Link to the University of Pittsburgh Homepage
Link to the University Library System Homepage Link to the Contact Us Form

The Impact of Community Based Organizations: The Age-Friendly Effect

Gradisek, Adrianna T. (2020) The Impact of Community Based Organizations: The Age-Friendly Effect. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

[img]
Preview
PDF
Submitted Version

Download (839kB) | Preview

Abstract

Introduction: In the United States, the population aged 65 and older number 49.2 million representing 15.2% of the population in 2016 (1). By 2050, it is anticipated that Americans aged 65 or older will number nearly 89 million people making up 22% of the population, nearly double the number of older adults in the United States in 2013 (9). In April 2015, Southwestern Pennsylvania Partnership for Aging (SWPPA) developed a project proposal (“Create an Age-Inclusive Ecosystem in Pittsburgh”) in response to the area’s aging population and the large number of people with disabilities living in the region.
Methods: An evaluation was completed in Spring and Summer 2019 by a graduate student evaluator in the Graduate School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh and a faculty member in the Evaluation Institute at the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health, based on the quantitative data collected from participant organizations and process measures included in the Partner Tracking Tool. The tracking tool was created by Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh (AFGP) to track progress made on the 30 action items created in their action plan.
Results: Program Year 2 of the Age Friendly Greater Pittsburgh Initiative has maintained momentum since Year 1. AFGP identified that during Year 2 they planned to continue implementing action items from Year 1 while also launching several new action items. At the end of July 2019, AFGP had begun implementing 26 of the 30 action items. The result of the work over the first two years of implementation should certainly be considered significant. However, there are still action items that remain untouched or at the nascent stages. To maintain the progress and continue growth it will be crucial that continuing funding must be obtained. The interviews revealed themes surrounding positive communication among work groups, increased media attention surrounding Age-Friendly, and positive support from Age-Friendly leaders. To maintain the progress and continue growth it will be crucial that continuing funding must be obtained.
Statement of Public Health: As public health professionals, it is our duty to promote the health of all individuals, especially those within the aging population.
Conclusion: With the definite and continuous increase of older adults in our nation, it is crucial that we grow and improve to make living life more comfortable for people of all ages. This Age-Friendly model provides a checklist for cities and communities to follow to make their neighborhoods more inclusive for all ages.


Share

Citation/Export:
Social Networking:
Share |

Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Gradisek, Adrianna T.agradisek22@gmail.comadg100@pitt.edu0000-0003-4085-3959
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Thesis AdvisorElias, Thistleelias@pitt.edu
Committee MemberFelter, ElizabethEMFELTER@pitt.edu
Committee MemberJin, BonnieBJIN@pitt.edu
Date: 30 July 2020
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 6 April 2020
Approval Date: 30 July 2020
Submission Date: 31 March 2020
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Number of Pages: 52
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
Degree: MPH - Master of Public Health
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: N/A
Date Deposited: 30 Jul 2020 17:11
Last Modified: 30 Jul 2020 17:11
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/38489

Metrics

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics


Actions (login required)

View Item View Item