendly products and services, making it essential for residential space design better to address the living and activity needs of older adults. In China, home-based care remains the preferred choice for most older adults, while traditional institutional care is often met with psychological resistance due to its closed environment. Positioned between these two models, the Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) model provides a sustainable approach to aging by meeting the multi-stage and life-cycle needs of older adults, ranging from independent living to assisted care. Using a scoping review approach, this study identifies the research hotspots in the field of elderly care and spatial design, and integrates these findings with the design principles of elderly-oriented architecture to establish the key focal points in the design of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). These key points provide theoretical guidance for optimizing age-friendly residential space design and enhancing the overall quality of life for older adults in CCRC settings.

Cognitive stimulation (CS) interventions, such as book clubs ('bibliotherapy'), that foster both cognitive and social engagement show promise for supporting healthy aging. However, current evidence concerning the use of CS interventions remains limited, and few studies offer insights into the participants' experiences and features that make CS interventions feasible. We aimed to explore the perceived efficacy and feasibility of a reading- and discussion-based CS intervention via a qualitative approach. The intervention was delivered bi-weekly for four weeks to older adults with subjective cognitive decline in a retirement community in Canada. Themes generated from post-intervention focus groups highlighted perceived cognitive engagement, increased social connection, and enjoyment of intellectual discussion. Participants also identified features that enhanced or limited their experience. This study provides support for the use of bibliotherapy as a meaningful, socially engaging CS intervention and proposes recommendations for the implementation of future applications in a similar community setting.

Population-level interventions are needed to address the overrepresentation of older pedestrians in deaths from traffic crashes. Data are absent on whether specific publicly licensed or public establishments are associated with increased risk to older pedestrians, despite their attractiveness as partners for government efforts. We conducted a nationwide location-based case-control study to examine the associations between publicly licensed or public establishments of daily living for older adults and the location of pedestrian fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. We also assessed etiological heterogeneity by pedestrian age and time of day. Between 2017 and 2018, there were 10,529 locations where a pedestrian was killed (case location) across the 380 Metropolitan Statistical Areas of the conterminous United States. For each case location two matched control locations were selected. The density of residential living facilities and walkable destinations for older adults was measured within a 1-km radial buffer of each location. Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression models, adjusting for matching factors, neighborhood composition and walkability metrics. There was a dose-response relationship between the density of older adult walkable destinations (hospitals, health care delivery venues, health services, pharmacies, senior centers, libraries, community centers) and location case-control status by age group of the fatally struck pedestrian. The strongest pattern was observed for the 65+ age group: Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.61 (95% CI: 1.26-2.06) for Q2; AOR = 2.58 for Q3 (95% CI: 1.99-3.34); and AOR = 3.44 for Q4 (95% CI = 2.61-4.52). Only among the age 50-64 and 65+ age groups was the highest category of density of residential facilities (assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, continuing care retirement communities) associated with fatality location case-control status. Future research might explore whether prioritizing traffic safety programs near destinations where older adults commonly frequent, such as medical centers, prevents older adult pedestrian fatalities.

With China's rapidly aging population, the need for innovative care models that support both longevity and quality of life has become increasingly urgent. This study examines the interplay between "aging in place" and "aging well" within the context of retirement communities in China, focusing on two pioneering examples: Taikang Home · Chu Garden and Xianghe · Da'ai City. Adopting a qualitative approach, this research employs semi-structured interviews with residents, service team members, and management team members to explore how these retirement communities facilitate "aging in place" and contribute to the "aging well" of their residents. The findings reveal that these communities are well-equipped to address both the physical and emotional needs of older adults, offering comprehensive medical care, age-friendly facilities, and a supportive social environment. The key to this success is the integration of healthcare services within living facilities, the use of smart technologies for safety and convenience, and a strong emphasis on community and social engagement. The study also identifies challenges, such as ensuring sufficient personal companionship and managing diverse resident lifestyles, suggesting areas for further policy and practice improvement. This research contributes to the literature on aging by integrating the concepts of aging in place and aging well, offering insights into how physical and social environments can support older adults and suggesting novel concepts that could be replicated elsewhere.

