September 19, 2025 • 13 mins
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Aging in place is fundamentally about choice and community support, not stubbornness or isolation. A robust network of connections transforms aging at home from merely surviving to genuinely thriving with dignity and independence.
• Strong social connections lead to fewer hospitalizations and longer lives
• Community support makes aging at home more affordable than institutional care
Whether you're an older adult seeking resources, a family member supporting a loved one, or someone interested in strengthening your community, this episode offers both inspiration and practical starting points. Because ultimately, aging is a journey best traveled together.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
Welcome to the Aging in Place Directory podcast,
where we explore the journey ofgrowing older with dignity,
independence and a little morejoy every day.
I'm your host, robin Schiltz,and today we're unpacking a
topic that is not only close tomy heart but deeply important to
millions the role of communitysupport in aging in place.
(00:55):
The role of community supportin aging in place.
Imagine this You've built yourlife in a home full of memories,
in a neighborhood where themail carrier knows your name and
you can recite your neighbor'skids' names like clockwork as
the years go by.
It's natural to want to remainrooted to age in place, but
thriving at home isn't justabout ramps and grab bars.
(01:16):
It's about the people, servicesand connections that surround
us.
So, whether you're an olderadult, a caring family member, a
professional or simply curious,stick with us.
We're going to journey intoheartwarming stories, real
challenges and fresh ideas forbuilding community webs that
catch and carry us as we age.
(01:38):
Here we go.
So let's start by busting amyth Aging in place is not about
stubbornly refusing help orclinging to every old trinket in
the attic At its heart.
It's about choice having theability and support to live
where and how you want, safelyand independently for as long as
(01:59):
possible.
Picture Judy, a retired teacherwho still greets her students at
the grocery store decades later.
She doesn't want to move to anunfamiliar place where every
corridor looks the same.
She wants the freedom to wakeup in her own bed, make coffee
in her favorite kitchen andstroll through her flower-filled
(02:20):
gardens.
These aren't little luxuries.
They're anchors of well-beingand identity.
But let's be real as we age,everyday life can bring new
challenges A slippery sidewalk,complex medication schedules,
isolation or even just too manystairs.
This is where community supportcomes into play.
(02:41):
When we say community, we'retalking about the people,
programs and services, bothformal and informal, that help
Judy and others like her smilefrom their familiar front doors
year after year.
So what is community support?
Well, it's a multi-layerednetwork and to really see its
(03:02):
magic we need to zoom in and out.
The family and friends are theoriginal community.
These are the folks who checkin, bring over soup when you're
sick, troubleshoot a stubborn TVremote or accompany you to
medical appointments.
Sometimes they're your lifeline, other times just a source of
camaraderie and laughter.
(03:24):
Then there's neighbors.
Remember block parties andborrowed cups of sugar In aging.
A neighbor who notices yourmailbox overflowing becomes
crucial.
They might shovel a walkway orjust share a smile.
Neighborhood Facebook andWhatsApp groups can quickly
mobilize help for those who needit.
(03:45):
Then there's local organizationsSenior centers, libraries,
faith communities and areaagencies on aging offer
everything from exercise classesto transportation, meal
delivery to friendly phone calls.
Their role is critical,especially for those with
limited family.
Then there's volunteers Neverunderestimate the power of a
(04:09):
friendly visitor or a volunteerdriver.
Volunteers extend the reach offamilies and organizations,
often bringing not just help butcompanionship and richness to
daily life.
There's also the health careand social services aspect.
Nurses, home health aides,therapists, case managers
(04:30):
they're the pros with expertiseand heart and heart.
Community-based care teamsbridge the gap between the
clinic and the home,coordinating resources and
providing medical and emotionalsupport.
And then there's informalnetworks book clubs, walking
groups, hobby circles.
These are often the trueconnectors, offering purpose,
(04:52):
routine and a reason to get upin the morning.
In essence, community support isthe invisible scaffolding that
lets older adults feel seen,valued and, most importantly,
not alone.
