By Russell R. Barksdale
Living in a “healthy” community is a common aspiration, especially when we have access to excellent schools, transportation, housing, and emergency essential services. However, when we look at specific health indicators and compare our local community to others, you may find the results surprising.
Key measurement tools like those provided by the World Health Organization, County Health Rankings, U.S. News & World Report and AARP, offer insights into the health and livability of our communities, based on factors like health outcomes, social and economic factors, age-friendly housing, and our physical environment.
Despite common perceptions, recent analyses by U.S. News & World Report reveal that Fairfield County, CT, ranks relatively low (#331) among all counties in terms of healthy communities. Similarly, a 100-point livability index by AARP scores New Canaan at 49, Darien at 50, and Greenwich at 53. These rankings certainly indicate room for improvement and highlight a disconnect between perception and measurable standards.
Quietly our local communities are facing shifting demographics and challenging health care issues. With these driving forces, it is our hope to stimulate discussions that will formulate actionable programs and policies to create healthier communities.
Major factors contributing to this discrepancy are evolving demographics and emerging health care issues in our local communities. The current growth of the population aged 65 and older, driven by the large Baby Boomer generation—those born between 1946 and 1964—is unprecedented. For some communities this over-65 population will begin to exceed the number of children in school, while greatly impacting the local economy and timely access to quality healthcare services.
Health determinants also play a role. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, certain health risks persist, including residual pandemic health challenges, deaths from drug overdoses, chronic heart, liver, kidney, and related diseases. Alarmingly, depression, social isolation and suicidal ideations are up among every age cohort.
Whether you live in New Canaan, Darien or Greenwich, creating healthier communities becomes even more critical to support the physical and mental well-being of its residents, our children, and foster social engagement, timely care accessibility, and a sense of belonging. These issues prompt a critical examination of the factors contributing to community well-being and the need for comprehensive strategies to foster healthier environments.
Several key factors and policies could promote an improved healthcare “terrain”, including our infrastructure, accessibility, social support, and age-friendly networks.
Infrastructure and Accessibility: The physical environment of a community plays a significant role in its residents’ health. Accessibility features such as ramps, handrails, and well-maintained sidewalks ensure residents can navigate their neighborhoods safely. This includes access to clean air and water, safe housing, parks and recreational spaces, and infrastructure that promotes walking, cycling, and physical activity. Well-designed environments can encourage active lifestyles, reduce pollution and traffic-related injuries. Incorporating age-friendly design principles into urban planning, such as mixed-use development, pedestrian-friendly streets, and proximity to amenities, enhances the quality of life for all.
Healthcare Services: Access to healthcare services is critical for all demographics to maintain their health and well-being. Communities with a range of healthcare facilities, including rehabilitation, primary care clinics, specialists, and hospitals ensure timely medical care and preventive services. Regrettably, hospital emergency rooms remain congested with uninsured or underinsured patients who cannot access primary care. Moreover, promoting preventive healthcare through initiatives such as health screenings, immunizations, and wellness programs can help manage chronic conditions to stay active and retain independence. Additionally, smart public-private transportation options enable seniors to maintain independence with access to essential services and social activities.
Social Support Networks: Social isolation is a significant concern, leading to adverse health outcomes such as depression and cognitive decline. Isolation can originate from the death of a spouse, divorce, or job loss, and for children, non-participation in afterschool clubs, sports, or activities or over-engagement in virtual platforms. Creating opportunities for social engagement and connection is essential for promoting mental and emotional well-being. Community centers, senior centers, and recreational programs offer spaces to socialize, participate in activities, and build meaningful relationships. Volunteer opportunities and intergenerational programs that bring together people of all ages foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
Education and Lifelong Learning: Access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities promotes personal development and economic success. A healthy community invests in education at all levels, from early childhood programs to adult education and vocational training. Overuse of hybrid learning or hybrid work models, while convenient, can also contribute to a sense of isolation and disconnect.
Age-Friendly Policies: These policies address various aspects of community life, including housing, transportation, timely access to healthcare, and social services, with the goal of promoting healthy aging and inclusion.
Supportive Services for Aging in Place: Many seniors prefer to remain in their homes and communities as they grow older. To support this preference, age-friendly initiatives include senior-friendly housing, aging-in-place programs, and initiatives to prevent elder abuse and financial exploitation. Additionally, policies that promote age diversity and combat ageism contribute to creating a culture of respect and inclusion for seniors. These services may also include home care assistance, meal delivery programs, and home modification assistance to improve safety and accessibility. By providing the necessary support, communities can help seniors live fulfilling lives and continue to actively contribute to their local communities.
Safety and Security: Feeling safe in one’s community is essential for overall well-being. Healthy communities prioritize public safety and crime prevention through effective law enforcement, community policing, and crime prevention programs. This includes promoting trust and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and residents, as well as addressing underlying social determinants of crime such as substance abuse, poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity.
Civic Engagement and Participation: Healthy communities encourage active citizenship and civic engagement, with opportunities for residents to participate in decision-making processes, volunteer their time and talents, and advocate for positive change. This includes promoting democratic values, supporting grassroots organizing, and fostering collaboration between government, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations.
Regardless of the ranking measures, the hallmark of a “healthy” community is a holistic approach to health and well-being that addresses the interconnectedness of physical, social, economic, and environmental factors. By investing in these key elements, communities can create environments that promote health, equity, sustainability, and resilience for all residents, young and old.
Russell R. Barksdale, Jr., PHD, MPA/MHA, FACHE is the President and CEO of Waveny LifeCare Network.
