Going From Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in Westchester County, New York

Transcription

1 Going From Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York March 2009

2 Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York Report Prepared by Brittne M. Nelson and Terri Guengerich Copyright 2009 AARP Knowledge Management 601 E Street NW Washington, DC Reprinting with Permission

3 AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. State Research brings the right knowledge at the right time to our state and national partners in support of their efforts to improve the lives of people age 50 and older. State Research consultants provide strategic insights and actionable research to attain measurable state and national outcomes. The views expressed herein are for information, debate, and discussion, and do not necessarily represent official policies of AARP. Acknowledgements AARP staff from the York State Office, Outreach and Services, Government Relations and Advocacy, and Knowledge Management contributed to the design and implementation of the study. Thanks are extended to William Stoner of the York State Office; Michael O Neal of Outreach and Services, Adam Goldberg of Government Relations and Advocacy; and Rachelle Cummins, Erica Dinger, Joanne Binette, Cassandra Cantave-Burton, Darlene Matthews, and Cheryl Barnes of State Research, Knowledge Management. Additional thanks are extended to Nancy Bell, Office of General Counsel, for her legal review of the report. Woelfel Research, Inc. administered the telephone survey and tabulated the results. Erica Dinger managed many aspects of the project including research design and survey development. Brittne Nelson and Terri Guengerich of State Research co-authored the report. For more information, contact Terri Guengerich, at (202)

4 Is, York a Livable Community? AARP defines a livable community as one that allows people to maintain their independence and quality of life as they age and retire. Specific aspects of a livable community include adequate mobility options; supportive community features and services that allow residents to maintain their independence and enjoy an engaging civic and social life; and affordable and appropriate housing. 1 AARP York commissioned a telephone survey of the general population age 50 years and older who live in, York to discover their opinions about living in this county. On average, residents age 50+ have lived in their community about three decades the median length of residency in is 30 years. Overall, residents age 50+ are rooted in their community, satisfied with it, and think it is a good place for people approaching retirement. Residents would also like to stay in their community and their place of residence for as long as possible. However, the majority of residents age 50+ says that affordable housing and heavy traffic are problems in their community. residents have also identified the following gaps between what is important and what is missing in their community: An adequate supply of affordable housing Home repair services Good job opportunities Respite care A variety of housing options for persons with different physical abilities In addition, many residents age 50+ are also unaware that the following services exist in their community: Home repair services Respite care Health monitoring services A variety of affordable housing options Chore or homemaker services While has many components of a livable community, the survey shows that needs to address its problem areas to make this county a great livable community that meets the needs of all its residents as they age. 1 AARP Public Policy, Livable Communities: An Evaluation Guide. AARP, Washington, DC. Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 1

5 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Satisfaction with Community residents are rooted in their community, satisfied with it, and think it is a good place for people approaching retirement. residents have developed roots in their community among its residents age 50+, the median length of time they have lived in is 30 years. In fact, boomer-age residents, those age have lived there on average 21 years (median) and non-boomers, those age 62+, an average of 35 years (median). Two in three residents say they are extremely or very satisfied with their community as a place to live, and seven in ten residents rate their community as excellent, very good, or good as a place for older people to live. In fact, residents age 62+ are more likely to rate their community as excellent or very good than boomer-age residents (62+ years, 44%; years, 32%). A Place for Older People to Live (n=800) Satisfaction as a Place to Live (n=800) Excellent 14% Extremely 22% Very good 26% Very 43% Good 31% Fair 18% Somewhat 29% Poor 10% Not too 5% Not sure 3% Not at all 1% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% residents are also more likely to rate their community as an excellent or a very good place for older people to live than other -area residents (, 53%,, 39%;, 31%). Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 2

6 Most residents say it is important for them to remain in their community and particularly in their current home for as long as possible. Not only do residents age 50+ like their community, they want to stay there. Seven in ten residents say it is extremely or very important for them to remain in their community for as long as possible. Even more say it is extremely or very important to remain in their current residence for as long as possible. Importance of Remaining in Their Community as Long as Possible (n=800) Importance of Remaining in Their Current Residence as Long as Possible (n=800) Extremely 27% Extremely 41% Very 45% Very 38% Somewhat 11% Somewhat 19% Not very 6% Not very 6% Not at all 2% Not at all 3% Not sure 1% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% A higher percentage of older residents say it is extremely or very important to stay in their community and in their home for as long as possible compared to boomer-age residents (stay in community: 62+ years, 77%; years, 64%; stay in current residence: 62+ years, 84%; years, 73%). Similar percentages of area residents also say it is extremely or very important to remain in their community as long as possible (, 75%;, 78%;, 67%). A higher percentage of residents in and say it is extremely or very important for them to remain in their own home (, 86%;, 85%; and, 72%). Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 3

7 Community Characteristics and Services Safe neighborhoods, having a hospital in their community, and services that help people maintain their independence are the most important community characteristics for residents age 50+. At the top and by a wide margin, nearly three in five residents identify safe neighborhoods as the most important characteristic from our survey list of twenty-one community characteristics. Community Characteristics That Are Extremely Important To Residents Age 50+ (n=800) Safe neighborhoods 58% Community hospital Services to help age in place Well designed & maintained streets Dependable public transportation Close grocery store Close drug store Places to worship Affordable shopping Affordable housing Parks, community/recreation centers Variety of housing options Place where older people socialize Job opportunities Sidewalks where you want to go Accessible public buildings/facilities Ways to connect young & old Volunteer opportunities Convenient places for public events Entertainment Close walking/bike trails 36% 35% 31% 27% 27% 26% 26% 25% 24% 21% 21% 21% 20% 20% 19% 15% 14% 12% 12% 11% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 4