So why is all this support soimportant?
Well, let's break it down.
There's health outcomes.
Studies consistently show thatolder adults with strong social
(05:15):
networks have fewerhospitalizations, lower risk of
depression and even live longer.
Social isolation, on the otherhand, carries health risks
comparable to smoking 15cigarettes a day.
Community support enablespeople to handle daily tasks
getting groceries, managingmedications, even maintaining
(05:37):
the house that otherwise mightforce a premature move to
assisted living.
Aging at home with goodcommunity support is often far
less expensive than long-termcare facilities For older adults
on a fixed income.
This support isn't just nice,it's essential.
And who wouldn't want to beaging while surrounded by
(05:59):
friends, memories and favoritehaunts?
Community support turns justsurviving into truly thriving.
And in case you think this onlymatters for people who are ill
or frail, think again.
Even the most robust seniorseventually need a hand with
something.
Community doesn't ask are youstruggling?
It says we're here just in case.
(06:23):
Of course, building thiscommunity network isn't always
smooth sailing.
So let's talk about some of theroadblocks.
There's changing neighborhoods.
Maybe your neighbors are new orthe area feels less tight-knit
than it used to.
Urban areas in particular canstruggle with anonymity.
Then there's transportationissues.
(06:44):
When public transit isn'treliable or accessible, getting
to events, appointments or evencoffee with friends can feel
like a Mount Everest expedition.
Then there's pride andindependence.
Many older adults are hesitantto seek help.
They're worried about being aburden or seeming weak.
Then there's the digital divide.
(07:05):
Today, so many communityresources and events are
coordinated online.
For seniors, without internetaccess or digital skills, this
can be very isolating.
Then there's health andmobility.
Declining health and mobilitycan make it hard to join
community activities, even whenthe will is there.
(07:26):
So how do we tackle these?
Well, here are a few solutionsgetting real-world traction.
There are community navigators.
These are trained locals whoact as social concierges,
helping older adults tap intoservices and neighborhood
networks.
There's ride-sharing forseniors.
Programs like GoGo, grandparentor Volunteer Driver Networks
(07:50):
provide alternatives when publictransit fails.
There's senior tech training.
Libraries and agencies nowoffer workshops that teach
everything from online shoppingto how to video call your
grandkids.
And there's inclusive buildingdesign.
Town planners are starting todesign spaces with everyone in
(08:10):
mind.
We're thinking benches,accessible sidewalks and clear
signage.
The challenges are real, but soare the creative solutions.
Every little effort can spark aripple, so let's take a break
from theory and sprinkle in someinspiration.
I've gathered a few favoritestories from across the country
that really capture the spiritof community support.
(08:33):
There's the Village Movement,started in Boston.
The Village model is amember-driven grassroots network
.
Members pay modest dues and inreturn, get access to help with
chores, social events, vettedservice providers and a Rolodex
of trusted volunteers.
Now there are over 250 villagesin the US and growing Villages
(08:58):
help turn wouldn't it be nice ifsomeone could help with into
absolutely let's connect you.
Then there's theintergenerational aspect.
Meet Grace, 86 years old, whojoined a program pairing older
adults with college students forweekly dinners.
Grace taught her student friendhow to make lasagna.
(09:21):
In return she got tech tutoringand, best of all, a regular
dose of laughter.
Both said the friendshipchanged their outlook on aging
and adulthood.
Then there's Home Repair Angels.
In Tulsa, a group of retiredcontractors put on bright yellow
(09:41):
t-shirts and take on requestsfor home safety fixes Grab bars,
ramps, leaky faucets.
Homeowners pay what they canFor the volunteers.
It's all.
Silver Surfer Squad, a libraryin Arizona started a Silver
(10:02):
Surfer Club helping older adultslearn how to use smartphones
and the internet.
Sessions turned into socialhours and now the regulars even
organize outings and movienights.
These stories aren't isolated,they're spreading and they
underscore what we all craveConnection, purpose and
belonging.
