Social Pillar
Economic Research Stream
Understanding the economic value of helping older adults age safely at home.
This research examines how investments in housing, healthcare, and community supports create lasting social and economic value for older adults, their families, and the Nova Scotia healthcare system.
Why This Research Matters
Supporting older adults aging in the right place isn’t only better for quality of life, but may also reduce emergency visits, hospital stays, and long-term care admissions.
This research helps us better understand where investments have the greatest impact and how communities and health systems can work together to build a stronger, more sustainable future.
Our Goals
Measure Costs
Understand current healthcare costs including hospital visits, long-term care, surgeries, and emergency care.
Evaluate Interventions
Assess the economic impact of housing modifications, community navigation, and healthcare programs.
Model Future Outcomes
Use advanced modeling to estimate long-term benefitsand return on investment of integrated supports.
Support Decision Makers
Develop tools and insights that help governments and partners invest where it will have the greatest impact.
Our Research Timeline
Year 1
Collect Data
- Census and demographic information
- Healthcare system data
- Community wellbeing data
- Map community assets and services
Year 1-2
Understand Costs
- Analyze current healthcare costs
- Determine costs of interventions
- Establish baseline economic analysis
Year 2-3
Measure Impact
- Analyze program outcomes
- Estimate cost savings and health improvements
- Compare intervention effectiveness
Year 3
Build Decision Tools
- Create interactive dashboards
- Develop economic indicators
- Model future scenarios
Year 3+
Share Findings
- Publish research and reports
- Share with communities and partners
- Inform policy and decision-making
What We Examine
We examine the key areas that affect aging in the right place in rural Nova Scotian communities.
Healthcare Utilization
- Emergency visits
- Hospital admissions
- Length of stay
- Long-term care admissions
Housing
- Home modification costs
- Accessibility improvements
- Housing Stability
- Impact on health outcomes
Social Supports
- Community navigator impacts
- Social Connection
- Well-being and quality of life
- Caregiver outcomes
Economic Value
- Return on investment
- Cost savings to the system
- Social Return on Investment (SROI)
- Community economic benefits
Expected Impact
Our research aims to create meaningful, lasting benefits for communities and the healthcare system.
Improved Health and Well-Being
For older adults
Reduced Healthcare Costs
And long-term care costs
Safer Aging at Home
More people able to stay home
Stronger communities
More connected neighborhoods
Evidence for policy
Guides smart investments
Frequently Asked Questions
How does economics affect well-being?
Economic factors such as housing costs, access to services, and financial security can influence health, independence, and quality of life. Understanding these connections can help identify supports that improve well-being while making better use of available resources.
What does Social Return on Investment (SROI) mean?
SROI looks beyond financial costs and savings to consider the broader social value created by a program. It helps us understand whether an investment creates meaningful benefits for individuals, communities, and the healthcare system.
Why is economic research important for aging in place?
Helping people remain safely at home may benefit individuals while also reducing pressure on healthcare and long-term care systems. Economic research helps us understand the costs and potential benefits of different approaches to supporting aging in the right place.
How will the research findings be used?
The findings will help communities, partners, and decision-makers understand which supports provide the greatest value and where future investments may have the greatest impact for older adults.
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