USF Health in the Villages: A Formative Assessment of Healthy Aging in the Villages Community

By 2030, older adults will comprise more than 20% of the US population. This unprecedented rise in the aging population will be met with a dramatic increase in health care expenditures. To reduce this burden and advance public health's mission to achieve longer, healthier and more productive lives across the lifespan, models of healthy aging must be promoted. In an effort to meet this challenge, USF Health, in partnership with The Villages, a 55 and older active adult retirement community, completed a formative health assessment to understand barriers and facilitators to successful, healthy aging. Specifically, this exploratory study aimed to identify prominent definitions of health; assess perceptions of the importance of good health; and recognize factors perceived to enhance overall quality of life. Fifty nine focus groups, stratified by age, gender, and health status, were conducted between September and December of 2011 with a convenience sample of residents (n=451) in three phases: general inquiry, in-depth exploration of emergent themes, and member validation. Results indicate a shared definition of ‘good health' focused on one's ability to conduct daily activities consistently, while maintaining physical fitness and mental acuity; and reveal an emphasis on health and wellness among residents. Results also suggest the importance of positive community engagement and social support in promoting successful aging. The emergence of key health concerns suggest barriers (i.e. access to services, chronic conditions) and facilitators (i.e. community services and support, social capital) that impact models of healthy aging. Implications of findings for policy and practice are discussed.