(10:22):
So you think this all soundsgood, but you're not sure where
to start.
Well, here's a quick starterpack for both sides of the
support equation For olderadults.
Reach out to local seniorcenters, libraries, faith groups
or neighborhood associations.
Get techy, don't be shy.
(10:42):
Ask for help learning yoursmartphone or computer.
Stay visible.
Attend local events, join awalking group or start a regular
coffee date.
Ask for help.
Your needs are valid.
Allowing others to assist youcreates happier communities for
everyone For family and friends.
Make sure you check in on yoursenior loved one regularly
(11:05):
Sometimes a quick call means theworld and offer that person
specific help.
Instead of saying Let me knowif you need anything, try
something more specific, likeCan I bring groceries on Friday?
And encourage independence, butwatch for signs that someone
may need extra support Forprofessionals and organizations.
(11:27):
Foster partnerships.
Bring together health services,local government and volunteer
groups.
Prioritize accessibility andinclusion in every program.
Offer training and respite forcaregivers Community support
often starts with them.
And now let's talk about thefuture of aging in place.
(11:49):
The landscape of aging isevolving.
More people are choosing orneeding to remain at home and
community support systems areadapting in dynamic ways.
Tech's advances mean we canconnect more easily, monitor
safety remotely and accesstelehealth.
Urban planners are creatingage-friendly cities with
(12:13):
universal design.
Multi-generational living is onthe rise, offering new kinds of
neighborhood bonds.
But even with the besttechnology and policies, human
connection remains irreplaceable.
The cups of coffee, sharedstories and neighborly waves
ultimately underpin everysuccessful aging in place story.
(12:34):
So as we look to the future,let's keep asking how can we
make sure no one ages alone orunseen?
The answers will be as diverseand beautiful as the communities
we live in.
Thank you for joining me todayon this episode of the Aging in
Place Directory podcast.
Today we celebrated the powerof community and the glue that
(12:57):
holds our homes and heartstogether as we age.
Whether you're buildingnetworks, offering a helping
hand or finding your owncommunity, know that you're a
vital part of what makes Agingin Place not just possible but
full of life.
So thanks for joining me todayand until next time, stay
connected, stay curious andremember that aging is a journey
(13:19):
best traveled together.
Take care.
Bye-bye.
Welcome to the Aging in Place Directory podcast,
where we explore the journey ofgrowing older with dignity,
independence and a little morejoy every day.
I'm your host, robin Schiltz,and today we're unpacking a
topic that is not only close tomy heart but deeply important to
millions the role of communitysupport in aging in place.
(00:55):
The role of community supportin aging in place.
Imagine this You've built yourlife in a home full of memories,
in a neighborhood where themail carrier knows your name and
you can recite your neighbor'skids' names like clockwork as
the years go by.
It's natural to want to remainrooted to age in place, but
thriving at home isn't justabout ramps and grab bars.
(01:16):
It's about the people, servicesand connections that surround
us.
So, whether you're an olderadult, a caring family member, a
professional or simply curious,stick with us.
We're going to journey intoheartwarming stories, real
challenges and fresh ideas forbuilding community webs that
catch and carry us as we age.
(01:38):
Here we go.
So let's start by busting amyth Aging in place is not about
stubbornly refusing help orclinging to every old trinket in
the attic At its heart.
It's about choice having theability and support to live
where and how you want, safelyand independently for as long as
(01:59):
possible.
Picture Judy, a retired teacherwho still greets her students at
the grocery store decades later.
She doesn't want to move to anunfamiliar place where every
corridor looks the same.
She wants the freedom to wakeup in her own bed, make coffee
in her favorite kitchen andstroll through her flower-filled
(02:20):
gardens.
These aren't little luxuries.
They're anchors of well-beingand identity.
But let's be real as we age,everyday life can bring new
challenges A slippery sidewalk,complex medication schedules,
isolation or even just too manystairs.
This is where community supportcomes into play.
