UMass Boston researchers earlier this month revealed findings from a senior needs assessment they conducted on behalf of the Wellesley Council on Aging (COA) about the town’s large and growing population of older adults. The study is designed to help the COA with strategic and program planning, as well as support the town at large in serving a demographic that’s expected to soon exceed a quarter of the total population.
Wellesley Media recorded the Dec. 10 briefing, and the COA has posted the UMass Boston study (“Wellesley Council on Aging: Planning for the Future”) and an executive summary on its website.
The COA in January engaged UMass Boston to conduct the study of the town’s 60+ population. This consisted of a survey taken by about 1,500 people (30% response rate, which is good), in-person focus groups and phone interviews, plus discussions with town leaders, including the police and fire chiefs. The age distribution of respondents was relatively in line with the age distribution (60-69, 70-79, 80+) in Wellesley’s population, and for most seniors, staying in Wellesley is somewhat or very important to them.
The study cost $35,000 and was paid for via the New Era Fund. (Graphics in this post are from the UMass Boston study.)
Presenting at the COA were Caitlin Coyle, director of the Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging at UMass Boston’s Gerontology Institute, backed by colleague Beth Rouleau.
Some findings were predictable: People like it here because of the culture, proximity to Boston, and walkability/trails, etc.
Their top concern is skyrocketing property taxes and cost of living even as incomes are flat or reduced. Other concerns are maintaining homes, alternatives for downsizing, and access to transportation/ability to remain independent. For those who limit their driving, finding information about what transportation options are available has been a challenge, survey respondents said.
You might be surprised to learn that about half of homeowners in town are age 65+, and that about a third of those age 80+ live alone.
Of those age 65+, a quarter said they have a disability that limits their community involvement. Another sometimes hidden factor affecting older residents’ participation in the wider community is their responsibility for caregiving at home or elsewhere, the study found, and that these people need help providing help.
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UMass Boston’s Coyle zeroed in at one point on how the town’s older residents get social contact. While 70% get together with others in person daily or weekly, the rest have no in-person interactions on more than a monthly or yearly basis. “When we think about the global dispersion of families and sort of busyness in general, we see how that might occur,” she said. (To be clear, in-person interaction is complemented in many cases with phone or online communications.)
The study also showed worrying statistics on people’s access to others in the area who they can rely on for help. Another finding was that older people who have lived here a long time are less enthused about support from local policy makers.
COA findings
During the last part of the UMass researchers’ presentation they focused on respondents’ views of the Council on Aging and its home, the Tolles Parsons Center. While the resources are valued, people surveyed indicated their additional wants and needs.
One finding: The older people get, the more often they visit the COA. One challenge for COA employees and volunteers is that they are dealing with a diverse clientele—a mix of regulars and much less frequent visitors. Half of participants only come a few times a year, including to special events. Among those who don’t come, some cite the fact that they still work and that they don’t find the programs of interest. Regular and non-users say they might come more often if there were more night and weekend programs. Lectures, tech skills, and educational courses are among the wants.
The consultants concluded with recommendations, including that the COA become a “champion for healthy aging” both at the Tolles Parsons Center and beyond. This would include collecting information about senior needs on a more regular basis.
One specific recommendation was to create something like a “Senior Civic Academy” to empower and encourage senior activity in town government and decision making. The COA can also have a larger role in ensuring people have access to information on housing, transportation, and financial support programs, the researchers concluded.
Following the presentation, COA Board members Patty Chen and Barbara Searle both wondered how Wellesley compared to other communities. While the researchers didn’t specifically assess the town by a senior-friendly measure, as Chen asked about, Coyle said having a study like the one conducted would be one step in a process for the town to achieve an age-friendly designation if pursued. Coyle said the town’s walkability, access to Boston, and other features does make Wellesley age-friendly, but that there’s also work to be done on fronts such as people feeling welcome regardless of economic status and general affordability concerns about remaining in town.
In a subsequent Council on Aging Board meeting on Dec. 18 (see Wellesley Media recording), board members debriefed on the study.
Chair Judy Gertler said at this meeting “I think we have some really good information to work with going forward.”
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