Perceptions of safety in an active retirement community

Objectives: (1) To assess older adults perceptions of safety in an active retirement community and (2) to contribute to a more holistic understanding of community dwelling older adult’s experiences of risk that encompasses environmental, social, and health concerns.

Methods:  Data were collected and analyzed from Phase 1 and Phase 3 focus groups conducted as part of the Villages Health Study, a multi-phase mixed methods health assessment in an active retirement community in central Florida.  Phase 1 included 53 focus groups (n=384) and Phase 3 included 29 focus groups (n=144).  Phase 1 questions prompted participant’s definition of health and general health concerns. Phase 3 focus groups directly probed perceptions of safety in the community. 

Results:  Findings suggest that older adults conceptualize safety in six ways: (1) physical health, (2) environmental health, (3) mental health, (4) social capital, (5) interpersonal health, and (6) financial health.  Participants expressed fears over falling, transportation issues, and being taken advantage of financially.  Conversely, participants discussed the safety benefits of living in a community with high social capital and strong relationships. 

Conclusions:  Previous research on older adult safety focuses primarily on mistreatment and abuse.  While participants did voice concerns over potential dangers from others, the data suggests that older adults in an active retirement community conceptualize safety in a broader sense. In order to develop tailored public health programs for community dwelling older adults we must holistically evaluate the environmental and social settings in which they are aging. Policy and practice implications will also be discussed.