(02:41):
When we say community, we'retalking about the people,
programs and services, bothformal and informal, that help
Judy and others like her smilefrom their familiar front doors
year after year.
So what is community support?
Well, it's a multi-layerednetwork and to really see its
(03:02):
magic we need to zoom in and out.
The family and friends are theoriginal community.
These are the folks who checkin, bring over soup when you're
sick, troubleshoot a stubborn TVremote or accompany you to
medical appointments.
Sometimes they're your lifeline, other times just a source of
camaraderie and laughter.
(03:24):
Then there's neighbors.
Remember block parties andborrowed cups of sugar In aging.
A neighbor who notices yourmailbox overflowing becomes
crucial.
They might shovel a walkway orjust share a smile.
Neighborhood Facebook andWhatsApp groups can quickly
mobilize help for those who needit.
(03:45):
Then there's local organizationsSenior centers, libraries,
faith communities and areaagencies on aging offer
everything from exercise classesto transportation, meal
delivery to friendly phone calls.
Their role is critical,especially for those with
limited family.
Then there's volunteers Neverunderestimate the power of a
(04:09):
friendly visitor or a volunteerdriver.
Volunteers extend the reach offamilies and organizations,
often bringing not just help butcompanionship and richness to
daily life.
There's also the health careand social services aspect.
Nurses, home health aides,therapists, case managers
(04:30):
they're the pros with expertiseand heart and heart.
Community-based care teamsbridge the gap between the
clinic and the home,coordinating resources and
providing medical and emotionalsupport.
And then there's informalnetworks book clubs, walking
groups, hobby circles.
These are often the trueconnectors, offering purpose,
(04:52):
routine and a reason to get upin the morning.
In essence, community support isthe invisible scaffolding that
lets older adults feel seen,valued and, most importantly,
not alone.
So why is all this support soimportant?
Well, let's break it down.
There's health outcomes.
Studies consistently show thatolder adults with strong social
(05:15):
networks have fewerhospitalizations, lower risk of
depression and even live longer.
Social isolation, on the otherhand, carries health risks
comparable to smoking 15cigarettes a day.
Community support enablespeople to handle daily tasks
getting groceries, managingmedications, even maintaining
(05:37):
the house that otherwise mightforce a premature move to
assisted living.
Aging at home with goodcommunity support is often far
less expensive than long-termcare facilities For older adults
on a fixed income.
This support isn't just nice,it's essential.
And who wouldn't want to beaging while surrounded by
(05:59):
friends, memories and favoritehaunts?
Community support turns justsurviving into truly thriving.
And in case you think this onlymatters for people who are ill
or frail, think again.
Even the most robust seniorseventually need a hand with
something.
Community doesn't ask are youstruggling?
It says we're here just in case.
(06:23):
Of course, building thiscommunity network isn't always
smooth sailing.
So let's talk about some of theroadblocks.
There's changing neighborhoods.
Maybe your neighbors are new orthe area feels less tight-knit
than it used to.
Urban areas in particular canstruggle with anonymity.
Then there's transportationissues.
(06:44):
When public transit isn'treliable or accessible, getting
to events, appointments or evencoffee with friends can feel
like a Mount Everest expedition.
Then there's pride andindependence.
Many older adults are hesitantto seek help.
They're worried about being aburden or seeming weak.
Then there's the digital divide.
(07:05):
Today, so many communityresources and events are
coordinated online.
For seniors, without internetaccess or digital skills, this
can be very isolating.
Then there's health andmobility.
Declining health and mobilitycan make it hard to join
community activities, even whenthe will is there.
(07:26):
So how do we tackle these?
Well, here are a few solutionsgetting real-world traction.
There are community navigators.
These are trained locals whoact as social concierges,
helping older adults tap intoservices and neighborhood
networks.
There's ride-sharing forseniors.
Programs like GoGo, grandparentor Volunteer Driver Networks
(07:50):
provide alternatives when publictransit fails.
There's senior tech training.
Libraries and agencies nowoffer workshops that teach
everything from online shoppingto how to video call your
grandkids.
