Age-Friendly Community Assessment: Integration of World Health Organization and GIS Methods

Changing demographics have prompted many communities to engage in age-friendly planning and programming with the goal of creating environments that maximize opportunities for health and security for older adults. These efforts require accurate information reflecting an understanding of the social determinants of health and use of reporting strategies that appeal to an array of stakeholders. This study gathered information from older adults, caregivers of older adults, and service agencies in Boise Idaho using a modified WHO Age-friendly Cities model. An environmental scan of services available in the area was also conducted and reported using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology. The information from individuals, the scan and U.S. census were then compiled to provide an interactive asset and gap analysis. Overall, survey and focus group participants viewed Boise as a friendly community, where people are courteous to older adults. Gaps identified by key informants were related to inclusion, accessibility, and affordability. For example, almost 40% of older adults reported not being “regularly consulted by public, volunteer, and commercial services on how to serve them better.” Overlaying maps of demographic distributions and income levels with available services and transportation routes identified gaps in access to social and health related resources. Findings have been shared with city leadership and members of the City Council and will be presented to local public health and transportation professionals, older adults from the community, and business and civic organizations. The results from this multi-sector assessment provide essential baseline information for action and ongoing monitoring and evaluation.