Objective This study investigated the impact of cognitive function on the administration of the hearTest automated hearing test in older adults. The relationship between Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score and three hearTest metrics (false response rate, standard deviation of response time, and test duration) was analysed. Design A cross-sectional correlational design was used. Testing was conducted in participants’ homes or retirement villages. Study Sample One hundred and five older adults (aged 67–97 years) receiving home-based aged care with MoCA scores ranging between 5 (possible dementia) and 30 (healthy cognition). Results There was no relationship between MoCA score and false response rate (r = −0.12, CI = −0.42 to 0.06, p = 0.22) or standard deviation of response time (r = −0.11, CI = −0.33 to 0.04, p = 0.27). There was a moderate sized correlation between MoCA score and test duration (r = −0.31, CI = − 0.49 to − 0.15, p = 0.001), indicating longer test duration with lower MoCA scores. Conclusions hearTest performance is not impacted by cognitive ability in a population of older adults that included people living with dementia. However, additional test time may be needed for hearTest administration for individuals with cognitive impairment.

IntroductionThis study investigated domain-specific physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) among older adults living in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) as a function of risk of mobility disability.MethodsSecondary cross-sectional data from 100 older CCRC residents were analyzed. The short physical performance battery (SPPB) assessed mobility disability risk, and PA and SB were self-reported. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U test, and Quade's nonparametric ANOVA, with significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsFifty-nine participants had an SPPB score < 10, indicating high mobility disability risk, while 41 had a score ≥ 10, indicating low risk. The low-risk group had higher total PA (67.1 ± 41.8 vs. 49.2 ± 40.5, p=0.012) and leisure PA (30.5 ± 25.1 vs. 21.2 ± 23.5, p=0.035) minutes, and higher total sedentary minutes (645.8 ± 209.6 vs. 567.0 ± 290.8, p=0.007) and non–screen sedentary minutes (447.1 ± 182.7 vs. 350.0 ± 164.8, p=0.002) than the high risk group. After controlling for age, perceived health, and assistive device use, the differences between groups were no longer significant (p > 0.05).DiscussionDespite nonsignificant adjusted differences, our findings indicate overall low PA and high SB in the study participants. Given the well-documented benefits of PA, targeted interventions are needed to increase PA and reduce SB in this population.

IntroductionDrawing on the ecological model of aging and the technology acceptance model, this study investigates how three design factors—aesthetic authenticity, restorative design, and social interaction design—shape senior consumers’ relocation intentions in urban China.MethodsSurvey data were collected from 331 seniors. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the direct effects, and PROCESS Macro Model 1 was employed to test the moderating effect.ResultsOur analysis reveals a nuanced decision-making process. While all the above three factors positively influence attitudinal beliefs, their paths to shaping relocation intention differ. Aesthetic authenticity has a significant indirect effect through attitudinal beliefs, suggesting it is an intrinsic motivator. In contrast, the indirect effects of restorative and social interaction design are only significant when facilitating conditions (e.g., financial and social support) are high.DiscussionThese findings contribute to gerontechnology and environmental design literature by demonstrating how foundational psychological needs and value-added features are weighed differently in seniors’ relocation decisions. We also provide practical implications for stakeholders on designing and marketing retirement communities within China’s evolving socio-cultural landscape.

Falls among adults over 60 are a global health concern, including Australia.This study aimed to investigate temporospatial fall alert patterns-across time and location-detected by ambient fall detection sensors in three Australian aged care settings, to inform fall prevention strategies.A mixed-methods approach was used to analyze fall alert patterns and fall risks. Ambient fall detection sensors collected data from three care settings (residential aged care facilities [RACFs], retirement villages [RVs], and home dwelling communities [HDCs]; n = 31 households). Quantitative analysis involved fall alerts, temporospatial analysis by time of day and location. Qualitative insights were obtained through semistructured interviews with 14 older adults and 9 caregivers to understand fall risks.Distinct fall alert patterns emerged. In RACFs, alerts were most frequently recorded in bedrooms at night, linked to physical limitations and cognitive decline. RVs showed a more even distribution of alerts throughout the day, influenced by mobility issues, social activities, and pets affecting sensor accuracy. HDCs had the lowest fall alert rates, with nighttime alerts mainly in bedrooms, reflecting residents' physical status and strong family support. Qualitative data underscored the effect of cognitive and physical impairments in RACFs, mobility challenges, social activities, and pet influences in RVs, and shared living arrangements in HDCs.Fall alert patterns varied across RACFs, RVs, and HDCs, requiring tailored strategies. In RACFs, prevention should focus on nighttime safety with improved monitoring and bed alarms. Medication reviews are important, as many residents take medications affecting balance and cognition, increasing nighttime fall risks. In RVs, mobility programs and sensor accuracy improvements are needed to reduce false alerts from pets or daily activities. In HDCs, where alerts were fewer, more adaptable fall detection technology is needed to address the effect of shared bedrooms at night.

