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Northampton Age Friendly Survey-final-WORD-5_28_20 AGE-FRIENDLY SURVEY OF NORTHAMPTON RESIDENTS SUMMARY REPORT (June 2020) Prepared for Age-Friendly Northampton Northampton Council on Aging, Northampton Senior Center, and Northampton Planning & Sustainability with funding from INTRODUCTION Northampton is a vibrant and unique small city with a large commitment to all aspects of livability and accessibility. The city’s commitment in undertaking the Age Friendly Northampton Initiative is to highlight what age-friendlyprograms are already in place, determine what is missing, and provide a platform for even more collaboration and coordination of services and activities. Northampton has undertaken an Age-Friendly Survey of residents to assess how the city can become a more age-friendly place to live. Survey results and conclusions are presented in detail in this report. There is a strong commitment to engage and partner with older adults and those with dementia in all aspects of the Age Friendly Northampton Initiative: planning, gathering input, drafting recommendations for priority activities, and implementing services. AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES Northampton received designation as an Age Friendly Community in April, 2019 by AARP.The age-friendly lens will provide the focus for a shared perspective for all stakeholders in the City, along with enhanced understanding and access to current and future programs, activities, and services. The age-friendly lens supplements Northampton’s efforts to expand accessibility beyond Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and to expand our 8 and 80 complete streets perspective. The World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Age-Friendly Cities and Communities project was created to help cities prepare for the rapid aging of populations and the increase in urbanization. The program targets the environmental, social, and economic factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults. AARP and the WHO are working together with communities across the United States to encourage and promote age-friendly planning and policies that will allow communities to become places where adults can successfully age in place. The WHO has identified eight areas that influence the quality of life of those in a community, particularly older adults. The eight areas or domains are: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings; Housing; Transportation; Social Participation; Respect and Social Inclusion; Civic Participation and Employment; Communication and Information; and Community and Health Services. AARP Research developed a survey instrument that captures the WHO’s eight areas of an age-friendly community in order to help communities: (1) establish a baseline with regard to older adults being able to age in place, and (2) conduct a community needs assessment to identify and prioritize areas of focus. The survey findings reflect individual preferences and help policymakers, planners and others better understand the needs of an aging population in order to begin to brainstorm steps and policies that can be taken to improve livability for all. SURVEY LOGISTICS The Northampton Age-Friendly survey was administered from February through April 2020, using Survey Monkey as the vehicle for collecting and tabulating responses. A total of 304 respondents participated in the survey. Northampton promoted the participation in the survey through posting on the city website, direct email contact, physical distribution of survey forms, and social media. NORTHAMPTON AGE FRIENDLY CHARACTERISTICS Northampton is a small city, rich in services and commitments to the development of a vibrant and livable community for residents of all ages. As the Hampshire County seat, Northampton is the home for a number of county-wide programs and services all with a long history of collaboration and coordination. The vibrancy of Northampton is reflected in many past and current designations:Best Place to Retire, Best Arts Community, Healthy Motion Award, Bicycle-Friendly Community (Bronze), Pedestrian Friendly Community (Bronze), STAR Communities-Five Star rating for Community Sustainability, Top 25 Arts Destinations, Great Cities for Simple Life (AARP), and Top Adventure Towns. There are a number of efforts underway that underscore the City’s commitment to being an inclusive Age Friendly community. To cite a few: The Climate Resilience and Regeneration planning effort includes building social resilience with networks of how neighborhoods take care of all of their residents. A “pavement to parks” program, Main Street redesign effort, North King Street Roundabout, and recently completed Pleasant Street complete streets effort are all focused on ensuring that Northampton is more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, safe, and desirable. The development of a Rocky Hill Greenway includes the addition of many benches to be accessible for all ages and populations. The creation of ValleyBike and its inclusion of pedal-assist bicycles serves a larger demographic than traditional human-powered bicycles. The “complete streets on steroids” program planning is underway for the eventual reconstruction of Main Street Participation in the Mass in Motion program addresses all ages and supports many of the Age Friendly goals. Many of the City’s current housing efforts address the challenges of market-rate and subsidized affordable housing and aim to expand housing options, especially in a market heavily dominated by large single-family homes designed for families with children. The “Just Big Enough” effort seeks to make smaller units more acceptable, to serve those left out of the housing market, and to serve those whose housing needs are not necessarily met by traditional housing design. The City has a long-standing commitment to ensuring that City buildings and services are accessible and has been a catalyst for many retail and private businesses doing the same. There are numerous programs and services for older adults in place, many sponsored or coordinated by Northampton Senior Services. These include an enhanced and coordinated transportation system, the year-old EARN (Employment After Retirement Network) program, health and wellness support, and outreach and referral services to name a few. A newly hired food and nutrition professional will enhance and expand nutrition-based programs and services. The city’s commitment to ensuring that Northampton is an Age Friendly Community is partnered with a commitment to ensure that all efforts and recommendations include a Dementia Friendly component as well. The Age Friendly Northampton planning will assess what is in place and determine priorities for filling gaps and enhancing current services and programs. The objective is to ensureaccessible and effective programs, activities, services, and user-friendlynavigation and communications. COLLABORATION BETWEEN NORTHAMPTON AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS Under the leadership of Northampton Senior Services and the Northampton Council on Aging, Age Friendly Northampton is led by a core group that is reflective of the eight domains of livability. The list includes, but is not limited to, representatives from the Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Highland Valley Elder Services, relevant municipal departments (Planning & Sustainability, Recreation, Arts Council, etc.), the City Council, the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, Northampton Housing Authority, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, Healthy Hampshire, the real estate and business communities, Smith College, Northampton Neighbors, faith based organizations, Valley Community Development , and the Northampton Survival