A look at factors affecting the future of community-based services and education

1. The Future of Community-
Based
Services and Education
VANESSA COLEMAN
AET 508
APRIL 24, 2017
MELANIE LATIN

2. Overview
Purpose and
Background
Laws and
Regulations
Demographics
and Diversity
Anticipated
Changes
Possible
Funding
Scenarios
Conclusion
References

3. Purpose and Background
 The purpose of this presentation is to explore factors that are likely to influence
community-based services and education in the next 15 years
 Current demographics can provide insight into the needs of future services
 Diversity is a major factor
 Technology is continuously evolving
 Funding remains a constant problem
 Laws and regulations control funding, eligibility, and service standards

4. Anticipated Changes: Technology
Technological advancements can change the nature of service delivery in
community and education programs
 New methods of interaction; new vehicles of communication
 Technological devices and software programs brings new methods of content delivery
through the use of simulated experiences, more methods for modifying lessons, and
more in-depth evaluation of learning outcomes
 Greater access means greater number of learners/participants
 Accessibility devices and online programs increase the need for special education
teachers and services
 Social media opens new avenues for agencies and schools to reach new clients and to
attract more volunteers

5. Anticipated Changes: Demographics
The ratio of children to
older citizens stands at
about 3:1 but is declining
By around 2040,
there will be more
older citizens than
children
By 2050, there will
be twice as many
older citizens as
there are children.
Magnus, 2014
Magnus, 2014
Current range

6. Anticipated Changes: Diversity
The experience of old age in America is marked by unparalleled
diversity
The histories are shaped by whether a person is male or female, how
much schooling and income the person has, race-ethnicity, and nativity
These characteristics and the life histories shaped by them continue to
affect individuals’ experiences in later life.
Seltzer & Yahirun, 2013, Diversity in Old Age

7. Possible Future Funding Sources
 Less reliance on limited federal funding should be considered
 Grassroots fundraising
 Begin a consultation group where professional senior volunteers offer their
expertise to a network of community-based programs
 More seniors means more volunteers!
 Volunteers help keep community programs running smoothly
 Productive activity such as volunteering may be an effective community-based
approach to health promotion for older adults
Barron, Tan, et. al., 2009

8. Laws and Regulations
• Planning
• Coordination
• Advocacy
• Structure
• A point-of-entry for public
and private initiatives
Partnerships
within the
aging
network
provide:
(Wacker & Roberto, 2014)
Laws and regulations protect
people by providing a standards
of quality and effective programs.
There is a great need for seniors
and those who work with them to
advocate for the needs of the
elderly population

9. Conclusion
The population is aging, but it should not be
consider a negative affect. Instead, consider
the abundance of knowledge, experience,
and guidance that those in this group can
offer to younger generations.
Technology is paving a road that everyone
can walk down- whether on two strong legs,
or with the help of a walker or wheelchair,
everyone can offer something of value to
their community.
We are without boundaries.

10. References
Barron, J.S., Tan, E.J., Yu, Q. et al. (2009). Potential for intensive volunteering to promote the health of older adults. J Urban Health. 86: 641.
doi:10.1007/s11524-009-9353-8
Magnus, G. (2014). The age of aging: Global demographics and coping mechanisms. Retrieved from
https://conferenceboard.adobeconnect.com/_a984803641/p6pfpbsi1k0/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal
Seltzer, J., Yahirun, J. (2013, November). Diversity in old age: the elderly in changing economic and family contexts. Retrieved from
https://s4.ad.brown.edu/Projects/Diversity/Data/Report/report11062013.pdf
Wacker, R. R., & Roberto, K. A. (2014). Community resources for older adults: Programs and services in an era of change (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.