Bethel Age-Friendly Community Survey Report
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The survey carried out in the fall of 2015 (downloadable above) demonstrated that attitudes and areas of concern about the problems faced by Seniors are shared across the region. The vast majority of respondents (92.2%) said it was somewhat or very important to remain in their community as they age, with almost two out of three (64.8%) saying it was very important.
When asked how well the Bethel area community provides for its Seniors in a variety of areas, respondents rated volunteer opportunities and educational and social opportunities most favorably (at 2.4 on a scale of 1 to 3). When asked to rate their own community as a place for people to live as they age, just one in four respondents (26.9%) said it was very good and the majority rated Bethel and the surrounding communities as good (33.3%) or fair (32.9%). Less than one in ten (6.8%) rated their community as a poor place to age.
Transportation was the main issue driving residents’ concern about aging in the Bethel area. A substantial percentage of respondents (42.3%) said needing more accessible transportation would be a factor in their decision to move from the area as they age. Half of respondents (50.7%) said needing help with health care or household tasks would impact their decision to move. Help with household chores, home healthcare and support were of special concern to those living in surrounding areas. Other issues of importance that emerged include access to home care services, particularly in surrounding areas, a community center and affordable housing.[1]
The responses demonstrate that the time is ripe for encouraging changes to make our communities more age-friendly for all.
[1] Survey Executive Summary
When asked how well the Bethel area community provides for its Seniors in a variety of areas, respondents rated volunteer opportunities and educational and social opportunities most favorably (at 2.4 on a scale of 1 to 3). When asked to rate their own community as a place for people to live as they age, just one in four respondents (26.9%) said it was very good and the majority rated Bethel and the surrounding communities as good (33.3%) or fair (32.9%). Less than one in ten (6.8%) rated their community as a poor place to age.
Transportation was the main issue driving residents’ concern about aging in the Bethel area. A substantial percentage of respondents (42.3%) said needing more accessible transportation would be a factor in their decision to move from the area as they age. Half of respondents (50.7%) said needing help with health care or household tasks would impact their decision to move. Help with household chores, home healthcare and support were of special concern to those living in surrounding areas. Other issues of importance that emerged include access to home care services, particularly in surrounding areas, a community center and affordable housing.[1]
The responses demonstrate that the time is ripe for encouraging changes to make our communities more age-friendly for all.
[1] Survey Executive Summary
