Aging in the Right Place: A Conceptual Framework of Indicators for Older Persons Experiencing Homelessness

Abstract

Aging in place may not be a universally optimal goal nor accessible to all. Research has highlighted the significance of aging in the right place (AIRP) by recognizing that secure housing for older adults should support one’s unique vulnerabilities and lifestyles. Despite the evolving conceptualization of AIRP for general populations of older adults, considerations of AIRP relevant for older people with previous or current experiences of homelessness are absent from the existing literature. Given this conceptual gap, we developed a framework of indicators relevant for older persons experiencing homelessness. We engaged community partners in the development of our framework and examined what had been described in prior research on aging in place and person-environment fit for older adults. The resulting conceptual framework is comprised of six sub-categories of indicators: 1) Built environment of the housing unit and surrounding neighborhood; 2) Offsite and onsite health and social services and resources; 3) Social integration; 4) Stability and affordability of place; 5) Emotional place attachment; and 6) Broader political and economic contexts. This framework provides a practical and meaningful contribution to the literature which can be used to promote AIRP for individuals whose experiences are often not reflected in existing models.

Aging in the Right Place for Older Adults Experiencing Housing Insecurity: An Environmental Assessment of Temporary Housing Program

“…The exterior features of the THP buildings were linked to the AIRP conceptual framework indicator “Built Environment and Surrounding Neighbourhood” [ 18 ]. The exteriors of all four buildings were rated Good or Excellent for the concepts of Functionality and Accessibility due to the presence of built environment features that are compatible with diverse users (e.g., well-maintained landscapes, accessible outdoor benches and seating areas, and available pathways and ramps).…”

“…Framing and grouping individual responses under five analytical concepts strengthen the findings as these concepts are in turnlinked to key indicators within the AIRP conceptual framework developed by Canham et al (2022). This type of built environment data reduces the gap that currently exists in the literature on the role environmental factors play in the AIRP of OPEH [ 12 , 18 ].…”

“…To identify the built environmental facilitators or barriers for OPEH to AIRP, data from Sections A, B, and C of the AIRP-ENV tool were categorized into an analytic framework of higher-level concepts linked to three indicators in the AIRP conceptual framework: (1) built environment of the housing unit and surrounding neighborhood, (3) social integration, and (5) emotional place attachment [ 18 ]. The aggregation of individual quantitative items facilitated the creation of the higher-level concepts of Functionality, Accessibility, Safety and Security, Social Activity, and Autonomy and Identity .…”

“…Considering the increase in the aging population and OPEH, there is a need for conceptual understanding and empirical evidence on how this population can more effectively AIRP. To address this gap, Canham and co-authors (2022) developed a conceptual framework consisting of key indicators of AIRP for OPEH: (1) Built environment of the housing unit and surrounding neighborhood; (2) Off-site and on-site health and social services and resources; (3) Social integration; (4) Stability and affordability of place; (5) Emotional place attachment; and (6) Broader political and economic contexts [ 18 ]. The first indicator, “built environment of the housing unit and surrounding neighborhood” is of particular interest, as an unsupportive or challenging environmental context can have detrimental and cascading effects on the experience of OPEH [ 19 ].…”

“A right place for everybody”: Supporting aging in the right place for older people experiencing homelessness

“…Among those experiencing homelessness, peers often serve as 'family' and encourage reciprocity when other support is not available (Reitzes et al, 2011). Overall, peer support, families, and informal support networks all play an important role in supporting OPEH to AIRP (Canham et al, 2022).…”