Source: NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIV submitted to
AGING IN PLACE: WHAT LOW INCOME NORTH CAROLINA ELDERLY HOMEOWNERS ARE DOING TO REMAIN IN THEIR HOMES
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
EVANS-ALLEN
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0230314
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
NCX-273-5-13-170-1
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2012
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2015
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Lee, SU.
Recipient Organization
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIV
1601 EAST MARKET STREET
GREENSBORO,NC 27411
Performing Department
Family and Consumer Sciences
Non Technical Summary
Homeownership is a traditional American value and a significant part of the American dream because of the associated sense of security. In North Carolina 68% of the population were homeowners with over 80% of the homeowners aged 65 and older (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). This figure will continue to rise as the baby boomer generation continues to age. In the current economic climate, creating homes and supportive environments to ensure residents are able to enjoy a high quality of life throughout their lifespan contributes to viable communities. This issue is critical to NC given the size of its rural geography and the percentage of elderly homeowners. Little if any research exists related to the identification and application of aging-in-place strategies utilized by NC elderly homeowners. The purpose of the proposed research is to assess strategies utilized by North Carolina elderly homeowners to age in place, in particular, older limited resource homeowners who are currently aging in place and who desire to age in place. Five project objectives will guide the study: (1) To assess the perception of adults 55 and older, who are homeowners with limited resources, regarding the quality of their environment to age in place successfully, (2) To determine the indicators that influence the concept of aging-in-place among elderly homeowners in North Carolina, (3) To assess homeowners' perception of strategies and needs to successfully age in place, (4) To assess homeowners' knowledge of programs and services that support aging-in-place, and (5) To disseminate research results through such venues as publications, presentations, and newsletters. This project will be implemented using a two-phase procedure to explore elderly households in terms of aging-in-place housing environment and to develop and test a model of aging-in-place. This research will enhance the knowledge and provide baseline data related to the decision making process of homeowners aged 55 and over with limited resources, in terms of their choices related to aging-in-place. The research will identify types of housing repairs and improvements needed for older limited resource homeowners to age in place, types of support services, plans to remain in their homes, services that are needed to remain in their homes, and ways in which currently available services might be improved for older limited resource homeowners. The results will provide information related to the potential cost savings for homeowners who have the ability to age in place versus living in senior housing types [e.g., CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community)]. The results will guide policymakers who are involved in developing future housing programs or social policies for current and future elderly in NC. The results will assist non-profit organizations and/or NC local communities in better understanding and serving elderly populations as related to aging-in-place.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
8015320308030%
8045320308040%
8046020310020%
6085320209010%
Knowledge Area
804 - Human Environmental Issues Concerning Apparel, Textiles, and Residential and Commercial Structures; 608 - Community Resource Planning and Development; 801 - Individual and Family Resource Management;

Subject Of Investigation
5320 - Houses (human residences), furniture, household equipment, non-textile furnishings; 6020 - The family and its members;

Field Of Science
2090 - Statistics, econometrics, and biometrics; 3080 - Sociology; 3100 - Management;
Goals / Objectives
The purpose of the proposed research is to assess strategies utilized by North Carolina elderly homeowners to age in place, in particular, older limited resource homeowners who are currently aging in place and who desire to age in place. Five project objectives will guide the study: (1) To assess the perception of adults 55 and older, who are homeowners with limited resources, regarding the quality of their environment to age in place successfully, (2) To determine the indicators that influence the concept of aging-in-place among elderly homeowners in North Carolina, (3) To assess homeowners' perception of strategies and needs to successfully age in place, (4) To assess homeowners' knowledge of programs and services that support aging-in-place, and (5) To disseminate research results through such venues as publications, presentations, and newsletters. Expected outputs will be: (1) Perceptions of the elderly households regarding aging-in-place, (2) Results of statistical analyses of elderly, (3) Recommendations for policymakers, local communities, non-profit organizations, and housing professionals, (4) Brochures to educate elders and local communities regarding aging-in-place, (5) Skilled undergraduate/ graduate students in Housing and Social sciences, (6) A number of workshops for community educations, and (7) A number of professional presentations and publications
Project Methods