And there's inclusive buildingdesign.
Town planners are starting todesign spaces with everyone in
(08:10):
mind.
We're thinking benches,accessible sidewalks and clear
signage.
The challenges are real, but soare the creative solutions.
Every little effort can spark aripple, so let's take a break
from theory and sprinkle in someinspiration.
I've gathered a few favoritestories from across the country
that really capture the spiritof community support.
(08:33):
There's the Village Movement,started in Boston.
The Village model is amember-driven grassroots network
.
Members pay modest dues and inreturn, get access to help with
chores, social events, vettedservice providers and a Rolodex
of trusted volunteers.
Now there are over 250 villagesin the US and growing Villages
(08:58):
help turn wouldn't it be nice ifsomeone could help with into
absolutely let's connect you.
Then there's theintergenerational aspect.
Meet Grace, 86 years old, whojoined a program pairing older
adults with college students forweekly dinners.
Grace taught her student friendhow to make lasagna.
(09:21):
In return she got tech tutoringand, best of all, a regular
dose of laughter.
Both said the friendshipchanged their outlook on aging
and adulthood.
Then there's Home Repair Angels.
In Tulsa, a group of retiredcontractors put on bright yellow
(09:41):
t-shirts and take on requestsfor home safety fixes Grab bars,
ramps, leaky faucets.
Homeowners pay what they canFor the volunteers.
It's all.
Silver Surfer Squad, a libraryin Arizona started a Silver
(10:02):
Surfer Club helping older adultslearn how to use smartphones
and the internet.
Sessions turned into socialhours and now the regulars even
organize outings and movienights.
These stories aren't isolated,they're spreading and they
underscore what we all craveConnection, purpose and
belonging.
(10:22):
So you think this all soundsgood, but you're not sure where
to start.
Well, here's a quick starterpack for both sides of the
support equation For olderadults.
Reach out to local seniorcenters, libraries, faith groups
or neighborhood associations.
Get techy, don't be shy.
(10:42):
Ask for help learning yoursmartphone or computer.
Stay visible.
Attend local events, join awalking group or start a regular
coffee date.
Ask for help.
Your needs are valid.
Allowing others to assist youcreates happier communities for
everyone For family and friends.
Make sure you check in on yoursenior loved one regularly
(11:05):
Sometimes a quick call means theworld and offer that person
specific help.
Instead of saying Let me knowif you need anything, try
something more specific, likeCan I bring groceries on Friday?
And encourage independence, butwatch for signs that someone
may need extra support Forprofessionals and organizations.
(11:27):
Foster partnerships.
Bring together health services,local government and volunteer
groups.
Prioritize accessibility andinclusion in every program.
Offer training and respite forcaregivers Community support
often starts with them.
And now let's talk about thefuture of aging in place.
(11:49):
The landscape of aging isevolving.
More people are choosing orneeding to remain at home and
community support systems areadapting in dynamic ways.
Tech's advances mean we canconnect more easily, monitor
safety remotely and accesstelehealth.
Urban planners are creatingage-friendly cities with
(12:13):
universal design.
Multi-generational living is onthe rise, offering new kinds of
neighborhood bonds.
But even with the besttechnology and policies, human
connection remains irreplaceable.
The cups of coffee, sharedstories and neighborly waves
ultimately underpin everysuccessful aging in place story.
(12:34):
So as we look to the future,let's keep asking how can we
make sure no one ages alone orunseen?
The answers will be as diverseand beautiful as the communities
we live in.
Thank you for joining me todayon this episode of the Aging in
Place Directory podcast.
Today we celebrated the powerof community and the glue that
(12:57):
holds our homes and heartstogether as we age.
Whether you're buildingnetworks, offering a helping
hand or finding your owncommunity, know that you're a
vital part of what makes Agingin Place not just possible but
full of life.
So thanks for joining me todayand until next time, stay
connected, stay curious andremember that aging is a journey
(13:19):
best traveled together.
Take care.
Bye-bye.
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