LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky College of Social Work researcher Yeon Jin Choi is contributing new evidence on how communities can better support older adults living with dementia, helping them remain in their homes and maintain independence longer.
In a recent article published in Innovation in Aging, Choi and collaborators examined more than 3,500 older adults with dementia using national longitudinal and neighborhood-level data. The study analyzed the relationship between community resources and the likelihood of entering a nursing home within two years. Findings showed that access to park areas, healthy food outlets, and home health services significantly reduced the risk of nursing-home placement.
“Older adults overwhelmingly prefer to age in their homes and communities,” Choi said. “Our research shows that neighborhood amenities and services play a critical role in helping individuals with dementia maintain independence, reduce caregiver burden, and delay or prevent institutional care.”
This new work builds on Choi’s broader research agenda on neighborhood environment and aging. In 2024, she co-authored a study demonstrating that perceived neighborhood poverty and disorder are linked to increased hopelessness among older adults — highlighting the profound ways community conditions influence mental health and well-being as people age.
Taken together, Choi’s research emphasizes that where a person lives matters deeply for aging outcomes, and that creating supportive environments requires collaboration across community planning, individual responsibility, public health, and social services.
“Dr. Choi’s scholarship powerfully illustrates how communities can be catalysts for well-being,” Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean for Faculty Advancement said. “Her work continues to shape real-world solutions that support older adults, strengthen caregivers, and advance our commitment to improving lives in Kentucky and beyond.”
Choi’s recent achievements also include national research on the impact of neighborhood social environments on older adults’ cognitive function and caregiver mental health, as well as a scoping review exploring the challenges and emotional realities of transnational family caregiving.
Across all projects, Choi’s work is grounded in addressing disparities and ensuring that aging-in-place is not merely a preference but a practical possibility for all.
“Neighborhood resources are a powerful protective factor,” Choi said. “By investing in amenities and supports, we can help ensure that aging in place is not only a preference but a realistic option.”