Center. SUMMARY OF SURVEY RESULTS The overall findings and trends from the survey are: Most respondents have lived in Northampton for 30 years or more. There are not many “snowbirds” among those responding, as 95% live in Northampton year-round. Most residents want to stay in their current homes in Northampton after they retire and live independently. Northampton is a good place to live as people age, as 82% of respondents think the city is either good, very good, or excellent. The primary factors that might make Northampton residents move out of the city during retirement would be looking for an area with a lower cost of living or looking for a home that would help them live independently as they age. HOUSING The majority of respondents are homeowners, live in single-family homes, and want to live independently in their own homes as they age. Residents are likely to make home improvements to stay in their homes as they age, particularly bathroom modifications and home access improvements. There was broad support for a variety of home accessibility and affordability options, with particularly strong support for affordability programs to allow residents to stay in their own homes, and for affordable home repair services. OUTDOOR SPACES AND BUILDINGS The most important features to respondents are sidewalks in good condition and accessible public buildings and restrooms. TRANSPORTATION AND STREETS Most residents get around by driving (94%) or walking (42%). The most important transportation features to respondents are well-maintained streets and sidewalks (98% rated extremely or very important) and affordable convenient public transportation. HEALTH AND WELLNESS Most respondents rated their health as excellent or very good, and 85% of respondents exercised at least several times a week. Most respondents (81%) feel it is extremely important to remain physically active. Respondents placed a high value on a wide variety of health and wellness services. The most highly ranked overall were: respectful and helpful hospital and clinic staff; a variety health care professionals; affordable home health care providers; and well-trained certified home health care providers. SOCIAL PARTICIPATION, INCLUSION AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES The most popular locations for continuing education are: local organizations or businesses; online programs; senior centers; and universities/community colleges. Respondents would like to see a wide variety of increased opportunities for social interaction and continuing education. The highest-ranking activities were: activities affordable to all residents; a variety of cultural activities for diverse populations; multi-age activities; activities with senior discounts; and continuing education classes. VOLUNTEERING AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Respondents placed a high value on a wide variety of opportunities for volunteering and civic engagement. The highest-ranking activities were: easy to find volunteer information; a range of volunteer activities; and transportation to and from volunteer activities. JOB OPPORTUNITIES Opportunities to continue working into senior years are important for about three quarters of all respondents. Respondents valued job assistance highly, including jobs adapted for people with disabilities, and a range of flexible job opportunitiesand job training for older adults. COMMUNITY INFORMATION The most trusted sources of information about senior services are: family and friends; the internet; Northampton Senior Center; and the library. The most valued sources of community information would be: free access to computers and internet in public places; community information in multiple languages; and information in one central source. DETAILED SURVEY RESULTS PART ONE: YOUR COMMUNITY Q1DoyouliveinNorthampton(includingFlorenceandLeeds)? Of the total responding, nearly all (300) live in Northampton. Answered:301Skipped:3 Yes No0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Yes 99.67% 300No0.66%2 Q2HowwouldyourateNorthamptonasplaceforpeopletoliveastheyage? The most respondents (35%) rated Northampton as a good place to live as they age, with 33% rating the city very good. Only 6% rate the city poor.Answered:297Skipped:7 Excellent VeryGood Good Fair Poor0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Excellent 14.14% 42 VeryGood 33.00% 98 Good 34.68% 103 Fair 12.12% 36 Poor 6.06%18 Q3HowlonghaveyoulivedinNorthampton? The most respondents (43%) had lived in Northampton for 30 years or more.Answered:302Skipped:2 Lessthan5 years 5yearsbut lessthan15... 15years but lessthan25... 25yearsbut lessthan30 30yearormore0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Lessthan5years 11.26% 34 5yearsbutlessthan15years 15.56% 47 15yearsbutlessthan25years 19.21% 58 25yearsbutlessthan30 11.26% 34 30yearormore 42.72%129 Q4Somepeopleresideinplacesoutsideoftheirstateforpartoftheyear.Whichofthefollowingdescribeshowyoureside? A large majority of respondents (95%) live in Northampton year-round.Answered:299Skipped:5 Yearround,donotreside... Seasonally,resideoutsi...0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Year round,donotresideanywhereoutsideofNorthampton94.65%283 Seasonally,resideoutsideofNorthamptonduringWinter,Spring,SummerorFallonaregularbasis 5.35%16 Q5Thinkingaboutyourretirementyears(whenyouretirefromworking),howlikelyisitthatyouwillmovetoadifferenthomeinNorthampton? The majority of respondents (58%) would not very likely or not at all likely move to a different home in Northampton when they do retire.Answered:268Skipped:36 Extremely likely Verylikely Somewhatlikely Notverylikely Notatall likely Notsure0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Extremelylikely 7.09% 19 Verylikely 9.33% 25 Somewhatlikely 17.16% 46 Notverylikely 25.75% 69 Notatalllikely 32.09% 86 Notsure 8.58%23 Q6Ifyouarealreadyretired,howlikelyisitthatyouwillmovetoadifferenthomeinNorthampton? For residents already retired, most respondents (63%) are not very or not at all likely to move to a different home in Northampton.Answered:202Skipped:102 Extremely likely Verylikely Somewhatlikely Notverylikely Notatall likely Notsure0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Extremelylikely 7.92% 16 Verylikely 6.44% 13 Somewhatlikely 14.85% 30 Notverylikely 22.28% 45 Notatalllikely 41.09% 83 Notsure 7.43%15 Q7IfyouwereconsideringmovingoutofNorthamptonduringyourretirement(whenyouretirefromworking),wouldthefollowingfactorsimpactyourdecisiontomove? The primary factors that might make Northampton residents move out of the city during retirement would be looking for an area with a lower cost of living (48%) or looking for a home that would help them live independently as they age (47%).Answered:246Skipped:58 Lookingforadiﬀerentho... Fearingforyourpersona... Lookingforahomethatwi... Wanting tobecloserto... Needingmoreaccessto... Wantingtoliveina... Lookingforanareathatha...0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Lookingforadifferenthomesizethatmeetsyourneedsorbudget 35.77% 88 Fearingforyourpersonalsafetyorsecurityconcerns 6.10% 15 Lookingforahomethatwillhelpyouliveindependentlyasyouage 47.15% 116 Wantingtobeclosertofamily 23.17% 57 Needingmoreaccesstopublictransportation 26.83% 66 Wantingtoliveinadifferentclimate 26.42% 65 Lookingforanareathathasalowercostofliving 47.56%117 Q8HowimportantisitforyoutoremaininNorthamptonasyouage? For the large majority (68%) of respondents, it is important to stay in Northampton as they age.Answered:299Skipped:5 Extremelyimportant Veryimportant Somewhatimportant Notsoimportant Notatallimportant0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Extremelyimportant 29.10% 87 Veryimportant 38.80% 116 Somewhatimportant 24.08% 72 Notsoimportant 5.35% 16 Notatallimportant 2.68%8 PART TWO: HOUSING