This project will be implemented using a two-phase procedure to explore elderly households in terms of aging-in-place housing environment, and to develop and test an instrument with a sample of elderly residents. The target population of this study will be homeowners aged 55 and older in North Carolina, with limited resources who are currently aging in place and who desire to age-in-place. For Phase I (site visitation for personal interviews with a mixture of closed and open ended questions), a sample size of 50 to 60 residents who are homeowners aged 55 and over, have completed home modifications, have limited resources, and currently live in Greensboro, NC will be recruited for one-to-one site (home) visitation. The personal interview will be conducted based on a mixture of closed and open ended questions. The Greensboro Housing Coalition, the County Inspection Department, and the Health Department will be sources when selecting the sample for the Phase I study. The personal interview will elicit a full range of ideas, attitudes, experiences, and opinions related to aging-in-place. Personal interviews, particularly, responses from the open-ended questions will be videotaped and tape recorded. Open ended questions will include factors that influence the choice of housing and location, strategies employed related to planning for retirement, health concerns, behaviors related to health and physical activity, perceptions of the community environment, modifications made to their homes, and views related to financial, physical, social and environmental factors that impact their ability to remain in their homes. Specifically, the interviews will identify housing problems that would affect the ability of limited resource older homeowners to remain in their homes, and social/public and other support services that would be needed for aging-in-place. Results from the personal interview in Phase I will be used to develop a model (strategy) for 'aging-in-place' in North Carolina and to devise a survey instrument to apply to rural NC elderly residents who want to age in place. In Phase II (Site visitation for personal interviews with the instrument), an 'aging-in-place' instrument developed in Phase I will be applied to NC rural elderly homeowners who are aged 55 and over, plan to age in place, have limited resources, and have not modified their homes. Approximately, 50 to 60 participants will be recruited for personal interviews via site visitation. As an incentive to participate, each participant in Phase I and II will be given a $20 gift card. Data Analysis Procedures: In Phase I, after conducting personal interviews, (1) responses from the closed questions will be coded and analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, and (2) those from the open ended questions will be transcribed to conduct content analysis by using NVivo9 software. For Phase II, the responses from the survey instrument will be analyzed using the SPSS.

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences are low income North Carolina elderly homeowners, community leaders, policymakers, academic professionals, and non-profit organizations. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two graduate students in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at N.C. A&T have been involved in "Aging In Place" research project and given the opportunity to present housing related research at two professional conferences. One graduate student had a poster research presentation, titled "Exploring the residential environment of elderly homeowners with limited resources in North Carolina" at the 2015 NCAFCS (North Carolina Association of Family & Consumer Sciences) Annual Conference, Hickory, NC, March 2015; and another student had a poster presentation titled "Aging in place: Exploring neighborhood and town environment of limited resource elderly populations" at the 4rd SAES (School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences) Annual Student Showcase of Excellence, Greensboro NC, September 2015. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?One research presentation based on qualitative interview data has been made as a dissemination effort [i.e., Poster presentation at a regional conference, NCAFCS (North Carolina Association of Family & Consumer Sciences) on March 22, 2015]. Also, the PI has participated in the Board of Directors of the Greensboro Housing Coalition (non-profit organization whose mission is for fair, decent, and affordable housing for low- and moderate-income people and those with special needs); and is currently serving as the Vice Chair for GHC BOD. This civic engagement provides an excellent opportunity to enhance public interest and understanding of aging issues. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Update: Qualitative data analyses for Phase I were completed, which led to the development of an Aging-In-Place (AIP) Survey Instrument for Phase II. IRB approval for the AIP Survey was competed on March 17th 2015. From April to May, the Housing Research Team completed survey data collection with 51 responses from NC rural homeowners aged 55 and over (The proposed goal for Phase II was 50 to 60 participants). By June, a quantitative data analysis was completed. Major Findings: RQ1. What kinds of housing problems place their remaining in their home at risk? The majority of elderly participants lived in a one story and single detached home where the universal design concept was not applied when the house was built. Even though they have completed home modifications (e.g., grab bars, insulation, ramps, doors and etc.) within the past 5 years, they still need improvements; but their limited financial situations hinder their ability to improve their housing quality. Some elderly homeowners still had a mortgage payment as well. RQ2. What kinds of social support services do they need to remain in their homes? In this study, most had limited resources, and their financial situation was not secure. However, the majority were heavily dependent on funding from: Social Security or Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or