8 Safe neighborhoods are also identified as the topmost important community characteristic by boomer residents and non-boomer residents alike, and by residents in,, and. Comparing the top ten characteristics by age shows that for both boomers and nonboomers having safe neighborhoods, a hospital nearby, services to age in place, and well designed and maintained streets are the four most important community characteristics. The next most important for boomers are dependable public transportation and places to worship for non-boomers, it is a close grocery store and a close drug store. Top Ten Extremely Important Community Characteristics by Age and by City of Residence Boomers Age (n=331) Non- Boomers Age 62+ (n=442) (n=72) (n=104) (n=104) Community Characteristics Safe neighborhoods Community hospital Age in place services Well designed/maintained streets Dependable public transportation Places to worship Affordable housing Affordable shopping Close grocery store Variety of housing options Close drug store Good job opportunities 10 3 Parks, community, recreation centers 10 Sidewalks going where you want 8 While residents in,, and also identified safe neighborhoods as their topmost important characteristic, their rating for the remaining nine characteristics varies. Good job opportunities are more important to residents in than to residents in and. Having a grocery store close by made the top-ten list for residents in, but not for residents in and. Affordable housing and parks, community and recreation centers made the top-ten list for residents of, but not for residents of or. Likewise sidewalks taking you to where you want to go made the top ten-list for residents of, but not for residents of or. Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 5

9 Over a third of residents in age 50+ say that services that allow residents to age in place, such as special transportation, visiting nurses, or home health aides are extremely important to them. Special transportation for seniors and people with disabilities are at the top of the list of thirteen surveyed community services in terms of importance to residents. One in four also says that visiting nurses that come to your home, home health aides who help with personal needs, home repair services, and hospice services are extremely important community services. Community Services That Are Extremely Important to Residents Age 50+ (n=800) Special transportation for seniors & disabled Visiting nurses Home health aides Home repair services Hospice Meals-on-wheels Health monitoring services Senior centers Respite care Homemaker services Seasonal or outdoor work Outdoor maintenance Congregate meals 29% 27% 26% 24% 24% 23% 20% 20% 19% 19% 19% 17% 15% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 6

10 The top five most important community services are the same for boomer residents and non-boomers residents, although the order differs. The top service for boomer residents is special transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities, while the top service for non-boomers is visiting nurses. Top Five Extremely Important Community Services by Age and by City of Residence Boomers Age (n=331) Non- Boomers Age 62+ (n=442) (n=72) (n=104) (n=104) Community Services Special transportations for seniors and disabled Home health aides Home repair services Visiting nurses Hospice Health monitoring services 3 For residents in and, the top service identified was home health aides; for, the top service was visiting nurses. Health monitoring services was a top-five service for residents in, but not for residents in and. Likewise, visiting nurses was a top-five service for residents in and, but not for residents of. The availability of services that allow people to remain in their home as they age is a keystone to viable livable communities. More importantly, however, is the awareness of these services that allow residents to age in place by people in the community. Many residents, though, were not sure that these community characteristics or services existed in their community. At least one in five residents says they are not sure the following characteristics or services exist in their community: Home repair services (44%) Respite care (43%) Health monitoring service (39%) A variety of affordable housing options, including for people with physical disabilities (39%) Chore or homemakers services (31%) Home health aides (27%) Hospice (26%) Good job opportunities (26%) Congregate meals (25%) A variety of housing options for persons with different physical abilities (25%) Ways to connect older and younger people in the community (23%) Meals-on-wheels or home delivered meals (22%) A wide variety of services to help you maintain your independence as you grow older (22%) Outdoor maintenance services (21%) Visiting nurses (20%) Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 7

11 For many of the characteristics and services that residents deem important home repair services, home health aides, visiting nurses many residents are not aware of their existence in their community. Gaps in Community Characteristics and Services After residents were asked how important the prior twenty-one community characteristics and the thirteen community services are, they were asked if these characteristics and services existed in their community. Pairing these questions allows us to look at gaps between the importance of a characteristic or service and its existence in the community. To compare these questions, residents who said a characteristic or service is extremely, very, or somewhat important were aggregated and compared to residents who said a characteristic or service existed in their community. Residents who said they were not sure if a characteristic or service was in their community were removed from this analysis. The biggest gaps identified between what is important and what exists in their community among -area residents age 50+ are: an adequate supply of affordable housing, home repair services, job opportunities, respite care, housing options for persons with different physical abilities, ways to connect older and younger people, and services to help maintain independence. Characteristics and Services in the Community (n=varies, based on awareness of characteristic or service) Extremely, Very, or Somewhat Important Yes, Characteristic or Service Exists An adequate supply of affordable housing (n=681) 91.0% 26.9% -64.1% A service that helps with home repairs, like with the roof or windows (n=452) 91.7% 30.4% -61.3% Good job opportunities (n=589) 85.2% 39.6% -45.6% Respite (n=457) 90.9% 45.9% -45.0% A variety of housing options for persons with different physical abilities (n=600) 92.9% 48.3% -44.3% Ways to connect older and younger people (n=615) 92.5% 56.0% -36.5% A wide variety of services to help you maintain your independence as you grow older (n=622) 98.6% 66.4% -32.2% Chore or homemakers services, like when someone comes in to do light housekeeping or cleaning (n=547) 93.0% 64.2% -28.8% Health monitoring services (n=489) 92.2% 63.8% -28.4% Outdoor maintenance services (n=633) 91.5% 64.7% -26.8% Sidewalks going to where you want to go (n=792) 83.1% 56.5% -26.6% A hospital in the community (n=796) 92.5% 67.9% -24.6% End of life or hospice (n=591) 92.6% 68.1% -24.5% Home health aide, personal care attendant, or other assistant who helps with personal needs (n=585) 94.5% 72.7% -21.8% Gap Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 8