Q9Doyouownorrentyourprimaryhome—ordoyouhavesomeothertypeoflivingarrangement,suchaslivingwithafamilymemberorfriend? Most respondents (85%) are homeowners.Answered:292Skipped:12 Own Rent Othertypeof living...0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Own 84.93% 248 Rent 14.04% 41 Othertypeoflivingarrangement 1.03%3 Q10Whattypeofhomeisyourprimaryresidence? Most respondents (65%) live in single-family home.Answered:289Skipped:15 Singlefamily home Multi-family home Apartment Condominiumor coop Other,please specify...0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Singlefamilyhome 64.71% 187 Multi-familyhome 12.46% 36 Apartment 7.96% 23 Condominiumorcoop 11.07% 32Other,pleasespecify 3.81%11 Q11Howimportantisitforyoutobeabletoliveindependentlyinyourownhomeasyouage? This is a very important or extremely important issue for 90% of respondents.Answered:291Skipped:13 Extremelyimportant Veryimportant Somewhatimportant Notveryimportant Notatallimportant0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Extremelyimportant 64.60% 188 Veryimportant 25.09% 73 Somewhatimportant 8.59% 25 Notveryimportant 1.37% 4 Notatallimportant 0.34%1 Q12Peoplesometimesmakemodificationstotheirhomesotheycanstaythereastheyage.Doyouthinkyouwillneedtomakeanyofthefollowingtypesofmodificationsorimprovementstoyourhometoenableyoutostaythereasyouage? Respondents think they will make home modifications foraging, particularly for bathroom accessibility (67%) and home access improvements (52%).Answered:232Skipped:72 Easier accessintoorwith... Bathroommodiﬁcation... Puttingabedroom,... Improvinglighting Installingamedical... Other,please specify:0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Easieraccessintoorwithinyourhomesuchasaramp,chairliftorelevator,orwiderdoorways 51.72% 120 Bathroommodificationssuchasgrabbars,handrails,ahighertoiletornon-sliptiles 67.24% 156 Puttingabedroom,bathroomandkitchenonthefirstfloor 34.05% 79 Improvinglighting 20.69% 48 Installingamedicalemergencyresponsesystemthatnotifiesothersincaseofemergency 28.02% 65 Other,pleasespecify: 11.21%26 Q13HowimportantdoyouthinkitistohavethefollowinginNorthampton? All of the accessibility and affordability options were supported as extremely or very important by a majority of respondents. The strongest support was for accessibility programs to allow residents to stay in their own homes and affordable home repair services.Answered:291Skipped:13 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Programsforaccessibility... Housingfor olderadult... Aﬀordable homerepairservi... Seasonalservicessuchaslawn... Moreaﬀordableandacces... Homesthatare equippedwith... Well-maintainedandsafelow-i... Seniorhomelessshelterand...ExtremelyImportantVeryImportantSomewhatImportantNotVeryImportantNotAtAll Important EXTREMELYIMPORTANT VERYIMPORTANT SOMEWHATIMPORTANT NOTVERYIMPORTANT NOTATALLIMPORTANT TOTAL WEIGHTEDAVERAGE Programsfor 55.59% 36.01% 6.99% 1.05% 0.35% 286 4.81 accessibilitytohelpolder 159 103 20 3 1 adultsstayintheirown homes Housingforolderadults 48.79% 33.22% 13.49% 2.42% 2.08% 289 4.57 withinwalkingdistanceof 141 96 39 7 6 downtown Affordablehomerepair 56.06% 34.60% 7.96% 0.69% 0.69% 289 4.79 serviceorcontractorsfor 162 100 23 2 2 low-incomeandolder adults Seasonalservicessuch 52.61% 36.24% 10.45% 0.00% 0.70% 287 4.76 aslawnworkorsnow 151 104 30 0 2 removalforlow-income andolderadults Moreaffordableand 64.24% 26.04% 7.99% 1.39% 0.35% 288 4.78 accessiblehousing 185 75 23 4 1 optionsforadultsof varyingincomelevels suchasolderactiveadult communities,assisted living,co-housingwith sharedfacilitiesand outdoorspaces,tiny houses Homesthatareequipped 46.50% 36.71% 14.34% 2.10% 0.35% 286 4.64 withfeaturessuchasa 133 105 41 6 1 no-stepentry,wider doorways,firstfloor bedroomandbath,grab barsinbathrooms Well-maintainedandsafe 59.93% 24.04% 12.20% 2.79% 1.05% 287 4.63 low-incomehousing 172 69 35 8 3 Seniorhomelessshelter 50.00% 27.97% 16.43% 3.50% 2.10% 286 4.48 andsupportservices 143 80 47 10 6 PART THREE: OUTDOOR SPACES AND BUILDINGS Q14HowimportantdoyouthinkitistohavethefollowinginNorthampton? The most important features to respondents are well-maintained sidewalks (96% rated extremely or very important) and accessible public buildings and restrooms. Less important are neighborhood watch programs (45% rated extremely or very important).Answered:288Skipped:16 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Well-maintainedandsafeparks... Publicparkswithenough... Sidewalksthatare ingoodcondit... Well-maintainedpublicbuildi... Separatepathwaysforbicycl... Well-maintainedpublicrestro... Neighborhood watchprograms EXTREMELYIMPORTANT VERYIMPORTANT SOMEWHATIMPORTANT NOTVERYIMPORTANT NOTIMPORTANTATALL TOTAL WEIGHTEDAVERAGE Well-maintainedandsafe 40.07% 33.80% 23.34% 1.74% 1.05% 287 4.10 parksthatarewithin 115 97 67 5 3 walkingdistanceofyour home Publicparkswithenough 40.07% 34.49% 21.95% 1.74% 1.74% 287 4.09 benches 115 99 63 5 5 Sidewalksthatarein 77.70% 18.12% 3.48% 0.70% 0.00% 287 4.73 goodcondition,freefrom 223 52 10 2 0 obstructionandaresafe forpedestrianuseand accessiblefor wheelchairsorother assistivemobilitydevices Well-maintainedpublic 57.99% 32.99% 7.99% 1.04% 0.00% 288 4.48 buildingsandfacilities 167 95 23 3 0 thatareaccessibleto peopleofdifferent physicalabilities Separatepathwaysfor 37.54% 24.91% 29.12% 5.96% 2.46% 285 3.89 bicyclistsand 107 71 83 17 7 pedestrians Well-maintainedpublic 50.70% 32.87% 13.99% 2.10% 0.35% 286 4.31 restroomsthatare 145 94 40 6 1 accessibletopeopleof differentphysicalabilities Neighborhoodwatch 14.39% 30.53% 32.28% 18.60% 4.21% 285 3.32 programs 41 87 92 53 12 PART FOUR: TRANSPORTATION AND STREETS Q15Howdoyougetaroundforthingslikeshopping,visitingthedoctor,runningerrands,orgoingtootherplaces. Most respondents get around by driving themselves (94%) and with walking being the second most mode (42%). Answered:282Skipped:22 Driveyourself Haveothersdriveyou Walk Ridea bike Usepublictransportation Takeataxi/cab Useaspecialtransportati... Other,please specify...0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Driveyourself 94.33% 266 Haveothersdriveyou 9.22% 26 Walk 42.20% 119 Rideabike 22.34% 63 Usepublictransportation 7.80% 22 Takeataxi/cab 4.26% 12 Useaspecialtransportationservice,suchasoneforolderadultsorpersonswithdisabilities 3.19% 9Other,pleasespecify 1.42%4 Q16HowimportantdoyouthinkitistohavethefollowinginNorthampton? The most important features to respondents are well-maintained streets and sidewalks (98% rated extremely or very important) and affordable convenient public transportation. Less important are free senior transportation (66% rated extremely or very important) and traffic congestion solutions (72%).Answered:281Skipped:23 Accessible,comprehensiv... Aﬀordable andreliablepub... Freeseniortransportation Safepublictransportati... Specialtransportati... Specialtransportati... Well-maintainedandplowed... Easytoreadtraﬃcsigns Enforced speedlimits Aﬀordablepublicparki... Traﬃcsolutions fo... Well-lit,safestreetsand... Crosswalkswithbetter...0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%ExtremelyImportantVeryImportantSomewhatImportantNotVeryImportantNotAtAll Important EXTREMELYIMPORTANT VERYIMPORTANT SOMEWHATIMPORTANT NOTVERYIMPORTANT NOTATALLIMPORTANT TOTAL WEIGHTEDAVERAGE Accessible, 60.14% 30.96% 7.12% 1.42% 0.36% 281 4.49 comprehensiveand 169 87 20 4 1 convenientpublic transportation Affordableandreliable 61.92% 32.74% 4.27% 0.71% 0.36% 281 4.55 publictransportation 174 92 12 2 1 Freesenior 35.74% 30.32% 28.16% 4.33% 1.44% 277 3.95 transportation 99 84 78 12 4 Safepublictransportation 51.25% 37.01% 9.61% 1.78% 0.36% 281 4.37 stopsorareas 144 104 27 5 1 Specialtransportation 40.58% 33.33% 22.46% 2.90% 0.72% 276 4.10 servicesforolderadults 112 92 62 8 2 Specialtransportation 55.23% 32.85% 9.39% 2.17% 0.36% 277 4.40 servicesforpeoplewith 153 91 26 6 1 disabilitiesanddementia Well-maintainedand 78.65% 19.22% 1.78% 0.00% 0.36% 281 4.76 plowedstreets,sidewalks 221 54 5 0 1 andcrosswalks Easytoreadtrafficsigns 53.24% 35.97% 8.99% 1.08% 0.72% 278 4.40 148 100 25 3 2 Enforcedspeedlimits 43.53% 37.05% 16.91% 1.80% 0.72% 278 4.21 121 103 47 5 2 Affordablepublicparking 41.52% 33.94% 17.69% 4.69% 2.17% 277 4.08 lotsandspaces 115 94 49 13 6 Trafficsolutionsfor 37.41% 34.53% 20.50% 5.04% 2.52% 278 3.99 congestion 104 96 57 14 7 Well-lit,safestreetsand 61.79% 29.29% 6.43% 1.43% 1.07% 280 4.49 intersectionsforallusers 173 82 18 4 3 (pedestrians,bicyclists, drivers) Crosswalkswithbetter 53.57% 32.86% 10.00% 2.86% 0.71% 280 4.36 signage,audio/visual 150 92 28 8 2 signals PART FIVE: HEALTH AND WELLNESS Q17Ingeneral,howwouldyourateyourhealth? Most respondents (80%) rated their health as excellent or very good.Answered:276Skipped:28 Excellent Verygood Good Fair Poor0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Excellent 35.51% 98 Verygood 43.84% 121 Good 17.03% 47 Fair 2.90% 8 Poor 0.72%2 Q18Howoftendoyouengageinsomeformofphysicalexercise(suchaswalking,running,biking,swimming,sports,strengthtraining,yoga,stretching)? 