Independent Evaluation for Age-Friendliness of the City of Chicago

In keeping with the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities program, this project will evaluate the age-friendliness of the city of Chicago in identified areas. Our approach will emphasize listening to and learning from citizens as well as stakeholder organizations, and will identify community leaders and innovations capable of driving continuous improvement. The evaluation will identify both assets and gaps. To allow the city to move forward with an action plan and community involved improvement, the final report will include: an analysis, recommendations, and a list of engaged innovators/leaders. This project will be conducted in three phases. In Phase I the project will conduct 8 focus groups of 8-12 individuals. These will be conducted in accordance with NY’s protocol for Age-Friendly Community consultations and interview guidance for open discussions of all eight WHO age friendly categories. The purpose of these meetings is to identify the strengths and challenges of a neighborhood for those aging in the community. Preliminary data analysis from these focus groups will inform in-depth interviews and phone surveys conducting during phases II & III.