CT Residents Give Communities High Marks for Livability

How livable is your community?  A new AARP survey of Connecticut residents age 40 and older finds a lot to like about living in Connecticut, as well as areas that need improvement to help residents remain in their homes and communities as they age.

The new report: Road to Livability, found that the vast majority of those surveyed rate their communities well in terms of a place to live as they age, and in the types and availability of services that can help them remain independent (such as transportation and home health services).  AARP’s report also found that nearly two-thirds of residents surveyed had no plans to move out of Connecticut in the next ten years.

According to AARP State Director, Nora Duncan, “Most residents we surveyed are deeply rooted in their communities, having lived there for more than 20 years, and feel it is important to remain in their communities as they age. Access to affordable housing and utilities, alternate transportation and other services, as well as safe and walkable streets is extremely important to ensuring that all residents can stay in the homes they love and remain independent as they age.”

Despite the generally high ratings from residents, the survey identifies several areas that present challenges. At least half of all Connecticut residents age 40 and older indicate that high property taxes and utility bills are the top two issues they face in their communities. About one-third say a lack of affordable housing is problematic. Transportation and walkability issues, such as streets needing repair, and public transportation that is too far away or difficult to navigate are also major problems for many Connecticut residents.

Nearly seven in ten adults age 40 and older living in Connecticut say that it is extremely or very important to them that services to aid independent living as one ages be made available in their community. Moreover, these residents say age-friendly communities should be a top or high priority for elected officials in the state.

Says Duncan, “With Election Day approaching, these issues take on even greater importance as voters assess how well their communities meet their needs for the long-term. State and local officials all have a role to play in making our communities more livable. AARP looks forward to working with our elected representatives in 2014 to ensure that residents have access to the services and supports they need to comfortably age in place, right here in Connecticut.”

AARP Connecticut commissioned a telephone survey of 1,000 Connecticut residents age 40 and older to learn about their communities and services that are available to help older residents age in place. This report highlights results from residents interviewed between March 26 and April 6, 2014. The data in this report has been weighted by age and gender to reflect the Connecticut population age 40 and older. The survey has a margin of error of ±3.2 percent.

Access the full survey results here.  In addition to AARP’s statewide survey data, county-level data is also available for Hartford, New Haven and Fairfield counties.

 About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The 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. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org .