How Do Older Arabs in Israel View Their Communities?

The Need for Change

The world is aging, and cities must adapt to meet the needs of older adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been advocating for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC) to ensure that older adults have access to safe sidewalks, easy-to-use public transport, and places to socialize.

The Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Questionnaire (AFCCQ)

The AFCCQ is a tool used to assess how well cities are meeting the needs of older adults. However, until recently, there was no Arabic version of this questionnaire.

Translating and Adapting the AFCCQ

A new study has taken on the task of translating and adapting the AFCCQ into Arabic. The goal was to evaluate its effectiveness in this new language and to understand the perceptions of older Arab adults in Israel, who face unique challenges as both older adults and a minority group.

Ensuring Reliability and Validity

The study examined different parts of the questionnaire to ensure its reliability and validity in Arabic. The results showed that the Arabic version of the AFCCQ is a valuable tool for understanding how age-friendly communities are for older Arab adults.

The Importance of the Research

This research is crucial as it gives a voice to a often-overlooked group. By understanding their needs and perceptions, cities can make better plans to support older adults, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or background, can live comfortably and happily in their community.