Encouraging Social Connections for Older Adults in Subsidized Housing
Belonging is a human need. Feeling close to others allows us to be emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy, therefore allowing us to have cities, communities and a culture that is also healthy. Older adults are increasingly at risk for social isolation due to physical limitations, cultural attitudes around aging and many more factors.
This project was an opportunity to explore potential opportunities within two Baltimore subsidized housing buildings to encourage social connections amongst the residents. The team and I held multiple listening sessions at each building, with over 40 one-on-one interviews with residents and staff to identify tensions, insights, and areas of opportunity.
After facilitating co-design brainstorming sessions for each group in the two buildings, we synthesized and consolidated over 200+ data points into 6 clear, actionable insights.
We crafted an interview guide and generated a toolkit for future research initiatives. Most recently, the team worked together to submit research findings to various medical journals, currently undergoing review for publication.
Frame & Plan ︎︎︎ Research ︎︎︎ Synthesize ︎︎︎ Ideate ︎︎︎ Prototype ︎︎︎ Implement & Iterate
Baltimore, MD︎
Role:
Design Researcher & Strategist
Skills: Human-Centered Design, Qualitative Research
Collaborators: John Hopkins School of Medicine
MICA Center for Social Design
Output: Findings Report for Continuation of Project
Activity Idea List for Community Coordinators
© Ellie Bazurto