43% of respondents exercise daily, and 85% of respondents exercised at least several times a week.Answered:275Skipped:29 Everyday Severaltimesaweek,but... Aboutonceaweek Aboutonceeveryother... Aboutonceamonth Lessthanonceamonth Never10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Everyday 42.91% 118 Severaltimesaweek,butnoteveryday 42.55% 117 Aboutonceaweek 8.36% 23 Aboutonceeveryotherweek 1.09% 3 Aboutonceamonth 2.18% 6 Lessthanonceamonth 2.91% 8 Never 0.00%0 Q19Howimportantisittoyoutoremainphysicallyactiveforaslongaspossible? Most respondents (81%) feel it is extremely important to remain physically active.Answered:276Skipped:28 Extremelyimportant Veryimportant Somewhatimportant Notveryimportant Notatallimportant0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Extremelyimportant 80.80% 223 Veryimportant 16.30% 45 Somewhatimportant 2.17% 6 Notveryimportant 0.72% 2 Notatallimportant 0.00%0 Q20HowimportantdoyouthinkitistohavethefollowinginNorthampton? All of the services were ranked as extremely or very important by over 70% of respondents. The most highly ranked overall were: respectful and helpful hospital and clinic staff (94% ranked this extremely or very important); a variety health care professionals (93%); affordable home health care providers (92%); and well-trained certified home health care providers (91%).Answered:274Skipped:30 Healthandwellness... Fitnessactivities... Aservicethathelpssenior... Easytoﬁndinformation ... Homecareservices... Well-trainedcertiﬁedho... Aﬀordable homehealth... A varietyofhealthcare... Healthcareprofessional... Easilyunderstandab... Respectful andhelpful...0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%ExtremelyImportantVeryImportantSomewhatImportantNotVeryImportantNotAtAll Important EXTREMELYIMPORTANT VERYIMPORTANT SOMEWHATIMPORTANT NOTVERYIMPORTANT NOTATALLIMPORTANT TOTAL WEIGHTEDAVERAGE Healthandwellness 27.68% 44.28% 23.99% 3.32% 0.74% 271 3.95 programsandclassesin 75 120 65 9 2 areassuchasnutrition, smokingcessation,and weightcontrol Fitnessactivities 39.48% 41.70% 18.08% 0.37% 0.37% 271 4.20 specificallygearedto 107 113 49 1 1 olderadults Aservicethathelps 43.22% 38.83% 15.75% 1.83% 0.37% 273 4.23 seniorsfindandaccess 118 106 43 5 1 healthandsupportive services Easytofindinformation 45.22% 39.71% 12.87% 1.84% 0.37% 272 4.28 onlocalhealthand 123 108 35 5 1 supportiveservices Homecareservices 49.45% 37.64% 10.70% 1.48% 0.74% 271 4.34 includinghealth,personal 134 102 29 4 2 careandhousekeeping Well-trainedcertified 55.15% 36.40% 7.35% 0.74% 0.37% 272 4.45 homehealthcare 150 99 20 2 1 providers Affordablehomehealth 61.76% 30.51% 7.35% 0.37% 0.00% 272 4.54 careproviders 168 83 20 1 0 Avarietyofhealthcare 54.07% 39.63% 5.93% 0.37% 0.00% 270 4.47 professionalsincluding 146 107 16 1 0 specialists Healthcareprofessionals 28.78% 41.70% 23.62% 3.69% 2.21% 271 3.91 whospeakdifferent 78 113 64 10 6 languages Easilyunderstandable 45.93% 42.22% 10.37% 1.48% 0.00% 270 4.33 andhelpfullocalhospital 124 114 28 4 0 orclinicanswering services Respectfulandhelpful 62.13% 31.99% 4.78% 0.74% 0.37% 272 4.55 hospitalandclinicstaff 169 87 13 2 1 PART SIX: SOCIAL PARTICIPATION, INCLUSION AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Q21Abouthowfrequentlydoyouinteractwithyourfriends,familyorneighborsinyourcommunity?Thisinteractioncouldbebyphone,inperson,emailorsocialmedia(suchasFacebook). A majority of respondents (55%) interact socially more than once a day.Answered:268Skipped:36 Morethanonce aday Aboutonceaday Severaltimesa week Onceaweek Onceamonth Lessthan monthly Never10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Morethanonceaday 55.22% 148 Aboutonceaday 20.90% 56 Severaltimesaweek 17.54% 47 Onceaweek 3.73% 10 Onceamonth 0.00% 0 Lessthanmonthly 2.61% 7 Never 0.00%0 Q22Wheredoyoutypicallygoforcontinuingeducationorself-improvementclasses/workshopsinyourcommunity? The most popular locations for continuing education are: local organizations or businesses (34%); online programs (28%); senior centers (27%); and university/community colleges (25%).Answered:265Skipped:39 University/CommunityCollege RecreationDepartment Faithcommunity Localorganization... SeniorCenter Oﬀeringsthroughmywork Onlineprograms Other,pleasespecify:... IdoNOTparticipate...10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES University/CommunityCollege 25.28% 67 RecreationDepartment 10.94% 29 Faithcommunity 12.83% 34 Localorganizationsorbusinesses 33.96% 90 SeniorCenter 26.79% 71 Offeringsthroughmywork 11.70% 31 Onlineprograms 27.55% 73Other,pleasespecify: 16.98% 45 IdoNOTparticipateinanycontinuingeducation/self-improvementclasses 19.25%51 Q23HowimportantdoyouthinkitistohavethefollowinginNorthampton? All of the listed activities were deemed extremely or very important by over 55% of respondents. The highest ranking activities were: activities affordable to all residents (86% ranked extremely or very important); a variety of cultural activities for diverse populations (78%); multi-age activities (72%); activities with senior discounts (67%); and continuing education classes (65%).Answered:268Skipped:36 Moreentertainmen... Activitiesspeciﬁcally... Activitiesthatoﬀer... Activitiesthatare... Multi-ageactivitiesf... Expandedactivitiesa... A varietyofcultural... Localschools thatinvolve... Continuingeducation... Moresocialactivitiesf...0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%ExtremelyImportantVeryImportantSomewhatImportantNotVeryImportantNotAtAll Important EXTREMELYIMPORTANT VERYIMPORTANT SOMEWHATIMPORTANT NOTVERYIMPORTANT NOTATALLIMPORTANT TOTAL WEIGHTEDAVERAGE Moreentertainment 25.09% 33.71% 31.84% 7.49% 1.87% 267 3.73 venues,suchasmovie 67 90 85 20 5 theater Activitiesspecifically 18.73% 36.33% 38.95% 4.12% 1.87% 267 3.66 gearedtoolderadults 50 97 104 11 5 Activitiesthatoffersenior 29.06% 38.11% 27.17% 2.64% 3.02% 265 3.88 discounts 77 101 72 7 8 Activitiesthatare 50.00% 36.36% 13.26% 0.00% 0.38% 264 4.36 affordabletoallresidents 132 96 35 0 1 Multi-ageactivitiesfor 30.97% 41.42% 24.25% 2.61% 0.75% 268 3.99 youngerandolderpeople 83 111 65 7 2 Expandedactivitiesat 24.06% 34.59% 31.58% 7.14% 2.63% 266 3.70 theSeniorCenter,such 64 92 84 19 7 aseveninghours Avarietyofcultural 34.96% 43.23% 19.92% 1.13% 0.75% 266 4.11 activitiesfordiverse 93 115 53 3 2 populations Localschoolsthat 19.78% 42.54% 30.60% 5.60% 1.49% 268 3.74 involveolderadultsin 53 114 82 15 4 eventsandactivities Continuingeducation 24.62% 39.77% 31.44% 2.27% 1.89% 264 3.83 classes 65 105 83 6 5 Moresocialactivitiesfor 20.15% 35.45% 36.57% 5.97% 1.87% 268 3.66 seniors,suchasclubsfor 54 95 98 16 5 books,gardeningor crafts,withwidepublicity PART SEVEN: VOLUNTEERING AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Q24HowimportantdoyouthinkitistohavethefollowinginNorthampton? All of the listed activities were deemed extremely or very important by over 69% of respondents. The highest-ranking activities were: easy to find volunteer information (80% ranked extremely or very important); a range of volunteer activities (79%); and transportation to and from volunteer activities (77%). Q24HowimportantdoyouthinkitistohavethefollowinginNorthampton?Answered:261Skipped:43 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Arangeofvolunteeractivitiestochoosefrom Volunteertrainingopportunitiestohelp... Opportunitiesforolderadultstoparticipat... Easytoﬁndinformationaboutlocalvolunteer... Transportation toandfromvolunteeractivities... EXTREMELYIMPORTANT VERYIMPORTANT SOMEWHATIMPORTANT NOTVERYIMPORTANT NOTATALLIMPORTANT TOTAL WEIGHTEDAVERAGE Arangeofvolunteer 26.25% 52.90% 19.69% 0.77% 0.39% 259 4.04 activitiestochoosefrom 68 137 51 2 1 Volunteertraining 22.69% 46.54% 26.92% 3.46% 0.38% 260 3.88 opportunitiestohelp 59 121 70 9 1 peopleperformbetterin theirvolunteerroles Opportunitiesforolder 33.33% 41.38% 21.84% 1.92% 1.53% 261 4.03 adultstoparticipatein 87 108 57 5 4 decisionmakingbodies suchascommunity councilsorcommittees Easytofindinformation 33.59% 45.95% 18.92% 1.16% 0.39% 259 4.11 aboutlocalvolunteer 87 119 49 3 1 opportunities Transportationtoand 32.31% 45.00% 19.62% 2.31% 0.77% 260 4.06 fromvolunteeractivities 84 117 51 6 2 forthosewhoneedit PART EIGHT: JOB OPPORTUNITIES Q25Whichofthefollowingbestdescribesyourcurrentemploymentstatus? 40% of all respondents are retired and not working at all, while 23% are employed full time.Answered:258Skipped:46 Self-employed, part-time Self-employed, full-time Employed,part-time Employed,full-time Unemployed,butlooking... Retired,notworkingata... Notinlaborforceforot...10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Self-employed,part-time 13.57% 35 Self-employed,full-time 7.36% 19 Employed,part-time 10.08% 26 Employed,full-time 23.26% 60 Unemployed,butlookingforwork 3.49% 9 Retired,notworkingatall(Skipnextquestion) 40.70% 105 Notinlaborforceforotherreasons(Skipnextquestion) 1.55%4 Q26Howlikelyisitthatyouwillcontinuetoworkforaslongaspossible,ratherthanchoosingtoretireandnolongerworkforpay? Of those respondents who are working now, 34% are extremely likely to continue to work for as long as possible, and another 42% are very or somewhat likely to continue working.Answered:161Skipped:143 Extremely likely Verylikely Somewhatlikely Notverylikely Notatall likely Notsure0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Extremelylikely 33.54% 54 Verylikely 19.88% 32 Somewhatlikely 21.74% 35 Notverylikely 16.77% 27 Notatalllikely 5.59% 9 Notsure 2.48%4 Q27HowimportantdoyouthinkitistohavethefollowinginNorthampton? All of the job-related issues were ranked as extremely or very important by at least 70% of respondents. The highest-ranking choices were jobs adapted for people with disabilities (84% ranked extremely or very important) and a range of flexible job opportunities for older adults (76%).Answered:259Skipped:45 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Arangeofﬂexiblejobopportunitiesforolderadults Jobtrainingopportunitiesfor olderadultswhowanttolearnnewjob... Jobsthatareadapted tomeettheneedsofpeoplewithdisabilitiesExtremelyImportantVeryImportantSomewhatImportantNotVeryImportantNotAtAll Important EXTREMELYIMPORTANT VERYIMPORTANT SOMEWHATIMPORTANT NOTVERYIMPORTANT NOTATALLIMPORTANT TOTAL WEIGHTEDAVERAGE Arangeofflexiblejob 31.66% 44.40% 22.78% 1.16% 0.00% 259 4.07 opportunitiesforolder 82 115 59 3 0 adults Jobtrainingopportunities 29.57% 40.47% 28.40% 1.56% 0.00% 257 3.98 forolderadultswhowant 76 104 73 4 0 tolearnnewjobskills withintheirjoborget traininginadifferentfield ofwork Jobsthatareadaptedto 42.25% 41.86% 14.73% 1.16% 0.00% 258 4.25 meettheneedsofpeople 109 108 38 3 0 withdisabilities PART NINE: COMMUNITY INFORMATION Q28Wouldyouturntothefollowingresourcesifyou,afamilymemberorfriendneededinformationaboutservicesforolderadults,suchascaregivingservices,homedeliveredmeals,homerepair,medicaltransportorsocialactivities? Respondents seeking information about senior services would be most likely to turn to: family and friends (98%); internet (91%); Northampton Senior Center (86%); and the library (74%).Answered:258Skipped:46 NorthamptonSeniorCenter HighlandValleyElder... FamilyorFriends Localnonproﬁt... CooleyDickinson... Faith-basedorganization... Internet PhonebookYourdoctor orotherhealth... Localgovernment... Library0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%YesNo YES NO TOTAL WEIGHTEDAVERAGE NorthamptonSeniorCenter 85.60% 14.40% 250 0.86 214 36 HighlandValleyElderServices 69.36% 30.64% 235 0.69 163 72 FamilyorFriends 97.61% 2.39% 251 0.98 245 6 Localnonprofitorganizations 82.33% 17.67% 232 0.82 191 41 CooleyDickinsonHospital 70.34% 29.66% 236 0.70 166 70 Faith-basedorganizationssuchaschurchesorsynagogues 36.28% 63.72% 226 0.36 82 144 Internet 91.13% 8.87% 248 0.91 226 22 Phonebook 22.58% 77.42% 217 0.23 49 168 Yourdoctororotherhealthcareprofessional 84.21% 15.79% 247 0.84 208 39 LocalgovernmentofficessuchastheDepartmentofHealth 60.52% 39.48% 233 0.61 141 92 Library 73.64% 26.36% 239 0.74 176 63 Q29HowimportantdoyouthinkitistohavethefollowinginNorthampton? All of the choices were ranked extremely or very important by at least 63% of respondents. The top ranked choices were: free access to computers and internet in public places (84% ranked extremely or very important); community information in multiple languages (70%); and information in one central source (70%).Answered:256Skipped:48 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Accesstocommunityinformationinone... Clearlydisplayedprintedcommunity... FreeaccesstocomputersandtheInterneti... Communityinformationthatisdelivered... Communityinformationthatisavailable... EXTREMELYIMPORTANT VERYIMPORTANT SOMEWHATIMPORTANT NOTVERYIMPORTANT NOTATALLIMPORTANT TOTAL WEIGHTEDAVERAGE Accesstocommunity 29.53% 39.76% 25.98% 3.94% 0.79% 254 3.93 informationinonecentral 75 101 66 10 2 source Clearlydisplayedprinted 24.61% 38.67% 33.20% 3.13% 0.39% 256 3.84 communityinformation 63 99 85 8 1 withlargelettering Freeaccessto 46.09% 37.89% 12.89% 2.73% 0.39% 256 4.27 computersandthe 118 97 33 7 1 Internetinpublicplaces suchasthelibrary,senior centerorgovernment buildings Communityinformation 29.41% 37.25% 27.45% 5.10% 0.78% 255 3.89 thatisdeliveredin 75 95 70 13 2 persontopeoplewho mayhavedifficultyor maynotbeabletoleave theirhome Communityinformation 33.20% 37.11% 23.05% 5.47% 1.17% 256 3.96 thatisavailableina 85 95 59 14 3 numberofdifferent languagesPART TEN: ABOUT YOU Q30Areyoumaleorfemale? 