Implementing Public Engagement

Engaging Older Adults

Know Beforehand

Older adults are those who are age 65 or over. This age threshold largely stems from eligibility for programs such as Social Security and Medicare and is commonly used in survey research. The population of those aged 65 or older is expected to grow by about 78,900, or 45.7%, from 2022 to 2050.

The older adult population in the city of San Diego is approximately 196,000, or 14% of the city’s total population (2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau).

Older adults represent a diverse group with valuable skills, expertise, and community knowledge. Many bring decades of professional experience, organizational skills, volunteerism backgrounds and knowledge that can enhance community engagement processes.

Be aware of the cultural and linguistic diversity among older adults to tailor outreach materials appropriately. Older members of an immigrant or refugee population are more likely than younger members of their community to require translation and interpretation services.

Older adults often carry a personal memory of local history, which can be influenced by factors like their race, gender and income.

• These experiences may be of significant value in present-day decision-making. Create strategies for capturing those memories, stories and insights and incorporating them into project feedback.
• Learn about the past and how it might have impacted older members of the community with a longer history in the area. Depending on their experiences, they may have been disappointed by past decisions and may have varying levels of trust in government. Listen and authentically validate past experiences.  

Challenges and Barriers to Participation

• Physical barriers such as lack of ramps or handrails can prevent older community members from attending events.
• Many older adults have limited mobility and transportation options, making it difficult for them to travel to engagement event locations.
• Chronic health conditions, hearing or vision impairments and general health concerns can hinder participation.
• Digital comfort and access vary widely among older adults. While some face technological barriers, others are highly proficient with digital tools. Offer both digital and non-digital options, and avoid making assumptions about people’s capabilities or preferences.
• Older adults may experience social isolation, which can result in a lack of awareness or interest in community engagement opportunities.
• Past experiences or general mistrust of government projects can make older adults wary of participating.

Outreach

• Use large print, simple language and clear visuals in all printed materials.
• Choose communication methods that may be more familiar to older adults. These may include traditional media like print newspapers or newsletters, radio or TV, in-person meetings or phone calls to provide information and gather feedback.
• Identify community centers, senior centers and local organizations that already engage with older adults. These groups and venues may be willing to promote upcoming engagement opportunities and distribute materials. They may also provide good potential locations to hold events.
• Send informational flyers directly to homes, ensuring they are easy to read and understand.
• Organize canvassing or visits to senior living facilities to distribute information and answer questions.

Engagement

• Choose venues that are easily accessible by public transit, have ample parking and are fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Consider going where older adults already are—such as senior living communities or senior centers—to eliminate the challenges of travel.
  • Consider incorporating hearing, vision and cognitive accommodations, such as the provision of assistive listening devices.
• Include mornings and afternoon opportunities for public engagement to accommodate varying schedules and energy levels.
• Simple communication and engagement strategies that use hard-copy materials are well-suited for this population. For any engagement technique, prepare hard-copy options alongside the digital option. Offer the hard-copy option right away instead of waiting for someone to request it.
• When technology is requested or required, use clear and adequate instructions. Make instructions available verbally and in writing. Be prepared to offer one-on-one assistance and clarification. Give back-up options if the instructions are still unclear.
• Where seating is limited, consider how to prioritize seating for older populations.
• Use simple interactive formats such as small group discussions or workshops. Also, consider setting aside time for storytelling and/or sharing memories that relate to the subject matter. This will support older adults in feeling affirmed while using their lived experiences to inform the decision-making process.
• Consider incorporating opportunities for intergenerational dialogue that allow older adults to share their knowledge while also engaging with younger residents' perspectives. This approach can enrich the discussion and build community connections.
  • For intergenerational dialogues, consider that different age groups may prefer varied communication strategies and engagement techniques. Older adults may prefer verbal and tactile engagement strategies, while children and youth may prefer digital or visual approaches.