Models for Healthy Aging: Becoming America's Healthiest Hometown

With the rise of the Baby Boomers, the proportion of older adults in US has risen dramatically. While much of the literature focuses on negative aspects of aging and disease burden, attention to healthy aging is lacking. To shift attention to positive models of aging, USF Health, in partnership with The Villages, an active adult (55+) retirement community, launched a population-based needs assessment to develop a comprehensive understanding of the physical, mental, emotional, social and environmental health factors which affect health and wellness. This study employed a community-driven, mixed methods approach. During the formative research phase, 59 focus groups (n=491) were conducted with residents. Emergent themes relating to health and wellness informed the development of a comprehensive cross-sectional survey. This survey, administered to all Village residents (n=94,500), examined a series of broad, health related domains via well established, short, high salience instruments. Domains measured included mental health (MHI-5 & PHQ); health behaviors (such as drinking [AUDIT], smoking [ASSIST], medication compliance [SMAQ] and physical activity [IPAQ]) ; quality of life [WHOQOL]; access to services [BFRSS subscale]; and social support/cohesion[Sampson social cohesion scale]. Data was analyzed using SPSS, controlling for age, gender, race, to identify differences in health status and quality of life indicators, while assessing the role of social support and social cohesion. Findings yield important similarities in the aging process (i.e. rates of conditions), and indicate important differences between Village residents and samples nationally. Recommendations for change in public health policy and practice are suggested in light of study findings.