71% of respondents were female. Answered:253Skipped:51 Male Female Non-binary0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Male 26.48% 67 Female 71.15% 180 Non-binary 2.37%6 Q31Whatisyourageasofyourlastbirthday? The largest group of respondents were in the 60-69 age range, followed by the 70-79 age group.Answered:243Skipped:61 AGE RANGE OF RESPONDENTS NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS 20-29 1 30-39 10 40-49 10 50-59 28 60-69 102 70-79 68 80-89 28 90-99 2 Q32Whatisyourcurrentmaritalstatus? A majority of respondents (59%) are married, while 17% are divorced.Answered:253Skipped:51 Married Notmarried,livingwith... Separated Divorced Widowed Nevermarried10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Married 58.50% 148 Notmarried,livingwithpartner 5.93% 15 Separated 2.37% 6 Divorced 17.00% 43 Widowed 6.32% 16 Nevermarried 9.88%25 Q33Besidesyourself,doyouhaveanyofthefollowingpeoplelivinginyourhousehold? The most frequent response was having another adult relative or friend living in a household (62% of respondents), followed by children under 18 (26%). Answered:129Skipped:175 Child/children under18 Child/children18orolder Child/childrenaway atcollege Parents Otheradultrelativeor...10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Child/childrenunder18 26.36% 34 Child/children18orolder 20.16% 26 Child/childrenawayatcollege 4.65% 6 Parents 2.33% 3 Otheradultrelativeorfriend18orolder 62.02%80 Q34Doyouhaveanyofthefollowingkindsofhealthcarecoverage? Medicare was the most common health coverage (71% of respondents), followed by insurance through a current or former employer (68%).Answered:255Skipped:49 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Insurancethroughacurrentorformer... Insurancepurchaseddirectlyfroman... Medicare(forpeople65andolderor... Medicaid oranykindofgovernme... VeteransAdministrationorother... AnyotherinsurancecoverageYesNoNotSure YES NO NOTSURE TOTAL Insurancethroughacurrentorformeremployerofyoursoryourspouse 68.44% 31.56% 0.00% 225 154 71 0 Insurancepurchaseddirectlyfromaninsurancecompany(notthroughanemployer) 29.83% 69.61% 0.55% 181 54 126 1 Medicare(forpeople65andolderorpeoplewithcertainhealthdisabilities) 71.11% 28.89% 0.00% 225 160 65 0 Medicaidoranykindofgovernmentassistanceplanforthosewithlowincomesora 10.86% 86.86% 2.29% 175 disability 19 152 4 VeteransAdministrationorothermilitaryhealthcare 5.71% 92.57% 1.71% 175 10 162 3 Anyotherinsurancecoverage 20.67% 75.98% 3.35% 179 37 136 6 Q35Doesanydisability,handicap,orchronicdiseasekeepyouand/oryourspouseorpartnerfromfullyparticipatinginwork,school,houseworkorotheractivities?[CHECKONLYONE] 18% of respondents have disability, handicap or disease that keeps them or their partner from fully participating in work and activities.Answered:253Skipped:51 Yes,myself Yes,myspouse orpartner Yes,bothmeandmyspous... No10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Yes,myself 11.07% 28 Yes,myspouseorpartner 3.95% 10 Yes,bothmeandmyspouseorpartner 2.77% 7No82.21%208 Q36AreyouofHispanic,Spanish,Latinooriginordescent? Less than 1% of respondents are of Hispanic origin.Answered:250Skipped:54 YesGOTO Question37 NoGOTO Question380%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Yes GOTOQuestion37 0.80% 2NoGOTOQuestion38 99.20%248 Q37IfyouareHispanicorLatino,pleaseindicatewhichonebestrepresentsthelanguage(s)youspeakathome.[CHECKONLYONE] There were only four Latino respondents, and all speak English only or most of the time.Answered:4Skipped:300 Spanishonly Spanishmostofthetime SpanishandEnglishequa... SpanishandEnglishequa... SpanishandEnglishequa... Englishmostofthetime Englishonly0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Spanishonly 0.00% 0 Spanishmostofthetime 0.00% 0 SpanishandEnglishequallybutpreferSpanish 0.00% 0 SpanishandEnglishequallyanddonothaveapreference 0.00% 0 SpanishandEnglishequallybutpreferEnglish 0.00% 0 Englishmostofthetime 25.00% 1 Englishonly 75.00%3 Q38Whatisyourraceand/orethnicity?[CHECKALLTHATAPPLY] Almost all (98%) of respondents are white or Caucasian.Answered:250Skipped:54 WhiteorCaucasian BlackorAfrican... AmericanIndianor... Asian NativeHawaiianor... Other,pleasespecify:...10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES WhiteorCaucasian 98.00% 245 BlackorAfricanAmerican 1.20% 3 AmericanIndianorAlaskaNative 1.20% 3 Asian 0.40% 1 NativeHawaiianorotherPacificIslander 0.00% 0Other,pleasespecify: 1.20%3 Q39Whatisthehighestlevelofeducationyouhavecompleted? The majority of respondents (57%) have a graduate or professional degree, and 81% have at least a 4-year college degree.Answered:254Skipped:50 K-12thgrade(nodiploma) Highschoolgraduate,GE... Post-highschool... 2-yearcollege degree 4-yearcollege degree Post-graduatestudy(no... Graduate orprofessional...10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES K-12thgrade(nodiploma) 0.39% 1 Highschoolgraduate,GEDorequivalent 1.18% 3 Post-highschooleducation/training(nodegree) 8.27% 21 2-yearcollegedegree 2.76% 7 4-yearcollegedegree 20.87% 53 Post-graduatestudy(nodegree) 9.45% 24 Graduateorprofessionaldegree(s) 57.09%145 Q40Ingeneral,howoftendoyougoonlinetoaccesstheInternetforthingslikesendingorreceivingemail,gettingnewsandinformation,payingbillsormanagingfinancesorbuyingproductsorservices?Thisincludesaccessfromhome,work,amobiledevice(suchasasmartphone),orsomeplaceelse. Almost all respondents (97%) go online for Internet access once or more a day.Answered:255Skipped:49 Severaltimes aday Aboutoncea day 3-6daysaweek 1-2daysaweek Onceeveryfew weeks Onceamonth orless Nevergoonline10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Severaltimesaday 88.24% 225 Aboutonceaday 8.63% 22 3-6daysaweek 1.18% 3 1-2daysaweek 0.78% 2 Onceeveryfewweeks 0.78% 2 Onceamonthorless 0.39% 1 Nevergoonline 0.00%0 Q41Whatwasyourannualhouseholdincomebeforetaxesinthemostrecenttaxyear? Respondents were spread across all income brackets.Answered:226Skipped:78 Lessthan $10,000 $10,000to $19,999 $20,000to $29,999 $30,000to $49,999 $50,000to $74,999 $50,000to $74,999 $75,000to $99,999 $100,000to $149,999 $150,000or more0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100% ANSWERCHOICES RESPONSES Lessthan$10,000 0.88% 2 $10,000to$19,999 3.98% 9 $20,000to$29,999 7.08% 16 $30,000to$49,999 19.47% 44 $50,000to$74,999 11.50% 26 $50,000to$74,999 8.41% 19 $75,000to$99,999 15.49% 35 $100,000to$149,999 20.35% 46 $150,000ormore 12.83%29PART ELEVEN: ADDITIONAL COMMENTS Q42Pleaseusethespacebelowforanyadditionalcomments.Answered:69Skipped:235 # RESPONSES DATE 1 shortersurveysgetbetterresults!42questionsisridiculouslylong,andIenjoyfillingoutsurveys! 3/23/20209:13PM 2 ThegreatestsingleroutetosustainabilityisthroughmakingNorthamptonaffordable.Allthedifferentservicesreferencedinthissurveysoundgreat,buttheyhavetobebalancedagainstthefactthatolderresidentshave-functionally—lessandlessmoney.Soplease,triageyoureffortstowardthoseprogramsthatwillnotraisetaxrates,butwillreachouttotheveryneediest. 3/23/20202:25PM 3 Ibelongto5CLIRbutcomputerwouldnotletmewriteinthespaceprovided. 3/23/20202:16PM 4 Whyisthereafieldfor"Divorced?"Isthedemographicdatasomehowmoreusefulthansimplyidentifyingas"Single?"Wasnotabletofillinafieldthatwasselectedas"Other."Sidewalks:YesIamallforbettersidewalksbutnotattheresponsibilityofthehome-owners.Thecityshouldmaintainallsidewalks.Theyarecriticaltoallages,fromyoungfamilieswithstrollerstoelders. 3/23/20201:17PM 5 SafeSidewalksareapriority. Myneighborhastoutilizetheroadforwalkingwithhiswalkerassidewalkat33HenshawAveiscrumbling.. 3/23/202010:10AM 6 IhavelivedinNorthampton/FlorencealmostallmylifeandIfindthatitisgettinglessandlesscaring.Frombeingbulliedorharassedwhendrivingthespeedlimittohavingtonegotiatesidewalksthatarenotshoveledornotshoveledtotheirwidthorhavebushesorflowersthatoverhangthem,Ifeelresidentsandguestsdon'tcareaboutthesimplethingsofeverydayliving. 3/16/20204:07PM 7 WewouldlovetoseeNorthamptonofferseasonalcurbsidebrush/leavespickup.Manyothercitiesofferthis.Yardservicecompaniesareveryexpensive.Itisdifficultformanypeopletogotothelandfillwiththeirextremelylimitedhours/daysandwithoutasuitablevehicle.Alsosidewalksnowremovalwouldbeahugeplus.Itisunfairfortheresidentswithpublicsidewalkstoshouldertheentireburdenofkeepingthemclearforeveryoneelse.Thereshouldatleastbeataxdiscountofferedforthosehouseswithsidewalkfrontagetoevenouttheburden,orpreferablythecityshouldclearitsownpublicsidewalks. 3/15/20208:44PM 8 NorthamptonshouldtakeSeniorCitizensintoaccountwhenconstantlyraisingtaxes!ArecountoftherecentlypassedProp.2-1/2wasdiscouragedsincetheoutcomewasexactlywhattheMayorwantedandmighthavefailedifarecountwascompleted.Northamptonneedstolivewithinitsmeans,justasitsolderresidentsdo.EXTREMELYUNFAIRTOOLDERADULTSLIVINGONFIXEDBUDGETSandextremelydifficulttoremaininone'slong-timehomeasoneages.TheMayorandtheCouncilmayfindthisoutthemselvesoneday. 3/14/20205:45PM 9 Internetserviceinthistownistheworst!Inconsistent,highlyexpensiveandveryfrustrating. 