12 Characteristics and Services in the Community (n=varies, based on awareness of characteristic or service) Extremely, Very, or Somewhat Important Yes, Characteristic or Service Exists Seasonal work, such as lawn work or snow removal (n=667) 91.7% 70.2% -21.5% Walking or bike trails within a half mile of your home (n=757) 82.5% 61.0% -21.5% Entertainment, such as theaters and concerts (n=788) 86.4% 65.1% -21.3% Affordable shopping (n=782) 94.9% 74.4% -20.5% A grocery store within a half mile of your home (n=795) 91.6% 74.3% -17.3% Well-designed and maintained streets (n=789) 98.4% 82.3% -16.1% Visiting nurse, such as an RN who comes to your home Gap 95.1% 80.1% -15.0% (n=637) Dependable public transportation (n=722) 90.3% 76.2% -14.1% A drug store within a half mile of your home (n=799) 88.7% 75.0% -13.7% Congregate meals, such as senior lunch programs 87.9% 74.6% -13.3% (n=597) Special transportation service, like one for seniors or persons with disabilities (n=669) 97.6% 87.5% -10.1% Convenient places for public events and meetings (n=739) 90.8% 81.5% -9.3% A place where older people socialize (n=720) 93.8% 86.2% -7.6% Safe neighborhoods (n=785) 99.7% 93.4% -6.3% Accessible public buildings and facilities (n=737) 93.2% 87.0% -6.2% Well run parks, community centers, and recreation 95.6% 90.5% -5.1% centers (n=760) Meals-on-wheels or home delivered meals (n=626) 92.0% 87.1% -4.9% Senior centers (n=742) 94.2% 91.0% -3.2% Opportunities for volunteering (n=716) 91.7% 90.3% -1.4% Places to worship (n=793) 87.3% 96.5% 9.2% Of those residents who say the above services are available in their communities, about one in ten has used seasonal work (12%), outdoor maintenance services (12%), and homemaker services (10%). Fifteen percent of boomer residents also say they have used seasonal work or outdoor maintenance services. Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 9

13 Problems in The majority of residents say that lack of affordable housing and heavy traffic are problems (big or small) in their community. A great livable community provides appropriate and affordable housing options that allow its residents to transition to housing that is appropriate for their stage of life while maintaining residence in their neighborhood as well as accessible and dependable public transportation. Additionally, accessible and dependable public transportation that allows for pedestrian travel are basic mobility characteristics of a livable community. Yet, two in three residents age 50+ say that not having enough affordable housing in their community is a problem, and about six in ten say heavy traffic is also a problem. Community Problems (n=800) Big Problem Small Problem Not a Problem Not Sure Not enough affordable housing 42% 25% 23% 10% Heavy traffic 29% 29% 42% <1% People don t get involved in efforts to improve the community 18% 27% 48% 7% Not enough senior services 10% 22% 50% 18% Street and sidewalks that need repair or don t exist 18% 30% 52% 1% Public transportation that is too far away, too limited or not available 18% 23% 54% 5% Crime 10% 29% 60% 1% Streets are too dark 14% 20% 64% 2% Not enough arts or cultural activities 9% 24% 64% 3% Not enough medical services 8% 14% 74% 4% Traffic lights that are timed too fast 7% 16% 74% 3% Noise 7% 16% 77% <1% Being too far away from parks and recreation 4% 16% 79% 1% Rundown or abandoned buildings/houses/apartments 4% 16% 79% 1% Shopping, banks, other needed services too far away 6% 14% 80% 1% Too few traffic lights 5% 14% 80% 2% Poor public services such as schools, garbage or snow removal 7% 12% 81% 1% At least three in four residents say that medical services, traffic lights, and noise are not a problem in. Residents also say that being too far away from parks or shopping is also not a problem for them. And residents say that public services like schools, garbage or snow removal are also not problems. Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 10

14 The top problem not enough affordable housing is the same for boomer residents and non-boomers residents, and for residents of,, and. The next biggest problem heavy traffic is the same for all these groups except for, where people not getting involved in community improvements is the next biggest problem. Top Five Big Problems in by Age and by City of Residence (At least 20% of Residents Identifying a Problem as Big) Boomers Age (n=331) Non- Boomers Age 62+ (n=442) (n=72) (n=104) (n=104) Community Problems Not enough affordable housing Heavy traffic Street and sidewalks that need repair or don t exist People don t get involved in efforts to improve the community 4 2 Public transportation is too far away, too limited or not available Streets that are too dark 5 It is interesting to note that in our survey list of 17 types of community problems, people not getting involved in efforts to improve the community made the top-five list of problems for boomers and residents of. Tax relief and more affordable housing were the top two community changes residents age 50+ would make to improve conditions for older persons living in their communities. When residents were asked, If you were the leader of your community, what changes would you want to make to improve conditions for older persons living here? housingrelated issues, such as more affordable housing and more varied types of housing tied with financial-related issues, such as reducing taxes, or providing more financial assistance for seniors, were the top sources of change for their community. Although housing and financial issues topped the list of both boomer and non-boomer residents as sources of change they would make in their community, boomer-age residents were more likely than older residents to say they would improve transportation conditions (boomers, 15%; non-boomers, 9%) and supportive services (boomers, 15%; 62+, 9%). Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 11

15 Home Modifications One in five residents age 50+ say their current residence needs major repairs, modifications, or changes to enable them to stay there as they age. Appropriate and affordable housing options are important to communities such as, where many residents are rooted in the community and would like to maintain those roots as long as possible. Over eight in ten residents own their home (87%), and the average length of residency in is 30 years (median). For many residents, maintaining residency in their -Area Residents Age 50+ Who Say Their Current Residence Needs Modifications (n=800) Yes, 19% Not sure, 1% No, 80% current home as they age will require modifications, as one in five says some modification is necessary. In fact, boomer-age homeowners are more likely to say their residence needs modifications than older homeowners (50-61, 24%; 62+, 16%). Most residents say their homes need bathroom modifications, such as grab bars, handrails, high toilets, or non-slip tile. One in ten residents age believe they will need to move out of their current residence within the next two years. While some residents will be able to make such modifications or repairs, many will not as one in ten believes they will need to move out of their current home within the next two years. The most commonly cited reasons for needing to move are: Residents Age 50+ Who Believe They Will Need to Move in Two Years (n=800) Yes, 9% Taxes will cost too much; Their current home is too big; Too many stairs; or Their rent/mortgage costs too much. Not sure, 4% No, 87% 2 Excludes residents age 50+ who live in an assisted living facility. Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 12

