Announcing our first white paper — Appalachian Elder Care and Housing Factors
Investing in and sharing research for how we better build for late stage life in Appalachia.
GREENEVILLE, TN, Nov. 9, 2020: Urban Dynamics LLC has published its first white paper — Appalachian Elder Care and Housing Factors — as part of its investment in improving late stage quality of life in the surrounding region. The paper, done in collaboration with the primary author — Ruthann Froberg of Gilgamesh Enterprises LLC, focuses on identifying the challenges faced by seniors in Appalachia with a data analysis focusing on the Virginia Appalachia area.
The white paper sections includes:
Considering Determinants of Health: An analysis of senior poverty and isolation concerns.
Aging in Place: Seniors preferences and needs for aging in 21st century Appalachia.
Affordable Housing Alternatives: An examination of the landscape for potential affordable housing options for seniors.
Elder Co-Housing Model: A look at how elder co-housing communities can possibly help address some of the needs identified.
“Most importantly, elder co-housing communities enable residents to remain in their home communities and to continue to participate in the region and with their neighbors.” says Ruthann Froberg, the white paper’s author and Founder of Gilgamesh Enterprises LLC. “Since this is a priority for rural seniors, this long term care model could prove a useful addition in the Appalachian region.”
For more information on this initiative please visit UrbDyn.com/elder-housing.
Abstract
The U.S. is undergoing a demographic change that raises questions about resources, programs, and community planning for seniors. The Appalachian region is not exempt from this trend; census data from the past several decades indicates that the region is also aging and will need to plan for this population change and its corresponding needs. In particular, factors such as economic insecurity, isolation, and aging locale have profound effects on the wellbeing of seniors. This paper enumerates the population change in the Appalachian region over the past several decades and discusses the effects of the aforementioned factors on senior health. Using this context, this paper then introduces different models of senior living that can improve quality of life. Specifically this writing focuses on the elder co-housing model because its design and practicality serves as a positive alternative model for senior living in the Appalachian area.
About the company: Urban Dynamics provides real estate development and technology engineering services to clients seeking to make a lasting impact. From housing and urban developments to network design and critical software systems, our mission is to create digital and urban infrastructures that bring about a better, more sustainable future for all.