Investigating the built environment surrounding naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs) in Toronto

Purpose This study aims to explore the interactions between older adults and socially assistive robot (SAR) in tourism retirement communities from the perspective of mobility, analyzing their acceptance of SAR and the impact on their well-being, in order to provide theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the technological empowerment of the residential tourism model. Design/methodology/approach This study employs experimental design with two separate studies involving older adults aged 45 to 75 who have experience with travel care. Study 1 includes 97 participants divided into two groups to examine the impact of task types (information vs emotional support) provided by artificial intelligence robots on the Satisfaction with Elderly Life. Study 2 expands to four groups with 155 participants to investigate the moderating effect of care models (family-based vs travel-based) and the mediating role of emotional connection in this relationship. Findings The experimental results indicate that the use of SAR, as an emerging artificial intelligence technology, significantly enhances the Satisfaction with Elderly Life of older adults in residential tourism by providing emotional support and facilitating social interaction (p &amp;lt; 0.01). Further analysis reveals that in the context of residential tourism, emotional support provided by SAR is more effective than informational support in home-based care situations, while no significant differences exist in group travel environments. Emotional connection plays a mediating role in these effects. Originality/value This study approaches the integration of SAR with the residential tourism model from a mobility perspective, exploring the potential and practical characteristics of technological empowerment in new elder care models, thereby addressing some of the existing research gaps. The findings suggest that SAR can effectively enhance the Satisfaction with Elderly Life and acceptance of older adults in residential tourism communities. This study not only enriches the research perspective on SAR in elder care but also provides technological support and theoretical basis for the practice of residential tourism, contributing to the broader goals of active aging and technologically supported care.

BackgroundAge-Friendly Communities (AFCs) play a pivotal role in creating supportive social and physical environments, which enable older adults to maintain mobility, independence, healthier living, and successful aging-in-place.MethodsThis study employed a multi-case study method to analyze six comunities and two age-friendly community models in China: Gated Retirement Communities (GRCs) and Open Multi-Generational Communities (OMGCs), which have exhibited different effects in practice. An analytical framework incorporating policies, facilities, services, intergenerational relationships, and sustainability has been established to systematically compare these models, with the aim of identifying some more effective age-friendly measures at the community level.ResultsThe research results revealed that GRCs were prone to spatial inequality, idle waste of resources, violation of service commitment, intergenerational exclusion and unsustainability. On the contrary, OMGCs demonstrated better age-friendliness and stronger vitality.ConclusionOMGCs are more supportive and age-friendly than GRCs. Some key priorities and effective measures for the development of AFCs have been obtained from these communities, offering valuable insights for Asian nations and developing countries seeking to advance age-friendly initiatives.

BackgroundRetirement is a significant life transition that often brings changes in daily routines, including health screening and levels of physical activity.AimThe aim of this study was to determine the wellness profile of residents living in retirement villages.SettingThis study was conducted in the City of Johannesburg.MethodsThis cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study included 108 retirees from 7 retirement villages. To determine the wellness profile, biokinetic wellness screening tests were performed, including blood pressure, heart rate, rate pressure product, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), handgrip strength, sit-and-reach test and Apley’s back scratch test.ResultsThe median age of the sample was 75 years. Significant variability was noted in the BMI measurement (25.35 kg/m2; IQR: 6.83), and the median rate pressure product (RPP) was 10 284 mmHg/min (IQR: 2962). Data revealed limited flexibility for Apley’s scratch test (-34; -31) and sit-and-reach test (0.00).ConclusionStrength was greater among male participants, while better flexibility but higher heart rates were recorded among females. Tailored interventions emphasising cardiovascular health, weight management and physical performance are recommended among retirees.ContributionThis resource will guide policymakers, community managers and healthcare professionals in designing targeted interventions and inform future research on ageing and wellness in urban settings.