16 Driving When they need to go somewhere, most residents age 50+ drive themselves. Forms of Transportation Used When Mobility is a major aspect of a livable community because various transportation options allow residents to Residents Age 50+ Need to Get Somewhere (n=800) get around their community at all stages of their life. Most Drive residents drive when they need to go somewhere. However, over three in five get a ride with family or friends, and over half walk. Less than one in ten says they use special transportation Get a ride Walk 62% 55% services for seniors or people with disabilities. Use public transportation 31% 90% Only nine percent of residents say they always or sometimes miss activities because they do not have transportation. One in ten residents also says they have a medical condition that makes it difficult for them to travel outside of their homes. Take a taxi Use special transportation service 4% 24% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 13

17 Demographic Characteristics of Respondents (n=800) AGE % % % GENDER Female 57% Male 43% INCOME <$35K 12% $35K- <$75K 22% 75K+ 41% EMPLOYMENT Retired Employed 45% 47% EDUCATION High school or less Post HS/2 yr. degree 21% 22% College grad+ 56% MARITAL STATUS Married 62% Widowed Other 19% 18% RACE White 84% Black 9% Other 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 14

18 Methodology AARP commissioned Woelfel Research, Inc. to conduct a telephone survey of the general population age 50 years and older who live in, York. The sample was drawn at random from a listed sample of households containing telephone numbers with a high probability of having an occupant being age 50+. The sample was constructed to achieve over-samples of respondents in three areas:, Heights, and. A total of 800 interviews were completed. Interviews were conducted from December 12, 2007 to January 11, Up to ten call attempts per telephone number were made to reach an eligible respondent. Calls were staggered over times of day and days of the week to maximize the chance of making contact with potential respondents. The survey has a sampling error of ±3.5%. Survey responses were weighted to reflect the distribution by age and gender within geographic area. Weights were also applied to separate geographies to bring the over-samples into line with their proportion in. Weighted responses to all survey questions are found in Appendix A. The response rate was 17 percent, and the cooperation rate was 86 percent. These rates were calculated using AAPOR s Outcome Rate Calculator Version 2.1 (May, 2003). Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 15

19 APPENDIX A ANNOTATED QUESTIONNAIRE Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 16

20 2007, NY Livable Communities Survey n=800; Sampling Error =+/-3.5% n=72; n=104; n= Thinking about your future needs, how would you rate your community as a place for older people to live? Would you say it is.? 1. How long have you lived in your current community? 1-5 years 7% 3% 6% 9% 6-10 years 10% 9% 9% 12% years 10% 14% 11% 3% years 8% 7% 13% 8% years 10% 10% 12% 12% 25+ years 55% 57% 49% 55% Don t know 1% 0% 0% 1% 2. How important is it to you to remain in your community for as long as possible? Is it.? Extremely important 27% 24% 36% 21% Very important 45% 51% 42% 46% Somewhat important 19% 15% 13% 22% Not very important 6% 8% 5% 4% Not at all important 3% 1% 4% 7% Not sure 0% 2% 1% 1% Excellent 14% 17% 12% 4% Very good 26% 36% 27% 27% Good 31% 23% 31% 40% Fair 18% 13% 16% 20% Poor 10% 9% 11% 7% Not sure 3% 3% 3% 3% 4. Overall, how satisfied are you with your community as a place to live? Would you say that you are.? Extremely satisfied 22% 27% 24% 16% Very satisfied 43% 37% 45% 38% Somewhat satisfied 29% 27% 30% 42% Not too satisfied 5% 9% 0% 3% Not at all satisfied 1% 0% 2% 0% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 0% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 17

21 5. Now I m going to ask you about some community characteristics. Please tell me how important you think it is to have the following characteristics in your community. How important is having... in your community? (ROTATE ITEMS) Is it extremely important, very important, somewhat important, not very important, not at all important? a. Well run parks, community centers, and recreation centers Extremely important 21% 20% 25% 22% Very important 55% 54% 57% 54% Somewhat important 19% 19% 14% 22% Not very important 4% 6% 3% 2% Not at all important 1% 1% 0% 0% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 1% b. Convenient places for public events and meetings Extremely important 12% 12% 10% 8% Very important 45% 38% 52% 46% Somewhat important 34% 38% 31% 39% Not very important 7% 5% 3% 7% Not at all important 2% 5% 3% 0% Not sure 1% 1% 1% 1% c. A place where older people socialize Extremely important 21% 21% 23% 18% Very important 47% 43% 51% 50% Somewhat important 25% 26% 24% 27% Not very important 6% 7% 2% 4% Not at all important 1% 2% 0% 1% Not sure 0% 2% 0% 0% d. Dependable public transportation Extremely important 27% 29% 30% 30% Very important 47% 48% 50% 51% Somewhat important 15% 13% 10% 13% Not very important 7% 8% 8% 4% Not at all important 3% 2% 2% 3% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 0% Refused 1% 0% 0% 0% e. Sidewalks going to where you want to go Extremely important 20% 12% 20% 27% Very important 42% 37% 33% 37% Somewhat important 21% 16% 24% 24% Not very important 11% 26% 15% 9% Not at all important 5% 7% 7% 4% Not sure 1% 0% 1% 0% Refused 0% 2% 0% 0% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 18

22 f. Safe neighborhoods Extremely important 58% 50% 58% 54% Very important 40% 46% 41% 42% Somewhat important 2% 3% 2% 2% Not very important 0% 0% 0% 0% Not at all important 0% 1% 0% 0% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 0% Refused 0% 0% 0% 1% g. Entertainment, such as theaters and concerts Extremely important 12% 12% 11% 11% Very important 40% 43% 41% 40% Somewhat important 35% 32% 43% 41% Not very important 11% 9% 4% 8% Not at all important 3% 4% 1% 0% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 0% h. Walking or bike trails within a half mile of your home Extremely important 11% 10% 17% 6% Very important 37% 28% 37% 37% Somewhat important 33% 36% 26% 41% Not very important 13% 20% 15% 12% Not at all important 5% 6% 5% 5% Not sure 1% 0% 1% 0% i. A grocery store within a half mile of your home Extremely important 27% 26% 23% 24% Very important 47% 42% 41% 45% Somewhat important 17% 21% 27% 20% Not very important 6% 7% 8% 8% Not at all important 2% 5% 0% 3% Not sure 0% 0% 1% 0% j. A drug store within a half mile of your home Extremely important 26% 27% 19% 26% Very important 46% 50% 43% 43% Somewhat important 17% 18% 24% 21% Not very important 9% 3% 12% 8% Not at all important 2% 3% 2% 2% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 0% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 19

