The 4 Ss Framework for Designing Age-Friendly Communities of the Future: Focus Group Study

Digital technology is increasingly being used to deliver interventions and initiatives to support the well-being of older adults. However, few studies have conducted needs assessments to identify the future well-being service requirements of an older adult population and their preferred modes of delivery, whether via digital technology or, in- person, or a combination of both (ie, a hybrid model).

This study aims to investigate the requirements of a rural region in New Zealand to inform planning to meet the future well-being needs of its older adult population over the next 30 years.

In total, 2 focus group discussions and 13 interviews were held with participants using a combination of phone and video calls. A total of 31 adults aged 61 years or older participated. The participants were asked how they saw the future well-being needs of the older adult population evolving, the role of digital technology and/or in-person interactions in delivering well-being services, and perceived barriers to, and enablers of, digital technology for providing services. Focus group and interview transcripts were thematically analyzed.

A total of 4 key well-being themes were identified across both focus group discussions and interviews with participants: -"services," "support," "spaces," and "social connection," -with an overarching finding that future age-friendly planning must prioritize social and community well-being outcomes, ensuring that investments in services, digital inclusion, and public spaces strengthen older adults' ability to connect with others and participate fully in community life.

Digital technology is developing at a rapid pace, and as a result, we need to consider how to plan for the transition and bridge the gap identified between the current use of digital technology and its potential future use if technology is to support the older adults of the future. The findings indicate that older adults prefer to engage in- person, while trust is a barrier to digital technology use for some participants. The future offers many opportunities to support the well-being of older adults and communities through the application of the proposed 4 Ss Framework.