"To love, to create, to express, to live"- a typology of aging poems by older men.

abstract: In 1954 Ethel Percy Andrus, founder of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), established a retirement community in Ojai, California, named Grey Gables. Conceived as an architectural and social alternative to traditional institutional eldercare facilities, Grey Gables was designed to challenge prevailing midcentury assumptions that equated old age with frailty, dependence, and withdrawal from public life. Through intentional architectural strategies including permeable community boundaries, a centrally positioned parking lot that emphasized continued mobility, and design elements that promoted independence, Grey Gables fostered a new identity for older adults, later articulated as the "third age." By centering continued productivity and personal autonomy, this stage of life actively redefined long-standing narratives of aging. As the concept of the third age became more widely known, it simultaneously marginalized those older individuals who experienced greater frailty or dependency, effectively relegating them to the stigmatized "fourth age." Using Grey Gables as a case study, this article illustrates the complex interplay between architecture, identity, and social practices of care in shaping twentieth-century perceptions of aging.

Improving mobility: Evaluating demand responsive transport (DRT) services for retirement communities in Santa Clara County, California

Ontario seniors face a range of challenges as they age, including financial, physical and social barriers. Addressing these challenges is essential to improving the health and well-being of older adults in the province. Objective: The discussion proposes that naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs) offer a viable and safe alternative to formal retirement communities and evaluates how NORCs can support seniors when examined through the lens of the social determinants of health. The analysis focuses on the role and impact of NORC-specific service programming, distinct from NORCs themselves, and assesses their potential in mitigating age-related challenges faced by seniors in Ontario. NORC-specific service programs have shown success in supporting senior wellness and improving quality of life. These service address key social determinants of health and demonstrate potential for broader application across Ontario's NORCs. The discussion recommends increased attention from governments and policymakers, including efforts to identify NORCs across Ontario, expand affordable and accessible housing options for seniors, and invest in health and social supports. Strategic development of NORC programs can play a significant role in building capacity and delivering targeted wellness services to seniors.

Background: Over the next 20 years, Canada older adult population (aged 65 years old) is expected to grow by 68%. Older adults face isolation, loneliness, inadequate nutrition, and lack of physical activity which continue to be serious and growing threats to aging well in place. Addressing these challenges requires multifaceted approach involving service providers, community organizations, and people. To meet this need, an innovative model known as Oasis; was developed. Approach: Developed as an innovative solution to support aging well at home, the first Oasis Program was co-created with a group of older adults living in an apartment building in Kingston Ontario in 20. Since then, through a University-community partnership Oasis has expanded from one original site in Kingston, Ontario to 9 communities across Canada. Oasis works in collaboration with public sector, not-for-profit, and private sector organizations to develop a supportive living program for older adults that builds community among members in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs), these often being apartment buildings and other multi-resident settings (e.g. mobile home park, neighbourhood).The Oasis model is member-driven and designed to enhance the well-being and social engagement of older adults. It provides a supportive environment where individuals can co-create and participate in a variety of physical, social and nutrition-based activities, programs, and services that promote healthy aging, lifelong learning, and social interaction. Membership in Oasis is entirely voluntary and free, allowing members to participate to the extent of their own choosing. An onsite Coordinator responds to member needs and interests by organizing and identify existing community programs to bring into Oasis or implements site specific programming. Programming may be delivered by the coordinator, older adult members, or volunteers. In many cases, community agencies bring programs or information sessions the members in the building or neighbourhood.An Oasis community requires a common space that can be used for programming and social engagement. For Oasis Buildings, this can be in an apartment building or a condo common room. Whereas for Oasis Neighborhoods this can be in a central community space (e.g., a church, school). Results: Extensive research and evaluations have proven Oasis to be a successful and impactful model.Older adults living in a community with Oasis report increased wellbeing, and a safe and inclusive community. On average, they experience lower rates of loneliness, falls, emergency visits, hospitalizations, home care service, and a delayed transition to long term care.It is also a cost-effective model. Through partnerships with landlords, free of charge spaces are provided for activities and programs. The programs of existing community health and social service agencies are leveraged to meet the needs of Oasis members. Funding for each Oasis sites supports the hiring of a program coordinator.Oasis also fosters cross-collaborative partnerships between public, private and non-profit sector. The program is partnered with a local service agency, called the community site partner which supply financial and budget management and human resource expertise. Implications: Oasis is now at a critical juncture. With a proven and impactful model, demand has grown significantly and there is opportunity for further expansion. This is matched, however, with the need to create formal operational and governance structures to achieve both consistency and sustainability. Next steps in the expansion of the Oasis model include developing a detailed plan to achieve sustainability, establish governance and corporate structures, and implement quality control for all existing and potential future Oasis sites. This process of growth and expansion has revealed many lessons learned, which we aim to share with others as we continue to evolve our model and operations.