Supplemental Security Income. These funding sources are not sufficient to maintain their daily living needs. RQ3. What kinds of other support services do they need to remain in their homes? Besides home modification support within the community, few elders received or knew about care support within the community. Their informal support network was important for maintaining their financial well-being, independent living, and health. The network included their family (children or grandchildren), church, friends, or neighbors. Senior services to include meals, possible caregiver resources, transportation, home maintenance resources are needed to help them remain in their home. Impact: As homeowners age, their quality of life at home is a concern if the homes are not built to accommodate their physical challenges (i.e., home accessibility issues). The Housing Research Team conducted an "Aging-In-Place" study with elderly homeowners with limited resources who desire to age-in-place. The results of the project reveal that with home modifications, elderly homeowners with limited resources can improve their well-being and quality of life and implement their desire to aging in place; and if they are able to remain in their homes, the community benefits from satisfied homeowners who provide neighborhood stability, are more engaged in community activities, and contribute financially to the economic growth of their community.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2016 Citation: Parrott, K., Lee, S., Giddings, V. L., Robinson, S. R., & Brown, G. Educational needs and opportunities with aging adults: Listening to limited resource elderly homeowners. Journal of Extension. (In review).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Lee, S., Ahn, M., Kwon, H., & Kim, S. (2015). Housing satisfaction of 55+ single-person householders in U.S. urban communities. Journal of the Korean Housing Association, 26 (5), 27-35. doi:10.6107/JKHA.2015.26.5.027
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Kwon, H., Ahn, M., Lee, S, & Kim, S. (2015). U.S. baby boomers desire to age in place and residential satisfaction. Journal of Housing for the Elderly, 29(4), 348-372. doi: 10.1080/02763893.2015.1055028
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ahn, M., & Lee, S. (2015). Housing satisfaction of older single-person householders in U.S. rural communities: A predictor of quality of life for people 55 or older. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 1-33. doi: 10.1177/0733464815577142 [SSCI (Social Sciences Citation Index) Journal].
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Lee, S., Ahn, M., Kwon, H., & Kim, S. (2015). Housing satisfaction of 55+ single householders in U.S. urban communities. Proceedings of the 2015 Asia-Pacific Network for Housing Research Conference, 116.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Lee, S., Parrott, K. R., Giddings, V. L., Robinson, S. R., & Brown, G. (2015, June). Aging in place: Home modifications to low income elderly homeowners. Paper presented at the 2015 AAFCS (American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences) Annual Conference, Jacksonville, FL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ray, S., Lee, S., Giddings, V. L., & Robinson, S. R. (2015, March). Exploring the residential environment of elderly homeowners with limited resources in North Carolina. Poster session presented at the 2015 NCAFCS (North Carolina Association of Family & Consumer Sciences) Annual Conference, Hickory, NC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Lee, S., Giddings, V. L., & Robinson, S. R. (2014). North Carolina elderly homeowners with limited resources: Aging-in-place (preliminary analysis). Proceedings of the 2014 Annual Conference of the Housing Education and Research Association, 45-46.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Kwon, H., Lee, S., Ahn, M., & Kim, S. (2014). U.S. baby boomers wants in sustainable housing. Proceedings of the 2014 Annual Conference of the Housing Education and Research Association, 41-42.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Lee, S., Parrott, R. K., Giddings, V. L., & Robinson, S. R. (2014). Exploring aging in place constraints of North Carolina elderly homeowners with limited resources. Proceedings of the 2014 Korean American Professionals South-Atlantic Regional Conference, 13.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences are low income North Carolina elderly homeowners, community leaders, policymakers, academic professionals, and non-profit organizations. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Two graduate students in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at N.C. A&T have been introduced to "Aging In Place" research project and given the opportunity to present housing related research at two professional conferences. One graduate student had a poster research presentation, titled "Exploring issues of children and their caregivers in Southern United States" at the 71st Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, Tuskegee, AL, December 2013; and another student had a poster presentation titled "Exploring the residential environment of elderly homeowners in North Carolina" at the 3rd SAES (School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences) Annual Student Showcase of Excellence, Greensboro N.C., September 2014. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Two research presentations based on preliminary data results have been made as a dissemination effort: one in a regional conference, NCAFCS (North Carolina Association of Family & Consumer Sciences) on February 22, 2014 and another one at N.C. A&T to research scientists via the SAES Ag Research Seminar on March 25, 2014. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The purpose of the proposed research is to assess strategies utilized by North Carolina elderly homeowners having limited resources to age in place, and to apply these strategies to the elderly in rural N.C. locations based on their housing and public/social needs to successfully age in place. This project will be implemented using a two-phase procedure. Phase I includes site visitation in the Greensboro, N.C. area for personal interviews with a mixture of closed and open ended questions; and Phase II includes site visitation in rural N.C. areas for personal interviews with the instrument. The interview procedures in Phase I support the following objectives: (1) To assess the perception of adults 55 and older, who are homeowners with limited resources, regarding the quality of their environment to age in place successfully; (2) To determine the indicators that influence the concept of aging-in-place among elderly homeowners in North Carolina; (3) To assess homeowners' perception of strategies and needs to successfully age in place; and (4) To assess homeowners' knowledge of programs and services that support aging-in-place. Year 2 Key Accomplishments (October 2013 to September 2014): April 2014, IRB renewal was completed. Interviews with 30 elderly homeowners were completed as of May, 2014. Each interview voice-recording was transcribed (It took 15 to 20 hours to complete one transcript) for data coding and data analysis, which was completed as of August 2014. Since then, qualitative data analyses started. Preliminary findings from Phase I (Focusing on Financial Aspect): Most participants were female (n=29), single (widowed, divorced or never married, n=28), and the average age was 73 years old. Eighteen interviewees lived alone, and nine lived with children or grandchildren. Only one interviewee reported their income as greater than $25,000. Half reported their education level as high school graduate or less. The majority lived in one story and single detached housing (n=29) with two to three bedrooms (n=28). Most had limited resources, and their financial situation was not secure. The majority was heavily depending on government resources: Social Security or Social Security Disability Insurance (18), Medicare (5), Medicaid (4), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (11), or Supplemental Security Income (1). Some elderly homeowners still had a mortgage payment (n=16), and most had no means for financial resources to handle emergencies. Their informal support network was important for maintaining their financial well-being, independent living, and health. The network included their family (children or grandchildren), church, friends, or neighbors. Besides home modification support within the community, few elders received or knew about care support within the community. Religion was important when understanding their financial well-being, in that some elders had a positive attitude about their finances by connecting it to their God. Analysis of the participants' narratives indicated that most plan to age in place until health or life no longer allows them to do so. However, due to financial insecurity, few had any clear alternative plan for a future place to live, aside from aging in their place as long as possible.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Kwon, H., Lee, S., Ahn, M., & Kim, S. (2014, June). U.S. boomers desire to age-in-place and residential satisfaction. Poster session presented at the 2014 AAFCS (American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences) Annual Conference, St. Louis, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Lee. S., Giddings, V.L., & Robinson, S. R. (2014, February). Aging in place: Low income elderly homeowners in North Carolina (Preliminary Results of Phase I). Poster session presented at the 2014 NCAFCS (North Carolina Association of Family & Consumer Sciences) Annual Conference, Durham, NC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Lee, S., & Ahn, M. (2014, January). Housing affordability of African Americans and Hispanics in the U.S. urban areas. Paper presented at the 2014 FERMA (Family Economics and Resource Management Association) Conference, Savannah, GA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Lee, S., Ahn, M., Parrott, K. (2013). Resources and constraints for U.S. baby boomers housing affordability: Application of the housing adjustment theory. Proceedings of the 2013 Annual Conference of the Housing Education and Research Association, 102-104.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ahn, M., Lee, S., & Parrott, K. (2013). Demographic and housing characteristics of Hispanic renters in the United States. Proceedings of the 2013 Annual Conference of the Housing Education and Research Association, 36-38.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lee, S. Giddings, V.L., & Robinson, S. R. (2013, December). Exploring lending patterns in rural North Carolina: Evidence from HMDA(Home Mortgage Disclosure Act) Data. Paper presented at the 71st Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, Tuskegee, AL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Phillips, T., Lee, S., Giddings, V.L., & Robinson, S. R. (2013, December). Exploring issues of children and their caregivers in Southern United States. Poster session presented at the 71st Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, Tuskegee, AL
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Lee, S., Parrott, K., & Ahn, M. (2014). Housing adequacy: A well-being indicator for elderly households in southern U.S. communities. Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, 42(3), 235251. doi: 10.1111/fcsr.12058
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Lee, S., & Ahn, M. (2014, June). Housing challenges of African Americans in the U.S. urban areas: Evidence from the 2011 American Housing Survey. Poster session presented at the 2014 AAFCS (American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences) Annual Conference, St. Louis, MO.


Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences are low income North Carolina elderly homeowners, community leaders, policymakers, academic professionals, and non-profit organizations. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Two graduate students in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at N.C. A&T have been introduced to housing research and given the opportunity to assist with this project, including helping with preparations for the Aging-In-Place meeting and literature searches. One of exemplary works in 2012-2013 was that one graduate student developed a research abstract and presented it at the 17th ARD (Association of Research Directors, Inc.) Biennial Research Symposium. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The purpose of the proposed research is to assess strategies utilized by North Carolina elderly homeowners having limited resources to age in place, and to apply these strategies to the elderly in rural N.C. locations based on their housing and public/social needs to successfully age-in-place. This project will be implemented using a two-phase procedure. Phase I includes site visitation in the Greensboro area to conduct interviews using a mixture of closed and open ended questions; and Phase II includes site visitation in rural N.C. areas to conduct interviews with the instrument. The interview procedures in Phase I support the following objectives: (1) To assess the perception of adults 55 and older, who are homeowners with limited resources, regarding the quality of their environment to age in place successfully; (2) To determine the indicators that influence the concept of aging-in-place among elderly homeowners in North Carolina; (3) To assess homeowners’ perception of strategies and needs to successfully age in place; and (4) To assess homeowners’ knowledge of programs and services that support aging-in-place. Phase I: On January 25th, 2013, the housing research team invited housing professionals in the Greensboro area to discuss the sampling and interview procedures. The meeting was named the ‘Aging-In-Place [AIP] meeting.’ Based on the discussion, a mixture of closed and open ended questions for the interview was developed. Professionals reviewed the questions and provided input for the questionnaire. On May 1, 2013, the interview questionnaire, consent letter, and application were approved by the IRB. Continuous work to recruit a sample for personal interviews has been needed to complete this project. On February 8th, 2013, the housing research team had a meeting with a nonprofit housing organization and its staff members. At the meeting, the director of the organization agreed to provide a list of clients because the organization had enough sample numbers to support this study, and the project results can be beneficial to their organization. Since July 2013, a sample size of 18 residents who are homeowners aged 55 and over, have completed home modifications, have limited resources, and currently live in Greensboro, N.C. have been interviewed.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lee, S., Parrott, K., & Ahn, M. (In press). Housing adequacy: A well-being indicator for elderly households in southern U.S. communities. Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lee, S., & Ahn, M. (2013). Housing affordability challenges for U. S. baby boomers resulting from the 2009 recession. Housing and Society, 40(1), 85-109.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lee, S., Ahn, M., & Parrott, K. (2013). Housing and demographic characteristics of elderly household in the Southern United States. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 17(Supplement 1), S465. [For the 20th IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatric, Seoul, South Korea].
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ahn, M., Lee, S., & Parrott, K. (2013). Exploring the housing affordability of older Hispanic households (65+) in the United States. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 17(Supplement 1), S687. [For the 20th IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatric, Seoul, South Korea].
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2012 Citation: Lee, S., & Ahn, M. (2012). Housing affordability issues of baby boomers. Proceedings of the 2012 Annual Conference of the Housing Education and Research Association, 64-65.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Wade, J., Lee, S., & Giddings, V. L. (2013). Financial challenges of the NC elderly population: Supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) and housing expenditures. Proceedings of the 2013 ARD (Association of Research Directors, Inc.) Biennial Research Symposium, 194-195.