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Background and Objectives The concept of aging in place is acknowledged as the preference of older adults, yet without consideration of the intersections of diversity in later life, it is critiqued as unattainable, unrealistic, or even undesirable. This gave rise to the exploration of what is needed to age in the right place (AIRP). Building on existing research, we examined the meaning of AIRP to older adults (aged 55+ years) who have experienced homelessness. Research Design and Methods We conducted photovoice interviews with 11 residents of a temporary housing program in Metro Vancouver (Canada). Results Using thematic analysis, we organized meanings of AIRP according to (1) Where one lives—the physical and social environment, (2) Where one goes and what one does, and (3) How one feels in "the right place." Discussion and Implications Participants meanings' of AIRP are applied to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. That is, when basic needs of shelter are met, participants' considerations of "the right place to age" extend beyond affordable housing to include feeling safe and comfortable in one's home and neighborhood and having access to meaningful engagement and activities—both in vibrant urban districts and naturescapes—enabled by affordable transportation. Our examination of what AIRP means to this group of older adults broadens current conceptualizations. Given the increase in homelessness among older adults, it is imperative that policymakers and practitioners are cognizant of meanings of AIRP so diverse older adults can not only age in place, but can thrive in the right place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageism remains a key issue in gerontological literature and has long been recognized as a deeply harmful form of discrimination. Despite advances in ageism scholarship related to education, advocacy, and prevention, there are calls for ongoing intersectional examinations of ageism among minority groups and across older people facing multiple exclusions. In particular, very little ageism research has considered the experiences of age-based discrimination and prejudice among older people experiencing homelessness. We problematize this gap in knowledge and provide recommendations for policy, practice, and research to address ageist discrimination toward older people experiencing homelessness. Intersections of ageism and homelessness are summarized at four levels: intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional/community, and societal/structural. Building upon the limited research, we recommend key strategies for supporting and protecting older people experiencing homelessness through the reduction of ageism at each level. We present these insights and recommendations as a call to action for those working in both the aging and housing/homelessness spheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic required rapid changes to physical, social, and technological environments. There is a need to understand how independent-living older adults are adapting to pandemic-borne transformations of place and how environmental factors may shape experiences of aging well in the context of a public health emergency response. Research Design and Methods We conducted a photovoice study to examine the characteristics associated with aging in place. Our study investigated how independent-living older adults characterized aging in a "right" place approximately 1 year after the onset of the pandemic. Results Six themes categorized into 2 groups capture how older adults describe a "right" place to age. The first category, "places as enactors of identity and belonging," describes the significance of places contributing to intimate relationships, social connections, and a sense of personal continuity. The second category, "places as facilitators of activities and values," recognizes environments that promote health, hobbies, goals, and belief systems. Participants reported modifying their daily living environments with increased use of technology and more time outdoors. Discussion and Implications Our findings emphasize older adults' active engagement with place and strategies used to maintain healthy aging despite public health restrictions. The results also identify place-based characteristics that may help overcome stressful circumstances from older adults' perspectives. These findings inform pathways to pursue to facilitate resiliency for aging in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented numerous challenges to older adults in Canada, including the ability to volunteer. The purpose of this study is to improve the understanding of the social context surrounding volunteering in Canada, by (a) determining changes in associations between human, social, and cultural capital and volunteering among older adults; and (b) examining the relationship between ethnic minority status and volunteering, using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), collected prior to and during the pandemic. This study utilized data from 24,306 CLSA Baseline, Follow-up 1 (FUP1), and COVID-19 Baseline Survey participants (aged 55+). Results confirm a decrease in volunteering during the early stages of the pandemic. Compared to pre-pandemic associations, volunteers during the early stages of the pandemic were more likely to be young-old, male, employed, and not involved in religious activities. Findings provide evidence of pandemic effects on volunteering among older adults in Canada.

The COVID-19 pandemic created a shift in interprofessional education (IPE) courses, causing programs to change pedagogical approaches. We sought to examine student preferences for taking IPE simulations. On post-simulation surveys from two courses (n=844 students, 2020-2022 academic years), we asked students if they preferred to take the simulation through a synchronous in-person or virtual format. More students preferred a virtual platform in academic year 2021-2022 than the previous year (p<0.001). Students who chose the virtual format believed it was more convenient, reduced COVID-19 transmission, and eased interprofessional collaboration. The downsides to in-person simulations included travel logistics and technical challenges in the simulation lab. Students suggested that in-person simulations more closely resembled 'real life' and that communication and body language are easier to convey in person.