AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES: STEPPING AWAY FROM AGE SEGREGATION AND RACIAL AND ECONOMIC DISPARITIES

Despite efforts to develop cities to be more livable, older adults continue to struggle with social disconnectedness. Inclusive environments can help older adults develop a sense of belonging to others and the community. Using the Age-Friendly Columbus survey data (n=346), this study examined whether perceptions of an age-friendliness can be predicted by factors affecting social identity and if racial and economic disparities influence older adults’ perceptions of social identity. A lack of opportunities to socialize with different generations and feeling disconnected from the community were associated with an increased likelihood of negative perceptions of age-friendliness of the city. The oldest old, compared to the young old, were more likely to agree with the lack of opportunities for intergenerational engagement, and lower income older adults were more likely to agree with feeling disconnected from the community. GIS mapping revealed age segregation in the city, in relationship to racial and economic disparities.