AARP Kansas Releases Livable Community Survey for Wichita

An AARP Kansas survey of Wichita area residents regarding the livability of their city revealed that nearly all of them (99 percent) believe that well-maintained hospitals and healthcare facilities are extremely or very important for their community. Safe streets and sidewalks, affordable transportation and neighborhood parks also ranked high for a majority of those surveyed.
“We asked Wichita area residents to tell us what they think will make Wichita an even better place to live, work and play for residents of all ages,” said Dr. Maren Turner, AARP Kansas State Director. “We intend to share the survey results with policy makers and thought leaders in Wichita as they play a huge role in designing and maintaining cities to meet the needs of residents.”
A livable community is safe and secure, has affordable and appropriate housing, diverse transportation options, and supportive community features and services. Once in place, these resources enhance the personal independence and health of community residents and enable residents of all ages to engage in a community's civic, economic and social life.
Here’s what AARP learned from those who took the survey:

• Well-maintained hospitals and healthcare facilities is extremely to very important to 99 percent of those surveyed.

• Housing that is affordable and suitable for older residents is extremely or very important to 72 percent of the respondents.

• Well-maintained streets and well-lit, safe streets and intersections for all users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers) is extremely to very important to 97 percent of those who took the survey.

• A majority of those who took the survey (83 percent) say affordable public transportation is extremely or very important to them.

• Seventy-four percent of those surveyed say having well- maintained and safe parks within walking distance of their homes is extremely or very important.

“We hope the results of the survey will give guidance to Wichita city leaders as they determine how to make Wichita a lifelong home for its residents,” said Dr. Turner.

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The 2019 Age Friendly Survey of Wichita, Kansas was conducted online between April and September, 2019, reaching participants through e-mail outreach, AARP websites and publications, and social media. A small portion of those taking the survey did not consider themselves Wichita residents. To view the full survey, click here.