Perspectives about the safety of community-dwelling older adults: A qualitative study
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Date
2024-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
As the population ages, ensuring the safety and well-being of community-dwelling older adults becomes crucial. Perceptions of safety can influence older adults’ view of vulnerability and fear, and thus influence health behavior and community engagement. The purpose of this study is to describe safety from the perspectives of community-dwelling, African American older adults. Focus group interviews were conducted with a sample of community-dwelling older adults, aged 55 and above residing in urban neighborhoods in a large midwestern city. We used the Socioecological Model, to guide the development of the interview questions and analysis. All participants completed informed consent. Four focus groups were conducted in person, in the fall of 2021, with 26 older adults, in a library located in the neighborhood. Most of the participants were female (n=19), retired (n=20) and had lived in their homes for great than 10 years (n=14). Manifest content analysis was performed within and between groups. Findings revealed shared perceptions surrounding psychological, social, physical, and environmental factors of safety. Issues such as fear of crime, accessibility of services, personal health, and housing conditions contributed to their understanding of safety. These participants described changes in their neighborhood over time and how those changes impacted their feelings of safety. These results have the potential to influence community planning, policy development, and interventions that can enhance the safety and quality of life for older adults in the community setting. This study focuses on the importance of incorporating older adults’ perspectives in safety initiatives to address the needs and concerns in their communities.