Ties That Bind

Many community-dwelling older adults spend a significant amount of time in their homes, neighborhoods, and nearby areas. Much is known about the effects that the physical environment has on older adults, but comparatively less is known about neighborhood social environments. The neighborhood is an important unit for study because it is a microcosm of greater social processes and smaller interpersonal relationships. This doctoral case study examined the characteristics and functions of social relationships for older adults in three socioeconomically different New Orleans, Louisiana neighborhoods that were differently affected by the 2005 Hurricane Katrina disaster. The study also explored differences between older adult-serving networks across neighborhoods. Older adults comprised a majority of storm-related deaths from Hurricane Katrina. Over a decade post-storm, residential life in the study neighborhoods has entered a new normal, but for older adults, recovery has been difficult. The constant throughout the recovery period has been relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and informal ties in the community. Findings suggest that apart from family and friends, relationships with neighbors and those known from informal community settings serve important supportive and social roles for older adults. Participation with older adult-serving networks enables individuals to stay active, social, and intellectually engaged. Formal networks including senior centers and community organizations operate official programs to meet needs, but engage with participants in an informal manner, thereby increasing participation. Findings reveal that having neighborhood-based community resources empowers older adults to socialize with others, maintain their health and wellness, and remain thriving, productive community members near their homes. These resources promote rich social lives and successful aging in the community. Additionally, special districts and partnerships affect the flow of resources and opportunities into neighborhoods, which influence how different networks in different neighborhoods in this study function. Planners and local governments recognize the neighborhood as an important unit of the community and are empowering them to secure resources and meet needs on a small scale. Policymaking bodies are supporting the community in these endeavors by supporting legislation that empowers neighborhoods to leverage resources to help themselves. These efforts are having significant impacts on the greater community as recovery in these neighborhoods progresses.