Social and physical environments interact in order to meet basic human needs for physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. Social environments support aging in place by filling gaps between the built environment and the needs and capacities of individuals as they age. Community programs and services can enhance informal social supports and build upon the personal strengths and social resources that older adults bring to their later years. Emerging trends affect the ability of traditional program and service models to meet the needs of older adults. New services and activities are needed to support the well-being of a more diverse and informed baby boomer cohort, who plan to age in place and are less likely than their grandparents to fi nd fulfi llment through playing bingo at the senior center. The nature of community support is evolving; there are innovative examples that highlight future directions for aging in the community. Model programs not only meet the needs of at-risk elderly populations but also enhance individual strengths, social capital, and community capacity. // (2012)