23 k. A wide variety of services to help you maintain your independence as you grow older Extremely important 35% 44% 47% 34% Very important 53% 42% 47% 53% Somewhat important 10% 11% 6% 9% Not very important 1% 0% 0% 2% Not at all important 1% 4% 0% 0% Not sure 1% 0% 0% 1% Refused 0% 0% 0% 1% l. Good job opportunities Extremely important 20% 23% 21% 37% Very important 39% 37% 46% 41% Somewhat important 23% 26% 18% 16% Not very important 11% 5% 12% 5% Not at all important 5% 8% 2% 2% Not sure 1% 0% 1% 0% Refused 0% 2% 0% 0% m. Accessible public buildings and facilities Extremely important 19% 12% 23% 17% Very important 50% 55% 50% 50% Somewhat important 24% 24% 23% 22% Not very important 5% 7% 1% 9% Not at all important 2% 2% 0% 1% Not sure 1% 0% 3% 1% n. An adequate supply of affordable housing Extremely important 24% 16% 31% 25% Very important 44% 46% 37% 45% Somewhat important 22% 24% 24% 21% Not very important 6% 8% 6% 6% Not at all important 3% 4% 1% 3% Not sure 1% 1% 1% 1% o. A variety of housing options for persons with different Greenburgtown York- physical abilities Extremely important 21% 20% 27% 30% Very important 47% 42% 53% 44% Somewhat important 23% 24% 17% 19% Not very important 6% 6% 2% 7% Not at all important 2% 7% 0% 0% Not sure 2% 1% 1% 0% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 20

24 p. Ways to connect older and younger people in the community Extremely important 15% 10% 20% 14% Very important 41% 41% 44% 40% Somewhat important 33% 35% 28% 33% Not very important 8% 7% 4% 8% Not at all important 2% 7% 1% 2% Not sure 1% 1% 2% 2% Refused 0% 0% 0% 1% q. Opportunities for volunteering Extremely important 14% 10% 17% 17% Very important 44% 40% 49% 43% Somewhat important 32% 34% 28% 36% Not very important 7% 7% 4% 3% Not at all important 2% 8% 1% 0% Not sure 1% 1% 2% 0% r. Well-designed and maintained streets Extremely important 31% 28% 30% 35% Very important 60% 66% 63% 56% Somewhat important 8% 4% 7% 7% Not very important 2% 2% 1% 1% Not at all important 0% 0% 0% 0% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 0% Refused 0% 0% 0% 1% s. A hospital in the community Extremely important 36% 38% 36% 43% Very important 45% 47% 44% 44% Somewhat important 12% 7% 13% 10% Not very important 6% 7% 3% 2% Not at all important 1% 1% 2% 0% Not sure 0% 0% 2% 0% Refused 0% 0% 1% 1% t. Affordable shopping Extremely important 25% 27% 31% 26% Very important 52% 48% 56% 59% Somewhat important 17% 14% 12% 12% Not very important 4% 7% 2% 2% Not at all important 1% 3% 0% 0% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 0% Refused 0% 0% 0% 1% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 21

25 u. Places to worship Extremely important 26% 29% 31% 23% Very important 47% 37% 45% 50% Somewhat important 15% 20% 15% 16% Not very important 8% 7% 4% 7% Not at all important 5% 7% 5% 2% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 0% Refused 0% 0% 0% 3% 6. Does the community where you live have (ROTATE ITEMS)? Greenburgtown York- a. Well run parks, community centers, and recreation centers Yes 86% 88% 88% 84% No 9% 4% 4% 10% Not sure 5% 8% 8% 6% b. Convenient places for public events and meetings Yes 75% 78% 84% 74% No 17% 14% 11% 23% Not sure 8% 8% 6% 3% c. A place where older people socialize Yes 78% 69% 86% 73% No 12% 13% 6% 17% Not sure 10% 18% 8% 10% d. Dependable public transportation Yes 69% 80% 57% 66% No 22% 8% 33% 22% Not sure 10% 12% 11% 12% e. Sidewalks going to where you want to go Yes 56% 30% 36% 78% No 43% 66% 62% 21% Not sure 1% 4% 2% 1% f. Safe neighborhoods Yes 92% 94% 98% 92% No 7% 3% 2% 5% Not sure 2% 3% 0% 1% Refused 0% 0% 0% 1% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 22

26 g. Entertainment, such as theaters and concerts Yes 64% 84% 86% 69% No 34% 13% 13% 29% Not sure 2% 3% 1% 2% h. Walking or bike trails within a half mile of your home Yes 58% 48% 73% 67% No 37% 41% 25% 29% Not sure 5% 11% 2% 5% i. A grocery store within a half mile of your home Yes 74% 84% 56% 79% No 26% 16% 44% 21% Not sure 1% 0% 0% 0% j. A drug store within a half mile of your home Yes 75% 82% 51% 81% No 25% 18% 49% 19% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 0% k. A wide variety of services to help you maintain your independence as you grow older Yes 52% 49% 55% 53% No 26% 20% 23% 22% Not sure 22% 30% 21% 25% Refused 0% 2% 1% 0% l. Good job opportunities Yes 29% 34% 27% 33% No 45% 29% 39% 35% Not sure 26% 37% 34% 32% m. Accessible public buildings and facilities Yes 80% 79% 87% 79% No 12% 10% 9% 13% Not sure 7% 11% 5% 7% Refused 0% 0% 0% 1% n. An adequate supply of affordable housing Yes 23% 30% 17% 38% No 62% 50% 60% 44% Not sure 14% 20% 23% 18% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 23

