Giving Compass' Take:

• St. David's Foundation in Austin, TX,  is finding innovative solutions to build a healthier community by creatively funding programs to take care of the elderly. 

• The author describes an intersectional approach to this issue in which organizations facilitate intergenerational interventions that can benefit both young and old people. What could this look like in your community? 

• Read about the issues for the aging population in rural areas.

St. David’s Foundation considers the well-being of older adults as a fundamental aspect to our goal of building the healthiest community in the world. However, for many donors, supporting older adults is not a funding priority. Approximately two percent of American institutional philanthropy (primarily private foundations, but other funding groups as well) contribute resources to aging programs.

This dynamic exists despite evidence that, over the next 40 years, the United States will experience unprecedented growth in its older population. In 2050, the population aged 65 and over is projected to be 83.7 million, almost double the estimated population of 43.1 million in 2012.

While the demographic shifts justify a call for new investments in aging, there is a legitimate concern that shifting resources to older adults will result in a zero-sum gain.  This perspective argues for incorporating an intersectional approach to grantmaking that supports multiple generations rather than a focused, siloed approach to addressing aging.

So how could a foundation implement an “intersectional approach” among the different populations it serves? The opportunities are nearly limitless when we consider opportunities for supporting intergenerational interventions that benefit different populations through a reciprocal relationship. In many cases, such programs provide older adults with an opportunity to support children and young adults through some form of volunteer or paid service.

As we seek to improve community health by reaching multiple generations, the new movement of “Age-Friendly Communities” provides a unique opportunity. Austin’s vision is a livable community designed with all residents in mind, from the very young to older adults. To achieve this, action plans have been implemented for areas that influence quality of life including transportation, housing, employment, social participation.

Read the full article about an intersectional approach to aging by Andrew Levack at Grantmakers in Health.