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Services
Milestone 2: Explore Local Data and Experiences
Data is essential for effective program planning and evaluation. On the planning side, data can identify local challenges and opportunities, justify program priorities and approaches, and set a baseline for assessment. On the evaluation side, data help determine whether a program or approach was effective, demonstrate its value, and identify places for improvement.
As you consider a local initiative to become designated as an Age-Friendly or Dementia Friendly community, or to pursue a broader implementation of the strategies and actions set out in EngAging Illiniois, consider:
- What data do you need to understand the challenges you are addressing?
- What data is meaningful to the groups that you will need to engage?
- Are there additional data points or insights that you need from your community to proceed?
Consider brainstorming with AI for ideas about what to measure and take a look at these sources:
- AARP Livability Index
- Elder Index
- The Healthy Illinois Survey Data Explorer
- IL Public Health Community Map
- CDC PLACES: Local Data for Better Health
- Census Data
Stories and qualitative data can offer valuable insights as well. Using surveys or conducting informal gatherings or public meetings can be a great way to better understand a community’s needs, barriers, and opportunities. Recruiting stories in your community that reflect larger trends can also serve as important communications tools and help build broader support.
Local partners (such as Area Agencies on Aging, or others mentioned in Milestone 1) may be able to help in this effort.
To collect qualitative data, it may be helpful to use a low- or no-cost survey tools such as Google Forms, SurveyMonkey or Tally.
Here are some sample open-ended survey questions to help you get started:
- What has made it easier or harder for you to stay in your home and community as you’ve gotten older?
- What services or resources do you wish existed in this community but don’t?
- What’s one change that would make it easier for you (or someone you know) to age well in this community?
- Is there a barrier — physical, financial, or otherwise — that keeps you from participating in community activities or getting the help you need?
From the Field
The City of Urbana set out to make its community gardens accessible to people of all ages. Through the Growing Community Initiative, the city’s Arts and Culture Program conducted a needs assessment of five gardens and identified key improvements: shade, accessible seating, tool access, and public safety. In response, they installed shade sails, tool lending libraries, and ADA-compliant benches. Organizers also partnered with local artists on a workshop to create peace poles, now displayed in a garden located in a neighborhood affected by gun violence.