27 o. A variety of housing options for persons with different physical abilities Yes 36% 25% 43% 47% No 39% 40% 33% 33% Not sure 25% 34% 25% 20% p. Ways to connect older and younger people in the community Yes 43% 39% 50% 39% No 34% 35% 29% 33% Not sure 23% 26% 20% 29% Refused 0% 0% 1% 0% q. Opportunities for volunteering Yes 81% 68% 87% 81% No 9% 12% 6% 11% Not sure 10% 20% 8% 8% r. Well-designed and maintained streets Yes 81% 87% 75% 81% No 17% 11% 20% 16% Not sure 1% 3% 5% 2% Refused 0% 0% 0% 1% s. A hospital in the community Yes 68% 79% 63% 95% No 32% 21% 37% 5% Not sure 1% 0% 1% 0% t. Affordable shopping Yes 73% 92% 83% 68% No 25% 4% 15% 26% Not sure 2% 4% 3% 6% u. Places to worship Yes 96% 96% 97% 94% No 3% 3% 2% 6% Not sure 1% 2% 1% 0% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 24

28 7. Now I m going to ask you about some community services. Again, I would like you to tell me how important you think it is to have the following services in your community to help people remain in their own homes as they age. How important is having... in your community? (ROTATE ITEMS) Is it extremely important, very important, somewhat important, not very important, not at all important? a. Senior centers Extremely important 20% 21% 24% 18% Very important 53% 45% 61% 60% Somewhat important 19% 23% 12% 17% Not very important 5% 6% 3% 3% Not at all important 1% 3% 0% 1% Not sure 1% 3% 0% 2% b. Chore or homemakers services like when someone comes in to do light housekeeping or cleaning Extremely important 19% 22% 24% 16% Very important 50% 39% 50% 53% Somewhat important 23% 31% 19% 24% Not very important 4% 2% 5% 7% Not at all important 2% 7% 2% 1% Not sure 2% 0% 1% 0% c. Congregate meals such as senior lunch programs Extremely important 15% 11% 18% 13% Very important 45% 40% 53% 60% Somewhat important 25% 37% 23% 19% Not very important 9% 4% 5% 5% Not at all important 3% 4% 0% 2% Not sure 3% 4% 2% 1% Refused 0% 0% 0% 1% d. Meals-on-Wheels or home delivered meals Extremely important 23% 20% 29% 23% Very important 51% 42% 54% 55% Somewhat important 17% 21% 14% 13% Not very important 6% 9% 2% 6% Not at all important 2% 8% 0% 2% Not sure 1% 0% 2% 0% e. A service that helps with home repairs, like with the roof or windows Extremely important 24% 22% 34% 25% Very important 49% 54% 50% 46% Somewhat important 18% 17% 13% 23% Not very important 5% 0% 1% 3% Not at all important 2% 4% 0% 0% Not sure 2% 3% 2% 2% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 25

29 f. Visiting nurse, such as an RN who comes to your home Extremely important 27% 29% 36% 23% Very important 56% 50% 53% 64% Somewhat important 11% 11% 6% 9% Not very important 3% 3% 1% 2% Not at all important 2% 6% 1% 1% Not sure 1% 1% 3% 1% g. Seasonal work, such as lawn work or snow removal Extremely important 19% 19% 26% 16% Very important 57% 58% 56% 57% Somewhat important 16% 16% 13% 23% Not very important 5% 2% 1% 3% Not at all important 2% 2% 2% 1% Not sure 2% 4% 2% 0% Refused 1% 0% 0% 0% h. Home health aide, personal care attendant, or other assistant who helps with personal needs Extremely important 26% 31% 33% 30% Very important 54% 48% 52% 56% Somewhat important 14% 9% 8% 12% Not very important 3% 2% 3% 0% Not at all important 2% 5% 1% 2% Not sure 1% 6% 3% 1% i. Respite Extremely important 19% 18% 26% 15% Very important 49% 44% 49% 57% Somewhat important 21% 23% 19% 17% Not very important 5% 5% 3% 3% Not at all important 2% 4% 1% 3% Not sure 5% 7% 3% 3% Refused 1% 0% 0% 1% j. End of life or hospice Extremely important 24% 24% 31% 24% Very important 50% 44% 45% 50% Somewhat important 17% 20% 20% 18% Not very important 6% 5% 1% 4% Not at all important 2% 4% 0% 1% Not sure 2% 3% 3% 3% Refused 1% 0% 0% 0% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 26

30 k. Special transportation service like one for seniors or persons with disabilities Extremely important 29% 26% 36% 27% Very important 56% 58% 58% 57% Somewhat important 12% 11% 5% 12% Not very important 2% 1% 2% 1% Not at all important 1% 4% 0% 2% Not sure 1% 0% 0% 1% l. Health monitoring services Extremely important 20% 20% 27% 25% Very important 51% 46% 52% 51% Somewhat important 19% 18% 15% 15% Not very important 5% 5% 2% 4% Not at all important 2% 7% 2% 2% Not sure 4% 4% 2% 3% Refused 0% 0% 0% 1% m. Outdoor maintenance services Extremely important 17% 11% 23% 15% Very important 52% 45% 49% 55% Somewhat important 21% 27% 23% 25% Not very important 5% 1% 2% 2% Not at all important 2% 7% 2% 1% Not sure 4% 9% 2% 1% Refused 1% 0% 0% 1% 8. Does your community where you live have...? (ROTATE ITEMS) Greenburgtown York- a. Senior centers Yes 85% 84% 93% 86% No 8% 7% 5% 6% Not sure 7% 10% 3% 8% b. Chore or homemakers services like when someone comes in to do light housekeeping or cleaning Yes 44% 49% 48% 34% No 25% 21% 21% 25% Not sure 31% 30% 31% 41% c. Congregate meals such as senior lunch programs Yes 56% 53% 81% 63% No 19% 19% 6% 12% Not sure 25% 29% 13% 25% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 27

