Environmental supports for aging in place at the home and community levels

Aging in place is a common topic among gerontologists, policy-makers, older adults, and other stakeholders, and is widely recognized as the most desirable option for older adults in Canada. A critical synthesis of the literature related to home-level and community-level environmental supports for older adults to age in place is presented in this capstone project. Two distinct literature reviews were conducted on the following topics: a) home modifications for older adults, and b) age-friendly community-based programs, services, and features for older adults. This research project is guided and informed by selected theories in environmental gerontology, including Lawton and Nahemow's (1973) seminal ecological theory of aging, or person-environment fit model. The findings and analysis of this project work to bridge existing concepts of aging in place (AIP) and age-friendly communities (AFC), and provides implications for future research and policy development for supporting independence and well-being of community dwelling older adults in Canada.