| Title | "I'm Part of Something That Matters": Exploring What Older Adults Value Through Their Engagement in Age-Friendly Community Initiatives. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2024 |
| Authors | Cao, Q, Pope, N, Greenfield, E |
| Journal | J Gerontol Soc Work |
| Volume | 67 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pagination | 715-737 |
| Date Published | 2024 Aug-Sep |
| ISSN | 1540-4048 |
| Keywords | Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Female, Humans, Independent Living, Interviews as Topic, Male, Middle Aged, Qualitative Research, Social Participation, United States |
| Abstract | Older adults' engagement in age-friendly community (AFC) initiatives is considered an essential element of community transformation. However, research on older adults' experiences of engaging in AFC initiatives remains nascent. Based on qualitative interviews with 23 older adult participants from 15 AFC initiatives across four states in the United States (U.S.), our reflexive thematic analysisidentified three themes regarding what participants value from their engagement: (a) social contribution; (b) social connectedness and integration; and (c) staying active and personal growth. Exploring older adults' interest in contributing to, connecting with, and growing in their community can inform recruitment and retention in AFC initiatives. |
| DOI | 10.1080/01634372.2024.2339971 |
| Alternate Journal | J Gerontol Soc Work |
| PubMed ID | 38704668 |