31 d. Meals-on-Wheels or home delivered meals Yes 68% 69% 70% 79% No 10% 7% 5% 3% Not sure 22% 24% 26% 19% e. A service that helps with home repairs, like with the roof or Greenburgtown York- windows Yes 17% 8% 15% 19% No 39% 34% 44% 31% Not sure 44% 58% 41% 51% f. Visiting nurse, such as an RN who comes to your home Yes 64% 69% 68% 60% No 16% 14% 13% 13% Not sure 20% 18% 19% 27% g. Seasonal work, such as lawn work or snow removal Yes 59% 64% 62% 53% No 25% 24% 19% 25% Not sure 17% 12% 19% 21% Refused 0% 0% 0% 1% h. Home health aide, personal care attendant, or other assistant who helps with personal needs Yes 53% 51% 58% 55% No 20% 21% 17% 14% Not sure 27% 27% 25% 31% i. Respite Yes 26% 26% 25% 24% No 31% 26% 31% 22% Not sure 43% 47% 44% 54% j. End of life or hospice Yes 46% 47% 53% 38% No 28% 25% 21% 26% Not sure 26% 29% 26% 37% k. Special transportation service like one for seniors or persons with disabilities Yes 73% 72% 87% 72% No 11% 10% 8% 11% Not sure 16% 18% 6% 17% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 28

32 9. Have you used any of these services I just mentioned in the last 12 months? (Base is the number of respondents who said they have at least one of the aforementioned 13 services in their community -- n=777; n=68; n=100; n=100) 10. Which services have you used? Have you used...? (Base is the number of respondents who say they have the service in their community) a. Senior centers ( n=676; n=60; n=96; n=90) b. Chore or homemakers services like when someone comes in to do light housekeeping or cleaning ( n=351; n=35; n=50; n=35) c. Congregate meals such as senior lunch programs ( n=446; n=38; n= 84; n=65) d. Meals-on-wheels or home delivered meals ( n=546; n=50, n=72; n=82) e. A service that helps with home repairs, like with the roof or windows ( n=137; n=6; n=16; n=20) f. Visiting nurse such as an RN who comes to your home ( n=510; n=49; n=71; n=62) g. Seasonal work such as lawn work or snow removal ( n=468; n=46; n=65; n=55) h. Home health aide, personal care attendant, or other assistant who helps with personal needs ( n=425; n=37; n=60; n=57) i. Respite, getting a break from caregiving duties ( n=210; n=19; n=26; n=24) j. End of life or hospice, medication or services provided to relieve symptoms of terminal illness ( n=365; n=34; n=56; n=39) l. Health monitoring services Yes 39% 40% 48% 33% No 22% 25% 19% 19% Not sure 39% 35% 34% 49% m. Outdoor maintenance services Yes 51% 53% 51% 43% No 28% 31% 24% 24% Not sure 21% 16% 25% 33% Yes 17% 20% 19% 20% No 83% 78% 81% 80% Not sure 0% 2% 0% 0% 7% 13% 3% 19% 10% 9% 10% 20% 2% 3% 2% 2% 2% 2% 1% 4% 5% 0% 0% 5% 7% 10% 13% 13% 12% 9% 6% 9% 6% 11% 10% 12% 2% 0% 8% 4% 1% 3% 0% 0% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 29

33 10. Which services have you used? Have you used...? (Base is the number of respondents who say they have the service in their community) k. Special transportation service like one for seniors or persons with disabilities ( n=585; n=52; n=90; n=75) l. Health monitoring services ( n=312; n=29; n=49; n=34) m. Outdoor maintenance services ( n=409; n=38; n=53; n=45) 4% 4% 1% 5% 5% 3% 4% 6% 12% 11% 6% 16% 11. Where, or to whom, would you turn for information about services in your community like the services we just asked about? (Base is the number of respondents who said they have used at least one of the 13 services in Q8 -- n=777; n=68; n=100; n=100) FAMILY MEMBERS/NEIGHBORS 8% 12% 7% 7% Spouse 1% 0% 1% 1% Children 1% 3% 0% 0% Parents/other family members 1% 0% 1% 1% Friends/neighbors 6% 9% 5% 5% CITY/COUNTY/OFFICE OF AGING/SOCIAL SERVICES/OTHER AGENCY 23% 16% 24% 27% Area Agency on Aging/Office of Aging 6% 7% 6% 7% Dept. of Social Services 3% 2% 7% 7% Health Department 1% 0% 0% 0% executive 2% 3% 1% 2% Council 4% 3% 2% 1% Other county offices 6% 2% 8% 11% Other private agency 1% 0% 0% 0% MEDICAL CENTER/HEALTH PROFESSIONAL 5% 7% 4% 5% Professional (e.g., doctor, nurse, social worker) 3% 4% 4% 5% Medical center 2% 3% 0% 0% CHURCH OR SYNAGOGUE 3% 0% 5% 4% SENIOR CENTER 6% 6% 4% 5% PHONE BOOK/OTHER MEDIA 26% 19% 28% 22% spaper/radio/tv 1% 2% 2% 1% Library 0% 0% 0% 0% Phone book 4% 0% 6% 3% Depends on service needed 0% 0% 0% 0% Wouldn t contact anyone 0% 0% 0% 0% Computer/Internet 4% 4% 3% 2% City/town resources (general) 13% 10% 15% 11% Insurance company 0% 0% 0% 0% Hospital/clinic 3% 2% 1% 4% Senior citizen hotline 2% 2% 1% 2% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 30

34 11. Where, or to whom, would you turn for information about services in your community like the services we just asked about? (Base is the number of respondents who said they have used at least one of the 13 services in Q8 -- n=777; n=68; n=100; n=100) OTHER 20% 35% 19% 19% Chamber of Commerce 1% 0% 0% 1% City Hall 3% 0% 1% 8% Community center 1% 6% 1% 1% website 1% 3% 0% 0% Internet 3% 2% 6% 4% Mayor's office 2% 1% 0% 1% Town government 2% 6% 0% 0% Town Hall 5% 13% 6% 2% Condo manager/owner 0% 0% 0% 0% Visiting nurses 0% 2% 1% 0% Other 3% 3% 4% 2% Not sure 8% 5% 10% 12% 12. Now, I m going to read you a list of problems that occur in some communities. After I mention each problem tell me how big you think the problem is in your community. Would you say... (ROTATE ITEMS) is a big problem, a small problem or not a problem in your community? a. Heavy traffic Big problem 29% 33% 44% 24% Small problem 29% 26% 32% 34% Not a problem 42% 42% 24% 40% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 2% b. Crime Big problem 10% 7% 3% 13% Small problem 29% 29% 31% 52% Not a problem 60% 62% 66% 33% Not sure 1% 1% 0% 3% c. Being too far away from parks and recreation Big problem 4% 4% 4% 4% Small problem 16% 12% 17% 18% Not a problem 79% 82% 77% 77% Not sure 1% 2% 2% 0% d. Noise Big problem 7% 5% 3% 10% Small problem 16% 16% 10% 24% Not a problem 77% 79% 86% 64% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 1% Refused 0% 0% 1% 0% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 31