Background: Strong trusting relationships between care recipients, care practitioners, community partners, and the formal and informal sectors of care are at the heart of integrated care. How can bringing a more relational lens to integrated care core competencies enhance the capacity and capability for a more satisfied, flexible, and resilient workforce? This experiential workshop aims to grow our understanding of the concept of relational care in different contexts, taking its cues from the learnings of UHN NORC Innovation Centre focused on healthy aging in place.The NORC Innovation Centre (NIC), uses a relationship-centred, participatory approach to create sustainable, resident-led, aging in place groups in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC). Having a high concentration of older adults, NORCs are ideal settings for mobilizing communities, developing supportive networks, and organizing health and wellness programming.Early evaluation of the NIC community-based model for aging in place identified a need for greater capacity in community-building skills among resident groups. Leveraging the evidenced-based practice of relational care, the NIC team embedded the transformative principles of building meaningful relationships and dealing with complex dynamics into their process of community-building. Our research findings suggest that resident-leaders reported improved ability to communicate, make decisions together, and agree on shared values and goals. By centring a relational approach, the program set a tone for NIC staff, residents, and community providers to get to know each other, build rapport, and set a tone of trust, safety and inclusion. Audience: This workshop is relevant for all levels of individuals working with diverse stakeholder groups on health and care change efforts. Individuals working in administrative, managerial, frontline and voluntary capacities can all benefit, particularly those most interested in how to accelerate efforts to support complex and sustainable change. Approach: This 90-minute workshop will alternate between small group activities and large group discussion. Through a series of discussion-based and creative reflections, we will engage with three of the main tenets of relational care and community-building: i) creating connection before finding solution; ii) staying curious with humility; and iii) understanding that we are all teachers and learners. Together, we will learn from each other lived experiences, identify emerging needs/questions, and refine strategies for practical application of relational care.At each step, NIC team members will share our learnings about the practice of leading with relational principles to support healthy aging. The workshop will end with a group discussion on best relational practices and a review of strategies for ongoing practical application. The format and timing of the 90-minute workshop is as follows: Introductory PowerPoint presentation to set the context: 0 min. Relational Principle # case example and small group exploration activity: 20 min [Relational principle case example: 5 min; small group work: 5 min]Relational Principle #2 case example and small group exploration activity: 20 min [Relational principle case example: 5 min; small group work: 5 min] Relational Principle #3 case example and small group exploration activity: 20 min [Relational principle case example: 5 min; small group work: 5 min] Large group feedback on practice and closing takeaway: 20 min. Outcome: By the end of the workshop, participants will come away with a deeper understanding of what relational care is and the ways a relational approach can enhance individual and team capacity when, for example, advocating for patients, engaging with volunteers and community partners, or working with interdisciplinary teams. Participants will have co-created a set of tips on best practices for leading with relational principles. This tangible takeaway will be available for their immediate use.