Operationalizing Inclusion of Diverse Older Adults in Aging Services Information.

Abstract

As the United States' population ages, it is also becoming more diverse. The country's Older Americans Act requires county-level offices on aging to be both service and information providers. But it is unclear to what extent offices on aging can identify gaps within the aging services information they provide and improve efforts to meet the information needs of diverse older adults. Utilizing an action research methodology, this study describes a partnership with an office on aging which ultimately resulted in the development and deployment of a diversity audit which is used to increase diverse representation in the aging services information their organization provides. The results reinforce the importance of designing resources with diversity in mind. By implementing the diversity audit and its recommendations, other aging services providers worldwide can ensure they are prepared to serve all older adults who may benefit from the services and information they have to offer.