Surveys - What issues are Bostonians facing as they age?

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More than 10,000 people in the United States are expected to turn 65 every day through 2030. We’re aging, and we’re starting to adjust our lifestyles and perspectives to accommodate this passage of time. But are our cities prepared for this change?


Pfizer teamed up with Generations United to survey Bostonians about getting older. Scroll through the results to see how respondents feel about everything from longevity to technology and join the discussion.



Happy senior enjoying a ride in his convertible. Space for copy


More than 10,000 people in the United States are expected to turn 65 every day through 2030. We’re aging, and we’re starting to adjust our lifestyles and perspectives to accommodate this passage of time. But are our cities prepared for this change?


Pfizer teamed up with Generations United to survey Bostonians about getting older. Scroll through the results to see how respondents feel about everything from longevity to technology and join the discussion.


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June Springer, poses for a photograph, where she works at Caffi Contracting Services, Friday, July 12, 2013 in Alexandria, Va. Springer who just turned 90, works as a receptionist. People who delay retirement have less risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia, a study of half a million people in France found. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Longevity



According to the Centers for Disease Control, average life expectancy in the United States is 78.7 years.


In Boston, 83 percent of those who responded to the Get Old survey believe they will live a long life, and 77 percent believe quality of life for seniors is better now than it was in the past. Still, some are uncertain how well their city can handle an aging population.


Alex Brandon/Associated Press


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June Springer, answers a phone in another office, where she works at Caffi Contracting Services, Friday, July 12, 2013 in Alexandria, Va. Springer who just turned 90, works as a receptionist. People who delay retirement have less risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia, a study of half a million people in France found. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Retirement



Almost one third of respondents believe people who work past retirement age (generally 65) stay healthier longer and are happier. That being said, 61 percent responded that their top work-related fear was not being able to retire when planned.


<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7252212.js"></script> <noscript><a href="http://redirect.viglink.com?key=11fe087258b6fc0532a5ccfc924805c0&u=http%3A%2F%2Fpolldaddy.com%2Fpoll%2F7252212%2F">Do you plan to retire at 65?</a></noscript>


Alex Brandon/Associated Press


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Home caregiving



Twenty-one percent of respondents feel Boston is prepared to provide home caregiving.


<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7252224.js"></script> <noscript><a href="http://redirect.viglink.com?key=11fe087258b6fc0532a5ccfc924805c0&u=http%3A%2F%2Fpolldaddy.com%2Fpoll%2F7252224%2F">Do you fee Boston will be able to provide adequate home care?</a></noscript>


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Health care



Massachusetts ranks 4th in the United Health Foundation’s assessment of healthiest states for older adults, and when it comes to health care, 38 percent of respondents in the Get Old survey believe the health care community in Boston is prepared to handle an aging generation.


<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7252230.js"></script> <noscript><a href="http://redirect.viglink.com?key=11fe087258b6fc0532a5ccfc924805c0&u=http%3A%2F%2Fpolldaddy.com%2Fpoll%2F7252230%2F">Do you think Boston's health care facilities can accommodate a large population of seniors?</a></noscript>


Anne de Haas


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Technology



An overwhelming majority in Boston (92 percent) believes technology enables connectivity with other people, but 69 percent of respondents say it takes work to keep up with advancements.


<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7252264.js"></script> <noscript><a href="http://redirect.viglink.com?key=11fe087258b6fc0532a5ccfc924805c0&u=http%3A%2F%2Fpolldaddy.com%2Fpoll%2F7252264%2F">How do you feel about technology?</a></noscript>


José Luis Gutiérrez


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for South - xxsosouthfield - Renderings of Fairing Way, a new 216-unit senior housing development planned to be built at the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station property. The William B. Rice Eventide Home in Quincy teamed up with Rogerson Communities to develop the project for residents age 55 and over. (Sheskey Architects)

Housing



Just 17 percent of respondents feel Boston is prepared to offer housing to the growing population of older citizens.


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Sheskey Architects


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