The Fu Th e Futur ure e of of Ag Aging ng in th n the e To Town wn of of Ch Chat atham ham Chatha ham Counci cil l on Ag Aging Needs s As Asses essme sment nt St Study Jan E. Mutchler, PhD Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging Gerontology Institute John W. McCormack School of Policy & Global Studies University of Massachusetts Boston April 11, 2016 Conducting Needs Assessments | October 3, 2012
Outline of Today’s Pres esent entatio ation: n: ▸ Goals of the Chatham needs assessment study ▸ Methods of investigation ▸ Key findings ▸ Recommendations
Go Goal als s of of the he Ch Chat atham ham ne need eds assess essment ment study dy ▸ To investigate and document current and future needs and preferences of Chatham’s older residents ▸ Primary focus is on the Council on Aging ▸ Secondary focus is on Town amenities and other Town offices
Me Methods ds ▸ Demographic data ▸ U.S. Census Bureau ▸ Projections from the Donahue Institute, UMass system ▸ Resident survey ▸ All Chatham residents age 50+ eligible ▸ Mail-back survey with web response option ▸ Re Response se rate e of 39% (19% for those age 50-59; 42% for those age 60-79; 51% for those 80+)
Me Methods ds (cont.) ▸ Three focus groups: municipal organizations; nonprofits; residents ▸ Seven key informant interviews ▸ COA comparisons with 5 other communities ▸ A summer resident survey
DEMOGRAPHIC SUMMARY
Age distribution of Chatham (2010) Number Percentage Under age 18 749 12% Age 18-49 1,506 25% Age 50-59 929 15% Age 60-79 2,157 35% Age 80 and older 784 13% Total 6,125 100%
Age distribution of Chatham (2010) Number Percentage Under age 18 749 12% 48% are Age 18-49 1,506 25% age 60 or older Age 50-59 929 15% Age 60-79 2,157 35% Age 80 and older 784 13% Total 6,125 100%
Expected senior growth in Chatham 6,579 6,125 4,637 3,821 3,184 2,696 2,941 2,758 Seniors will 1,941 outnumber residents under age 60 1990 2000 2010 2020* 2030* 2035* Under age 60 Age 60+ Total population
An older age profile in Chatham is expected 100% 9% 13% 19% 80% 33% 35% 39% 60% 9% 15% 40% 10% 49% 20% 37% 32% 0% 1990 2000 2010 2020* 2030* 2035* Under Age 50 Age 50 to 59 Age 60 to 79 Age 80+
Over half of Chatham homeowners are age 60+ All Households 15% 25% 60% Owner Occupied 11% 25% 64% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Younger than 45 45 to 59 60+
More than 1 in 4 older residents lives alone Lives with Lives others, alone, 28% 67% Group quarters, 5%
Median household income is lower among Chatham seniors than middle-aged households Age 65+ $50,952 Age 45 to 64 $81,083
Disability is higher among older residents Percent with disability 28% 14% 65 to 74 75+
CHATHAM SURVEY RESPONSES
Chatham’s seniors are committed to aging in place ▸ Tw Two-th third irds of the seniors have lived in Chatham for at least 15 years; one one-qu quarte rter for 35 years or longer ▸ 92% 92% say it is “very important” or “somewhat important” to live in Chatham as long as possible ▸ 70% 70% think their current home is where they will always live
Maintaining and adapting homes can be a challenge 80% 70% 66% 70% ▸ I am concerned 60% about 50% managing the 40% stairway to my 30% apartment, and 20% finding another 9% 8% 10% that is as 0% reasonable. Homes need Can't afford to modify modification Age 60-79 Age 80+
Residents are receptive to higher density housing ▸ Our present Housing preference if health home is too large required a move to manage and 40% very isolated. 17% We’d like to 39% move to an independent 41% living that offers 10% progression to 31% memory care. Age 80+ Age 60-79
Many Chatham residents restrict their driving 80% 60% ▸ I am concerned about having 61% 40% adequate transportation 39% 20% to lead an active life. 11% 2% 0% 60-79 80+ Non-driver Drive with modifications
Transportation options used in Chatham Non-drivers Drive with Drive without modifications modifications Spouse/partner 67% 32% 18% or child Friends or 34% 13% 5% neighbors ˂1% DART Dial-A- 8% 1% Ride FISH for medical 14% 3% 1% appointments ˂1% COA 18% 2% transportation How do I get around if I can’t drive?
