Domains of Impact

The World Health Organization and AARP have identified Eight Domains to focus on when evaluating the livable and age friendliness of a community.  While we maintained those Eight Domains as the framework, we added a number of questions related to barriers and exclusions.  Our Community Survey and subsequent interviews were developed and organized by these Domains.  The Eight Domains are:

1. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings - Public areas are safe and clean.  The pavement are well-maintained; there are sufficient pedestrian crossings and streets are well lit.  Green spaces offer walking and biking paths, as well as many safe places to stop and rest.  Sidewalks are accessible throughout the community and are safe and wide.

2. Transportation - Public transportation is reliable and affordable.  A variety of transportation services are offered.  Vehicles are well maintained and accessible for people with disabilities.  Roads and intersections are safe.  Public parking is obtainable and priority and handicap spaces are respected.

3. Housing - Residents have the resources to age in place and to remain in their homes for as long as they desire.  Sufficient affordable housing is available in a safe environment close to services and the rest of the community.  Housing is modified for safety and accessibility.  Affordable facilities for frail and older adults with disabilities are available locally and offer appropriate services.

4. Social Participation - Various activities and groups are available and there are outreach efforts to reach those at risk of social isolation.

5. Respect and Social Inclusion - Events are conveniently located, open to all ages, and affordable. Good information is provided for events.  The opinion of older adults [as well as younger residents] are respected, and they are recognized for past and current contributions.

6. Employment and Civic Participation - Flexible volunteering and work opportunities are available for all.  Training is offered and workplaces are adapted to meet the needs of all employees.  The qualities of older workers are promoted and employers are forbidden to discriminate by age alone.

7. Communication and Information - Communication and information is easily accessible for all ages.  There are various ways of retrieving information including spoken, recorded, and written materials.  The community has easily accessible public computers.

8. Community Support and Health Services - A range of health care facilities are available through the community and easily accessible by all people.  Residents have several in-home care options.  There are opportunities for health education and improvement.

Introduction.  The work we have undertaken was based on a public engagement effort through the use of a Community Survey, analysis of comments on the Survey, focus groups, interviews, a literature and research review, and the work of the Core Team.  

Process.  The process began in 2019 with our designation as an AARP Age-Friendly community.  Because of Covid, there was almost no activities involving others during the first two years.  Instead, we focused on research and learning about other Age Friendly and Livable communities and reviewing reports and information specifically about Yellow Springs and Greene County.

The Community Survey.  In 2021, we developed the Community Survey, with input from the Inclusive & Resilient Coalition, the Senior Center, and the Research Staff at Wright State University.  A key element was to make sure the Survey results would be statistically significant.  The Survey was in written form as well as online.

    Population of Yellow Springs- 3,872

    Representative Sample- 500

We mailed to 500 adult residents of Yellow Springs using every other name from Voter rolls.  Additionally, residents could respond to the Survey using a QR code.

    Written Responses- 137 or 27% of those mailed

    On-line Responses- 33

    Total   170

Working with Mike Bottomley, Senior Statistical Consultant at Wright State University, we analyzed the responses to determine if they corresponded to the demographics of the community by race and ethnicity.  They did as follows:

  Yellow Springs     Surveys

African American/Black   11.9 %              11.7%

White                                             78.1% 76.0%

Asian                                               1.4%               1.0%

Hispanic                                        2.0%                1.9%

The totals do not add up to 100% because some people indicated that they were of two races/ethnicities and we did not have a category for that.

We held four focus groups, interviewed an additional 20 individuals, and reviewed the written comments. We were excited to see how many people added written comments to what was already a very long Survey (75 Questions).  The comments added valuable information and insight about people’s lived experiences and demonstrated how much they cared about the issues reflected in the Eight Domains.