Healthy Aging Outcomes Research With Villages as Grassroots Community-Based Organizations: A Framework for Capacity Development.

Abstract

Background and objectives: There is growing attention to the role of community-based organizations (CBOs), such as Villages, in promoting healthy aging. Villages typically operate as grassroots CBOs and help connect residents with a variety of resources to age better within their place-based communities (e.g., neighborhood or town). Yet empirical evidence on the outcomes of their work-alone or in partnership with other organizations across health and social care systems-remains in its nascence. We aimed to develop a framework for capacity development (the attainment of requisite resources to achieve a desired goal) toward the design and implementation of outcomes research with Villages.

Research design and methods: We used qualitative data from a series of virtual summits designed for Village participants (e.g., members, volunteers, staff) across the United States (US). Data were primarily from small-group discussion groups that cumulatively engaged approximately 400 people, with discussion topics such as how Villages influence healthy aging and conditions for high-quality research partnerships. We conducted a multiphase coding process alongside extensive memo writing to develop a framework grounded in the participants' reflections.

Results: Our analysis yielded four thematic categories: (a) understanding and motivation for research, (b) partnerships, (c) theorizing Village interventions and programs, and (d) data systems and research protocols.

Discussion and implications: Findings suggest that designing and implementing outcomes research with Villages requires not only human and technical capital, but also social capital and theory development. Especially given Villages' diverse organizational forms and resources, the framework can help assess readiness for, and address capacity needs, concerning engagement in outcomes research for Villages and similar CBOs.