AARP Releases Westchester County Livable Community Survey of Residents Age 50+
NEW YORK, NY (02/27/2008)(readMedia)-- More than half of Westchester County residents age 50+ say that it is important for them to remain in their communities as they age, according to a new survey of 800 older Westchester residents released by AARP. The survey was released at a press conference announcing the launch of a major livable community initiative to enable Westchester residents to remain in their homes as they age with independence, dignity and civic involvement.
Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services, in partnership with AARP and the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services, launched the Livable Community Connection, a network of nine sites located throughout the county aimed at developing senior-friendly communities where people can “age in place” in their homes.
“We are seeing a demographic shift unlike anything we’ve ever experienced,” said Lois Aronstein, AARP New York State Director. "As the older population increases in age and number, development of a comprehensive transportation network across a range of modes (bus, train, accessible taxis, pedestrian facilities) will become increasingly important in allowing people to stay independent and engaged in civic and social life,” she said. “Westchester County is truly at the forefront of the nation in addressing this issue.”
The survey of Westchester County residents examined how residents age 50+ plan to age in their communities. About one in five Westchester County residents say their current residence needs a major repair, modification, or change to enable them to stay living at home. Residents also identified a lack of affordable housing, heavy traffic, and the need to repair streets and sidewalks as problems in their communities.
Among the survey findings: • 90% of Westchester county residents age 50+ get around their neighborhood by car which makes improved traffic conditions and street repair an important modification.
• Affordable housing factors heavily into older adults’ being able to age with dignity and grace in their own homes.
• Although most residents drive, those who do not see the importance of improving the proximity and limitations of public transportation.
"The survey reveals that Westchester County residents have long-term commitments to their community,” said Michael O’Neal, AARP Coordinator Housing Options, Livable Communities, Outreach & Service. “Their interest in Livable Communities, especially the issues of housing and transportation, also shows that residents understand that while existing community conditions are good--the community might not meet their needs in the future,” he said.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 8,000 "baby boomers" will turn 60 this year in Westchester County. By the end of 2008, 20.5 percent of the total population – or more than one in five county residents – will be 60 years of age or older. Seven of New York’s metropolitan counties including Westchester county already rank among the top 35 counties nationally with the largest proportion of people aged 65+.
“Today we have reached a milestone but we cannot slow down. Rather today is our jumping-off point for the work ahead,” said Mae Carpenter, Commissioner of the Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS). “The Livable Community Connection will help to inform seniors about issues in their communities and empower them to become advocates to create the changes needed to enable them to age in place,” Carpenter added.
Each of the nine Livable Community Connection sites is headed by a coordinator, who works with an advisory committee and task force to bring about features of senior-friendly communities in their regions, such as affordable housing, accessible transportation and well run community centers with good programming and opportunities to socialize. Following the press conference, the coordinators of each of the nine sites kicked off their regional initiatives by participating in a Aging Friendly Communities Online Seminar.
“Our Livable Community Connection concept has won many awards, and has placed us way ahead of the curve compared to what is happening elsewhere in the United States. Westchester again provides national leadership on a key issue of our time,” said Andrew J. Spano, Westchester County Executive.
“Today’s launch of the Livable Community Connection is a proud moment, said attorney Steven Schurkman, chairman of the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services. “It is a time to look back at what our hard work has achieved and look forward to the exciting challenges ahead.”
AARP also released its findings from three regional Community Impact Workshops or “community visioning” sessions it led last fall that helped residents prioritize their communities’ needs and strategies to address those needs. These results will be used by the Livable Community Connection coordinators to begin work in their regions.
“The community workshops demonstrate that area residents are willing to work together to ensure their communities are livable now and will remain livable for the increasing number of older residents in Westchester,” said William I. Stoner, AARP New York Associate State Director for Livable Communities. “AARP is conducting mobility events in communities across New York to address the challenges and opportunities that older adults face as they move around their community.”
A copy of the AARP survey is available at http://www.aarp.org/research/housing-mobility/indliving/ny_communities_08.html
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 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 39 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.
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