3/11/202010:07PM 10 Ineeda newroofandcan’taffordit.Itakecareandhousemy40yearoldsonwhohasschizo-effectivedisorder 3/11/20205:41PM 11 NorthamptonisNOplacetoliveifyouareonafixedincome.Tooexpensivehere.Hopingwedon'thavetomovebecauseweareonafixedincome.Wewouldliketoageinplaceinourmodesthome.Webothhavepensionswhichwearegratefulforbutourpensionsareverysmall.....difficulttomanagethings/bills. 3/10/20204:32PM 12 Letthepeoplewhouseseniorservicestodecideitsstaff&rules. 3/9/20205:55PM 13 I’mjealousoftheserviceselderlyrelativesintheU.K.areeligiblefor-thingslikehomevisitsfromdoctors,phlebotomists,etc;financialassistancewithin-homehelp;socialopportunitiesfacilitated-theatertripswithpickupanddropoffathome. 3/9/20204:48PM 14 WeusetheYMCAregularly.Surveyquestionrequestedananswerandwasn’tabletoputitin. 3/9/20203:44PM 15 ThelossoftheB.I.D.servicesmakeswalkinginNorthamptoninwinterinaccessibleforthosewithmobilityissues.It'sconcretesidewalkswereoneofthefewplacestowalkinthewinterwhentheywereconsistentlycleared.Theyarenolongerconsistentlysafe.StrongerHPparkingenforcementintownandatplaceslikeFitzgeraldLake. 3/9/202012:27PM16sidewalksaredeplorableandwalkingfromPulaskiParkbusstoptoForbesLibraryisverydifficultyearroundandverydangerousinthewinter.Accesstogroceriesisdifficultasthestoresareontheoutskirtsoftownandyesthereispeapodandinstacartbutgettingto/from 3/9/202011:12AM healthyfoodisdifficultforthosewhodon'tdrive.Noteveryonehastheinternetsoprintmaterialsarealsoimportant.Librariesarevitalresourcesandneedmorehoursandfreeparking. 17 Thissurveydoesn’taddressthetaxratechangetoseniorsonafixedratelivingintown 3/9/202011:12AM 18 Thereshouldbea“notapplicable“selectiononmanyquestions 3/7/20207:49AM 19 Thereshouldbemorehandicapparkingdowntownanddedicatedbenchesforhandicaptakingabreakwhenwalking,notusedforpeoplewhowanttoclaimthemforaday.HandicapaccesstotheAcademyofMusicisalsopoor.Fixedincomeseniorsareoutofluckwithcitygovernment.Ifyouownahouseyouwillpayandpayagainforrealestatetaxes,stormwaterfee,water&sewer,CPAfee,seniorcenterclassesetc.Therealestatetaxreliefprogramisdisingenuous.Ifyouareaseniorwhohasmorethan$50000insavingsforthatrainydayorrisingdrugcosts,andahomeitdoesn'tdoyouanygood.And,theassistedlivingresidencesarenotaffordableformanywithnoreasonablypricedalternatives. 3/6/20206:34PM 20 reallyis#41necessaryprefernottoanswernoyb 3/6/20206:21PM 21 AsusualfromSurveyMonkey,thisisapoorlydesignedquestionnaire,withoutanN/AwhereneededorachancetoexplainwhenthequestionsdonotincludeananswerIwouldgivethem.SurveyMonkeyisbloodyfuckingincompetent. 3/6/20204:46PM 22 ExtremelylowincomeelderrecoveringfromsevereLymejustnowfinallyhealthyenoughtobewonderinghowtosurvivefreefromassistance...alotoftheseanswersIgavemightbeeasilymisinterpretedornotappropriate.Also,traditionalmedicineandtraditionalinstitutionsisnotveryrelevanttome.ItistooBigBusinessandcontrolledbytheDrugs-for-Everythingparadigm.LOL...andthedietaryawarenessinanyinstitutionIhaveseenisstillveryprimitive...prettymuchstillinthefifties...andisdefinitelyapartoftheproblemofelderssufferingneedlessly. 3/6/20204:42PM 23 Surveyfartoolong. 3/5/20208:49AM 24 TooLong!thanksforyourwork 3/3/20208:20PM 25 Iamstillcloseto10yearsoutfromretirement,butlookingforwardtonolongerworkingandhavingmoretimetospendinthecommunity.IoftencheckouttheSeniorCenterCalendarandOver55infointheGazetteforinfoaboutwhatIcanlookforwardtooncethedailygrindisdone.Northamptonhasalotofgreatthingsgoingon.Ihopeitlastsforthenext20or30years. 2/29/20201:27PM 26 Theformdidnotletme'specify'fortheanswer'other.'Iusethelibrariesforlearning. 2/29/20209:16AM 27 Qualityvolunteeropportunitiesareimportantforseniors.Manynon-profitandpublicorganizationscouldusetraininginhowtosupport,manageandnurturevolunteers 2/29/20207:22AM 28 Northamptonisbecomingmoreandmorelessaffordabletopeopleinthemiddleclass.Thedowntownisdifficulttonavigatebothbyfoot(widersidewalksaren'ttheanswer)andbyvehicleandistooexpensiveandlimitedinvarietyofoptions.Artistswhomadethiscityengagingcannotaffordtobehere.Eventheseniorcentertendstoofferclassesetcmoretopeopleofahighersocialclasswhocanaffordclassesetcelsewhere.Yet,Itneedstobeacknowledgedthatthereareaffordableoptionssuchasafewsocialgroupslikecards,conversationalgroups, pool,thecoffeeshopandmeals,butsomethereseemtolookdownatpeoplewithlesseconomicmeans.Justworryaboutthis...Thankyouforallowingtheopportunitytoexpresstheseconcerns. 2/28/20207:02PM 29 Sidewalkshavelongbeenaproblem.Itwillcostafortunetofixthem,buttheyareverydangerous,evenforthosewhosevisionandbalancearefine.TheyareamajorhazardforelderswalkingintotownandIfretwheneverIseeaneldernavigatingherwayintotown. 2/26/20206:56PM 30 notabletorespondtoquestionairewhenaskedtospecifydifferentanswer.Questionairetoolong,notalwaysclearaboutthemeaningofsomequestions. 2/26/20206:19PM 31 IwouldverymuchliketoretirebutinthispoliticalclimateIamafraidIwillnothavesocialsecuritybenefitsandothersocialservices.I'llfaceincreasedhealthcarecostsandifIneeditthe"socialsafetynet"inplacenowwillbegone.It'salreadybeingerodedsoIhavetofaceitI'mworkinguntilIcan't. 2/26/202012:30PM 32 I'mhopingtoage,retireandgrowoldinFlorence.I'dlovetoseeseniorservicesindowntownFlorence.TheLillyLibraryisagreatplacetostart. 2/26/202010:33AM33Wayne,Iwouldlovetovolunteertohelpyouwriteyournextsurvey.Ihavealotofexperiencein2/25/202010:17PM writingsurveysandcouldhelpyougetthekindofinformationthatyouwant.BobFazzi. 34 Downtowntrafficsignsdailyresultinnearmissesascarsmakerighthandturnsaspeoplewalkinresponsetowalksignals 2/25/20209:34PM 35 BothmyhusbandandIwanttocontinuetoliveinourhomeinNorthampton,butwearestrugglingtofindthatitisreasonabletocontinuetolivehere.Weareinundatedwithfees,taxes,utilities(costofwater,electricity,gasandtaxes)etc.anditmakesitdifficulttocontinuewithourcurrentwayoflife.Wearewantingtoageinplace(costisprohibitive)butthefutureisunknowntomedicalissuesforus.Weknowthatpeoplewhoaredisabledorreallyfrailcontinuetoneedservices...andwearenotsurerightnoworeverwhatagingissueswillenterourlife. Wedon'tknowwhatthissurveyislookingforbutwewanttocontinuetoliveasindependentlyaspossible.Rightnowwearegivingsomeattentiontolivinginamorereasonablecommunityelsewhere,butweloveourhomeandwouldliketoremaininitaslongaspossible.Thissurveyisnotgoingtobeindividualizedtoeachpersonfillingitout,weallhaveveryindividualneeds. IdidthesurveybecauseIwasconsideringotherswhileIdidit,andsometimesconsideredonlymyhusbandandI.Stoptheinsanitywithtaxesandfeesandthiscityneedstolivewithinit'smeans.Wehavelostfaithintheadministrationinthiscitybutdon'tthinkitisanydifferentinanycity.Asasenior...onafixedincome....Ifinditdifficulttomanageourbudget.EverytimethereisaraiseofourSSorpension,wegetittakenawaybytaxes,utilities,andothernecessities.IthinktaxesinNorthamptonshouldhaveacapforseniors.AMEN!! 2/25/20204:12PM 36 publictransportationisahugeneed 2/25/202012:23PM 37 IusetheYexerciseclassesforactiveolderadultseveryweekdayandliveinaduplexinacohousingcommunity. 2/25/20208:02AM 38 Downtownbusinessesthatprovidemerchandisethathelpspeopleageinplace—hardwarestore.Communitysponsoredmultigenerationalprograms/activities 2/24/20209:38PM 39 Thankyou! 2/24/20209:03PM 40 SoundsystemsfordeafpeopleinNorthamptonareseverelylacking.Allmeetingstransmittedviapublicaccesstvshouldbecaptioned. 2/24/20205:57PM 41 AfreeroundtriptrolleyfromLookParktoSheldonField(approximatelocations)wouldbeaboontogettingpeopleoutandaboutANDdowntown 2/24/20205:27PM 42 Weneedbettersidewalkstowalkon.Ihavefallenandseenmanypeoplefallduetocracks,holesandunevensidewalks.It'sdiscouragingtowalkplaceswhenoursidewalksarelikethis.Weneedthemfixedalloverthecity. 2/24/20204:35PM 43 useymcaand5clir.volunteeratbotanicgardenandFitzgeraldlake 2/24/20204:33PM 44 MakeiteasiertowalkfromSmithCollegeintotown. 2/24/20203:37PM 45 Thecityneedstoplanandzoneformorehousingthatcanaccommodatepeoplewhoareretired.Whenwemovedhere,welookedforahousewithamasterbedroomonthefirstfloor.Wefoundnone,exceptinolderandgenerallyrun-downranchhouses.Weendedupbuyinga2-storyhouseandplantomoveouttoLathropsoon.WithoutLathrop,Northamptonwouldnothaveanygoodhousingdesignedforagingpeoplewhonolongerwanttotakecareofyards,homemaintenanceetc.Inotherpartsofthecountry,thiskindofcommunityforactiveadultsisquitecommon.Workhardertoattractthiskindofcommunity!!! 