Human Capital and Developmental Strengths: Older Adults and the Implementation of Age-Friendly Community Initiatives.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Discourse on age-friendly communities (AFCs) calls for the meaningful inclusion of older adults as partners and contributors to community-change processes. Nevertheless, there has been very little theoretical or empirical attention as to why older adults' involvement matters. Our study aimed to address this gap by exploring the strengths-based qualities that older adults bring as implementation actors in AFC initiatives. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative interview data from 23 older adults across four states in the United States about their experiences leading or partnering on the implementation of AFC initiatives (e.g., as an AFC committee chair or workgroup member). We engaged in iterative rounds of coding and analytic memo writing using abductive qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Three thematic categories emerged regarding qualities that older adults bring to AFC implementation processes: (a) accumulated knowledge of aging and the community (based on prior professional and life experiences, as well as long-time residency in the community), (b) continuity of specialized skills and abilities (such as volunteer management, integrative thinking, and entrepreneurial skills), and (c) values extension and congruence with the AFC initiative (valuing older adults and the community, as well as valuing the psychosocial opportunities of participation). DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: We situate our findings within the broader theoretical concepts of human capital and developmental strengths. We discuss how these theoretical orientations can promote the design of more optimal opportunities for older adults' civic contributions through AFC initiatives, with strong potential to benefit individuals and communities alike.