35 e. Street and sidewalks that need repair or don t exist Big problem 18% 10% 22% 22% Small problem 30% 29% 24% 35% Not a problem 52% 59% 52% 41% Not sure 1% 3% 2% 2% f. Streets are too dark Big problem 14% 14% 22% 16% Small problem 20% 12% 21% 25% Not a problem 64% 72% 57% 58% Not sure 2% 1% 0% 1% Refused 0% 0% 1% 0% g. Rundown or abandoned buildings, houses or apartments Big problem 4% 4% 3% 5% Small problem 16% 9% 10% 26% Not a problem 79% 85% 86% 67% Not sure 1% 2% 1% 2% h. Poor public services such as schools, garbage or snow removal Big problem 7% 10% 3% 9% Small problem 12% 15% 10% 20% Not a problem 81% 75% 86% 70% Not sure 1% 0% 0% 1% Refused 0% 0% 1% 0% i. Public transportation that is too far away, too limited, or not available Big problem 18% 11% 31% 23% Small problem 23% 26% 23% 16% Not a problem 54% 60% 42% 60% Not sure 5% 4% 4% 2% j. No or not enough senior services Big problem 10% 5% 9% 16% Small problem 22% 22% 31% 20% Not a problem 50% 51% 43% 44% Not sure 18% 21% 17% 20% Refused 0% 0% 1% 0% k. Too few traffic lights Big problem 5% 3% 3% 4% Small problem 14% 7% 16% 13% Not a problem 80% 90% 78% 82% Not sure 2% 0% 3% 1% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 32

36 l. Traffic lights that are timed too fast Big problem 7% 5% 7% 13% Small problem 16% 18% 18% 22% Not a problem 74% 74% 73% 64% Not sure 3% 4% 3% 2% m. Shopping, banks, or other needed services being too far away Big problem 6% 2% 7% 8% Small problem 14% 5% 19% 15% Not a problem 80% 94% 74% 76% Not sure 1% 0% 0% 1% n. Not enough arts or cultural activities Big problem 9% 7% 5% 11% Small problem 24% 21% 26% 26% Not a problem 64% 67% 65% 61% Not sure 3% 6% 3% 3% Refused 0% 0% 1% 0% o. Not enough affordable housing Big problem 42% 36% 47% 38% Small problem 25% 20% 17% 28% Not a problem 23% 34% 22% 25% Not sure 10% 8% 14% 9% Refused 0% 1% 0% 0% p. No or not enough medical services Big problem 8% 7% 7% 9% Small problem 14% 9% 15% 15% Not a problem 74% 77% 74% 73% Not sure 4% 7% 4% 4% q. People don t get involved in efforts to improve the community Big problem 18% 14% 18% 28% Small problem 27% 29% 25% 31% Not a problem 48% 46% 50% 33% Not sure 7% 11% 6% 8% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 33

37 13. If you were the leader of your community, what changes would you want to make to improve conditions for older persons living here? TRANSPORTATION (NET) 11% 8% 16% 13% Better/improved/expanded (public) transportation 8% 8% 11% 8% Need public transportation system 0% 0% 0% 0% More accessible/readily available (public) transportation 3% 0% 3% 4% Free/low cost transportation/more affordable 1% 0% 1% 1% Other transportation 1% 0% 1% 2% PRESCRIPTIONS (NET) 0% 0% 0% 0% Free prescriptions for seniors 0% 0% 0% 0% Affordability of Rx for seniors 0% 0% 0% 0% HEALTH CARE (NET) 6% 7% 3% 5% More/better quality healthcare services 1% 1% 1% 0% Free/affordable healthcare services 2% 3% 1% 2% Make medical care more accessible/available 0% 0% 0% 0% Improve/more home assistance/home healthcare 2% 3% 1% 4% HOUSING (NET) 18% 12% 16% 10% Assisted living facilities 1% 0% 0% 0% More varied types of housing 0% 0% 0% 0% More/better senior housing 2% 0% 3% 2% More housing for impaired/disabled 0% 0% 0% 0% More affordable housing 15% 10% 11% 10% Retirement homes/communities 0% 0% 1% 0% Other housing 0% 1% 1% 0% ACTIVITIES (NET) 8% 6% 14% 12% Social/recreational activities/opportunities 5% 6% 5% 8% Senior centers/more/larger/improved 3% 0% 8% 1% Recreation centers/facilities 1% 0% 1% 3% Other activities/recreation 0% 0% 1% 0% FOOD (NET) 1% 0% 2% 1% Make sure they have enough food 0% 0% 0% 0% Meals on wheels/food service programs 1% 0% 2% 1% FINANCIAL (NET) 17% 30% 23% 18% Lower prices/discounts (general) 0% 0% 0% 0% Reduce/freeze taxes (school, property, sales)/give discount 16% 29% 22% 12% More financial assistance/subsidies for seniors 1% 2% 1% 2% Lower the rent/rent control 0% 0% 0% 1% Utility bills 0% 0% 0% 1% Other financial 0% 0% 0% 1% SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (NET) 11% 8% 11% 10% Be in contact with/make phone calls/visits to elderly/check up on them 3% 1% 0% 3% Help them get around/take them places/provide personal transportation 3% 3% 2% 2% Listen to the seniors more/find out what they say they need 1% 1% 2% 1% Program/volunteers for home maintenance/repair 2% 0% 2% 2% Provide senior daycare 0% 0% 0% 0% Provide service/good service (general) 2% 0% 3% 2% Provide more help in the home/do homemaking chores for them 1% 0% 1% 0% Improve/maintain quality of social services/programs for seniors 0% 1% 1% 1% Other outreach 1% 1% 0% 0% Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in, York (2007) 34