Satisfaction levels are mixed with respect to transportation options 51% 44% 43% 37% 33% 31% 22% 20% 18% Driver no modifications Drive with modifications Nondriver Completely or very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Slightly or not satisfied
Survey respondents are socially connected: using phone, email, social media, or getting together 9% 9% 9% 8% 10% 14% 19% 26% 34% 64% 55% 43% Age 50 to 59 Age 60 to 79 Age 80+ Every day Several times a week 1-2 times a week Less than once a week
But some respondents lack relationships with neighbors 85% 84% 83% 71% 70% 67% 58% 54% Age 50-59 42% Age 60-79 Age 80+ Have talked with Would ask a neighbor Have helped neighbors neighbors in past for help month
Many Chatham residents need services and supports to stay at home % with long-term care insurance Age 80+ Age 60 to 79 Age 50 to 59 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% No coverage Have coverage Not sure I am concerned about staying healthy enough to live on my own or finding a suitable place to live with assistance
Many Chatham residents are involved in caregiving Provided caregiving Found providing care to within past 5 years be very or somewhat challenging 58% 48% 50% 40% 44% 42% Age 50-59 Age 60-79 Age 80+ Age 50-59 Age 60-79 Age 80+ My greatest concern is the lack of a senior-care day center respite for caregivers
Working, retiring, and uncertainty ▸ One-third of ▸ 39% of respondents age respondents age 60-79 work for pay 60-79 say they have done no financial planning ▸ Among these for retirement, or individuals, 52% need to do more do not anticipate retiring, or are “not sure” when they will retire
“During my retirement, I expect to have adequate resources to meet my financial needs, including home maintenance, real estate taxes, healthcare, and other expenses” Strongly agree 15% Age 50-59 20% 38% 27% Agree Unsure 8% Age 60-79 27% 40% 25% Disagree or strongly disagree 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% I am concerned about being able to stay in Chatham and living on Social Security at age 67. I am still working full-time to be able to pay the bills, eat, and put gas in the tank with little left over.
ABOUT THE CHATHAM COUNCIL ON AGING
Chatham atham Council uncil on Aging ing is s a community munity asset et ▸ A source of services and activities, referral and leadership ▸ A resource for older adults and caregivers ▸ A bridge between community amenities and residents aging in place
Expect pect grow owth th in use e of f th the COA OA Percentage of survey respondents currently using programs and services at Chatham COA 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Age 50-59 Age 60-69 Age 70-79 Age 80+
High likelihood of participating in COA programs and services in the future Age 60+ 21% 42% 24% 7% 6% Age 50-59 17% 42% 28% 6% 7% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Very Likely Somewhat Likely Neither Likely Nor Unlikely Somewhat Unlikely Very Unlikely
Residents rate service functions of the Chatham COA as important (% rating service as important to them or their family) Age 50-59 Age 60-79 Age 80+ Outreach services 56% 58% 49% Chatham COA 50% 58% 44% transportation SHINE 49% 53% 41% Health and wellness 53% 53% 51% screening
Activity functions of the COA are priorities for expansion ▸ Top-rated program/service for seniors was learning opportunities and educational seminars — also a top priority for expansion ▸ Fitness activities were well rated in importance and for expansion ▸ Survey respondents highlighted aerobic exercise/strength training and life-long learning as priorities for expansion
Some residents travel to senior centers in other towns 35% 30% 30% 25% 23% 20% 15% 10% 12% 10% 5% 0% Age 60-79 Age 80+ Participate in Do not participate Chatham COA in Chatham COA
Visibility and public awareness of the COA could be improved Frequency of internet use ▸ A common 100% problem accessing 80% the COA was “not 60% knowing what programs and 40% 25% services are 20% available” 7% 4% 0% Age 50-59 Age 60-79 Age 80+ Daily Never
Selected comments about the COA ▸ At 76, I still have energy. Would like to exercise but not ready for chair exercises yet. ▸ The Chatham COA does not meet the needs of people who are over 80 years old…the real old people need health care not recreation!!
Selected comments about the COA ▸ The COA building is inefficient for any senior to navigate. The parking is a nightmare. ▸ You are doing a great job! Your building is beautiful and easy to access, and in a perfect location. ▸ I feel the COA is doing an excellent job serving our older population. We are blessed to have them.
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