Variations on the Village Model

Villages, which are community-based initiatives designed to help older adults age in place through a combination of services, participant engagement, and peer support, have expanded rapidly since their initial development in the early 2000s. Using a sample of Villages in the United States, we examined variations from characteristics of the Village model as portrayed by media and organizational leaders. Results indicate there is no uniform Village model that can be implemented and evaluated by policy makers, funders, service providers, and researchers. Based on the extent of member involvement, methods of service provision, and funding sources, we developed a conceptually and empirically informed typology of Villages that reflects the model's focus on consumer involvement. Descriptive analyses indicate potential differences in member, community, and organizational characteristics. This emerging typology has implications for understanding the implementation and sustainability of Villages, including whether specific Village types are best suited to certain community contexts.