This approach ensures that seniors define their own needs and come up with their own solutions. It allows community programming for seniors to work with the unique combination of needs and assets of the whole community. A solution worked out by one community may offer valuable lessons for others tackling the same problem. However, every community is different. Community development lends itself to prevention, not just cures.
Programs are more likely to last when a community development approach is used.
Using a Community Development Approach Make sure that programs are led and owned by seniors, not staff. Help seniors identify their own local problems, and design and carry out their own projects. Create opportunities for seniors to further develop leadership and advocacy skills. Stay in touch. Learn about other organizations, agencies and groups.