The role of informal support systems in residential environments for low-income older renters: an exploratory study

Low-income elderly renters may face difficulty aging in place, emphasizing the potential role of informal support systems in the residential environment. To understand informal support systems for low-income older renters aging in place, data from a larger study were analyzed from the perspective of informal support systems in housing and community. For the primary study, a qualitative interview method (N = 25 low-income older renters) was employed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Six themes about informal support systems were identified, as currently provided or specifically lacking in the respondent’s home or community: children (elder as caregiver), churches, neighborhood walkability, extended family (in the household), volunteer opportunities, and pets. This exploratory, qualitative study provides an opportunity to better understand the role of informal support systems in residential environments for low-income aging renters, which can facilitate aging in place and suggests more supportive housing, neighborhoods, and communities for the elderly through design, location, and/or management decisions.