2009 AARP Research Study of
5 Operating Villages in the D.C Area
Neighbors Helping Neighbors: A Qualitative Study of Villages
Operating in the District of Columbia, October, 2009
Information published with permission from Terri Guengerich, AARP, author of the report
Member Satisfaction Ratings
- All members surveyed in the study said they are extremely or very satisfied with their Village.
- Nearly all members surveyed said they are getting a "good value for their money."
- Nearly all said they would recommend that their family and friends join the Village.
5 Common Reasons Found for Joining a Village
1. Desire to remain at home and stay in the community
- Over 90% of Americans over 50 express the desire to grow older at home
- People love their homes and neighborhoods
- People do not want to live in a retirement community, an assisted living facility or a nursing home
- People want to be able to keep their pets
- People do not want to disrupt their lives or their children’s lives
2. Belief in the Village concept
- Community members wanted to support the Village movement in their neighborhood
3. Immediate Need for Village services
- People had specific immediate needs for services, such as transportation or home repairs or computer technology assistance
- Even though many had friends and family to help, members wanted to spare family members and friends any trouble
- Members preferred to maintain more independence by utilizing Village services they paid for themselves
4. “Insurance” in case of future needs for Village services
- People who did not need any specific Village services right away still wanted to make sure Village services would be available for them in the future
5. Neighborhood Connections
- People liked the neighbor-to-neighbor social connections and the connection to their own community
- Members enjoyed the common interest groups (such as chess clubs or book groups), cultural and educational opportunities and the companionship.
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