2/24/20203:37PM 46 Northampton'stendencytoholdpublichearingsinsmallspaceswithlastminutechangesinvenueandpoorpublicoutreachdoesnothelptheeldercommunityparticipate! 2/24/20202:32PM 47 1.Ilivedowntown.Walkinghasitslimitations!Badweather,veryhotorverycoldtempsmeannowalking.Morecomprehensivebusserviceismoreimportant.2.Spendless$$onseniorsandmoreonlowincomekids—summercamp,visitstoparks,museums,etc.! 2/24/20202:04PM 48 Thiswasapoorlydesignedsurvey.Mostofthequestionshaveobviousanswersandservesolelytotakepeople'stime.Youneedtotakesomecoursesonhowtodesignasurveythatwillproducerelevantresults.Forinstance,oneofthemajorissuesishowolderpeoplefeelwhilewalkingdowntown.Dotheyfeelsafe? 2/24/20201:45PM49AsaprofessionalwithaMastersdegreeinpublichealthandamemberoftheAgeandDementiaFriendlyNorthamptoncommitteespearheadingthisinitiative,Iammorethanhappy 2/24/20201:44PM tobehelpfulinanycapacity.Inaddition-AsaNohoCOAAdvisoryBoardMemberandapotentialnewmemberoftheBoardofHealth,Iamveryinterestedinseeingtheresultsofthiswellthoughtoutsurvey.Iamalsospearheadingfaithbasedoutreach,beginningwiththeJewishcommunityAndcongregations,andtheOfficeManagerOffirstchurchesisacloseFriendofmineaswellandsheishappytohelp.IorchestratetheMonthlyValleyJewishSeniorslunchandlearnprogram(opentothepublic)andIcouldhelpimplementthissurveyatourMarch11tluncheonforthosewhomaynothavehadaccesstocompletingthisonline.Yourofficeisalsoinvitedtoattendandpresentatanupcomingluncheon-theAprilonewilltakeplaceonthe22nd.WouldThecoordinatorpleasegivemeacalltodiscusscollaborationstrategiesandapotentialPresentation.Thankyousomuch!DeborahEpstein,MPH 50 Shouldhaveaskedaboutpets/animalsandtheirpossibleneedsrelatedtotheirrespectivecaregiver. 2/24/20201:40PM 51 Thanksforofferingthissurvey.Personalsafetyisasignificantissueforouragingpopulation. 2/24/20201:19PM 52 Nooneevertoldmethatyoushouldpayoffyourmortgagebeforeyougetold.Onafixedincomeitisveryverydifficulttokeepupwithpayments.Ifmyhousewaspaidinfull,Financiallifewouldbebetter. 2/24/20201:19PM 53 Theseniorcenterhastofunctionmoreamicably.Istayawaybecauseofthetensions.Thedirector,whilewell-meaning,istooautocraticandcold.Thanksforthesurvey.Hopeyougatherlotsofgooddata 2/24/20201:11PM 54 Weneedmoreseniorhousingthatisdowntownorwalkingdistancetodowntown. 2/24/202012:01PM 55 Someofthesequestionsareinappropriatetoaskonapublicsurvey,ifnotdownrightunsafe!Whoknowswherethisinformationgoesorhowitwillbeused. 2/24/202011:52AM 56 Iwouldsuggestthatthecity'sprioritiesemphasizekeepingsidewalksingoodrepair(tominimizefalls),goodlighting(thoughkeepingitdark-sky-friendly),andothersuchthingsthataremostobviouslywithinitspurview.Couldnottypeananswerinthespaceaboutotherhomemodifications,butIwouldwanttomovethewasheranddryerupstairsfromthebasement(myhouseisotherwiseone-story,choseninthehopeofaginginplacethere). 2/24/202011:40AM 57 Bettersidewalksasyougooutoftown.SouthStreetinparticularneedsworkasIwatcholderneighborswalkingintotown,steppingovergaps,etc. 2/24/202011:09AM 58 Thebestwayforpeopleofallagesandabilitiestothriveistoliveinasufficientlydense,walkableenvironment.Northamptonshouldfocusonallowinggreaterdensity(upto4-5storieswithzerosideandfrontsetbacksformasonrybuildings)neardowntown.Suchdensityisparticularlyhelpfulforthosewhocan'tordon'twanttodriveorbike,includingolderresidents.DensityisafarbettersolutionthanapplyingaginginplaceBand-Aidstoisolatedsuburbanhouses. 2/24/202010:40AM 59 NHPTNneedsbetteraccesstopassengertrainservice.ThecurrentownerofUnionStationactstodiscouragetrainuse. 2/24/202010:31AM 60 CitymeetingsthatareopentothepublicshouldALLbeheldinaccessibleplaces.ThestairstotheconferenceroominCityHallshouldruleoutthatroom.TheCityCouncilmeetingroomisonlyaccessibleiftherearespacesopenthelotbehindcityhall.AND,thedoortotheRoundhouselotshouldbeunlocked,givingaccesstotheelevator.WhilethePulaskiParkrampmayprovidelegallyaccessibleaccess,thedistancemakesitunrealisticforanyonewhoisalreadystrugglingwithaccessissues. 2/24/202010:26AM 61 IamextremelydisappointedwiththecurrentdirectoroftheSeniorCenterandthelackofopennessandthelackofawelcomingnatureattheSeniorCenter.Iamextremelydisappointedthatthemayorchosetoignorethemajorityofvoters'considerationswhenappointingthedirectoroftheSeniorCenterANDmorespecifically,whenhermanyandsignificantfailuresandshortcomingswerebroughttohisattention,hestubbornlyrefusedtoreplaceher.TheSeniorCenterisCLOSEDtomanyandisnotawelcomeplaceformeormyfamily.Iwillnevergo thereaslongasitscurrentdirectorisemployedthere.TheentiresituationattheSeniorCentershowsmethatthemayordoesnotwishtoadmitwhenhemadeamistakeandIhavenofaithinhisdecisionsandgovernanceoftheCity,basedlargelyonthedebacleattheSeniorCenterandhowhehaschosentoreacttoit. 2/24/202010:03AM62Currentzoningdoesn'tallowa"temporary “medicalcottagetobeattachedtohomestobring2/24/202010:02AM seniorsintofamilyhomeswithallthemodificationsnecessarytocareforthem...shouldbecertifiedtobeatakenout/offhousewithin6monthsofdeathornursinghome/hospiceentry.Somethingtoconsider.Personallythinkbikelanesonstreetsaremoredangerousforbikersthanstreetswithoutmarkedlanes. 63 MoreSeniorhousingindowntownIsapriorityforNorthampton 2/24/202010:00AM 64 Goodsurvey.I'dliketoseetheresults.Pleasepostthem. 2/24/20209:53AM 65 Shouldhavebeenacategoryfor"Idon'tknow"and"Retiredfromfull-timework,nowworkingpart-time".ThisismysituationandmanypeopleIknow.Recommendation:SeniorPlayground.Theyhavethesealloverthecountry. 2/24/20209:51AM 66 Easyaccesstopedestrianwalking/bikingtrailsisveryimportanttome;Icurrentlydonotlivewithinwalkingdistancetoone.Ibelieveseniorsneedreducedfaresonallpublictransport&believeexpandingpublictransporttobeessentialtoseniors’abilitytoliveathomeasweage. 2/22/20209:50AM 67 ISTRONGLYFEEL THAT THEBUILDINGOFTHESENIORCENTER,TAKINGAWAYTHEONLY OPENSPACE AVAILABLE TOSALVOHOUSERESIDENTSWASACRIME;IRARELYGOTHEREANDWHENIHADTOACCESSTHEEMPTYCOMPUTERROOMWITH24UNUSEDCOMPUTERSWHENIHADNOINTERNET,THEPLACEWAS EMPTY. NOWWEAREFACEDWITHANOTHEROVERIDEVOTEANDTHERICHPEOPLEWHOCAMEHEREBECAUSETHEYTHOUGHTITWASCOOL-WILLFORCEUSALLTOPAYEVENMOREINTAXESJUSTFORBASICSERVICES.THISISDISGUSTINGTOMEBECAUSEIALREADYPAYAQUARTEROFMYMEAGERINCOMEFORTAXES,FEES,MEDICARE/MEDICALCOSTSANDCANBARELYSURIVEWITHOUTHAVINGTOACCESSSURVIVALCENTERASITISANDHAVE NOPOWEROVERTHISSITUATION.ALSOLIVINGDOWNTOWNISEEHOMELESSPEOPLEEVERYWHEREEVERYSINGLETIMEILEAVETHEHOUSEANDITREALLYENRAGESMETHATITISTOLERATEDANDBASICALLYIGNOREDBYOTHERSWHOLIVEINFLORENCEANDLEEDS,WHICHISVIRTUALLYANOTHERWORLD.I HAVEBEENPUBLICLYRIDICULEDBYTHEDAILYGAZETTEWHICHMUTILATEDALETTERTOTHEEDIWROTEWHICHWASDELIBERATELYDISTOTREDANDFEATUREDPROMINENTLYASA'GUESTCOLUMN'WITHOUTMYKNOWLEDGEORPERMISSIONWHENITRIEDTOBRINGTHISISSUETOTHEFORE.WENEVERNEEDEDAHUGEBUILDINGLIKE THATFORAFEWPRIVILEGEDOLDERPEOPLETOVISITINFREQUENTLYANDFORTHERESTOFUSTOPAYFORTOHEAT ANDAIRCONDITIONDAYANDNIGHTWHILELEGIONSOFDESPERATEHOMELESSPEOPLEROAMTHEDOWNTOWN DAYANDNIGHTWITHNOPLACETOGOANDNOHOPEFORSURVIVAL. thankyou 2/22/20209:45AM 68 IFEELTHATITWASAHUGEWASTEOFMONEYTOBUILDTHENEWSENIORCENTERINVIEWOFTHECHRONICHOMELESSPROBLEMINTOWNISEEHOMELESSPEOPLEEVERYWHEREIGOEVERYTIMEILEAVETHEHOUSEANDIT GREATLY CONCERNSMEWHENCONSIDERTHEHUGEEXPENSEOFMAINTAININGTHATHUGEEMPTYSENIORCENTER THAT INEVERUSEANDTHEFEWTIMESI'VEBEENTHEREITSPRETTYEMPTYANDNOWWEFACEANOTHEROVERIDEVOTE!THEHIPOCRACYOFTHISCITYSICKENSMEEHENITHINKOFHOWTHEONLY OPENSPAVRSALVOHOUSERESIDENTSHADWADTAKENFORTHATHUGEUDELESSEXPENSIVEWASTEOFTAXPAYERMONEY. IPAYMUCHMORETHANMYSHAREDUETOMYLOWINCOMEBUTFILTHYRICHPEOPLEWHODECIDEDITWASCOOLTOMOVEHEREWILLVOTETORAISEMYTAXESNOWANDIHAVE NOPOWEROVERTHISSITUATION.THANKS 2/22/20209:22AM 69 IthinkNorthamptonseniorcenterwouldbeagreatresourceifthedirectorwasmoreagefriendlyandlesselitist. 2/22/20207:56AMed:69Skipped:235