UHC, NCOA & USA TODAY PRESENT:
The United States of Aging
Topline Results
JUNE 8, 2012
NEW YORK • WASHINGTON • DENVER • SEATTLE • LOS ANGELES • SAN FRANCISCO • LONDON • HONG KONG • BEIJING • DUBAI • DELHI
© 2012 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
Between May 10, 2012, and June 6, 2012, Penn Schoen Berland conducted 2,250 phone interviews with
a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults age 60 or older, including adults age 60 or older in five
designated markets:
Upstate New York
Milwaukee, WI
Miami, FL
Dallas, TX
Orange County, CA
All data shown throughout this report reflects percentages, except where otherwise noted. Bolding
indicates the top response(s) on each question.
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
1
INITIAL FINDINGS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Aging Americans are generally positive about their current quality of life and are optimistic
about their future health and happiness.
o 42% of respondents in the national sample say the past year of their lives has been
“normal,” and 45% say the past year of their lives in regard to their health has been
“normal”
o 45% of respondents in the national sample expect their overall quality of life to “stay
about the same” over the next 5 to 10 years, and 3 in 10 expect it to get much or
somewhat better
Seniors are leading lives of purpose and have a plan for the years ahead.
o 57% strongly agree with the statement, “I have a strong sense of purpose and passion
about my life and my future”
o Nearly 7 in 10 respondents in the national sample are very or somewhat confident that
their financial plan is sufficient to last for all of their retirement
Respondents are confident in their ability to stay in their current homes, and some are making
modifications to allow them to age in place.
o At least 3 in 4 respondents in every market are very or somewhat confident in their
ability to stay in their current home for the next 5 to 10 years without significant
modifications
o Not wanting to move out of a home they like and nearby friends and family are the top
reasons seniors plan to stay in their home
o 1 in 5 have already made modifications to help them age in place
Staying physically fit through exercise and proactively managing their health is important to
seniors.
o Over 3 in 4 respondents engage in physical activity to help maintain their health at least
once a week
o 80% of respondents with a chronic condition in the national sample are very or
somewhat confident in their ability to do the tasks and activities needed to manage
their health conditions
Respondents are largely satisfied with their communities, but there remains room for
improvement.
o Half of respondents in the national sample say their community helps them to lead a
happy and healthy life, and 63% are very or somewhat confident that their community
will have the resources and services to help them lead a healthy and independent
lifestyle for the next 5 to 10 years
o 34% of respondents in the national sample do not agree that there is a high quality
public transportation service available in their community, and 57% never walk to places
they go to regularly
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
2
LANDSCAPE
3 in 10 respondents in the national sample expect their quality of life to be much or somewhat
better over the next 5 to 10 years, and 45% expect it to stay about the same
Over half of respondents in the national sample find it very easy to live independently and
accomplish daily tasks without assistance from caregivers
Nearly a quarter of respondents in the national sample still work either full or part-time, motivated
both by the desire to stay active and productive and the need for additional income
In general, would you say the
past year of your life has
been...?
The best yet
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
5
5
6
3
8
4
A lot better than normal
A little better than normal
Normal
7
11
42
9
16
39
7
11
43
9
10
47
9
10
39
10
12
39
A little worse than normal
A lot worse than normal
The worst yet
20
8
6
20
6
5
18
7
7
11
11
9
19
9
6
22
8
6
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
15
14
13
When thinking about the next
5-10 years, do you expect your
overall quality of life (including
your financial well-being,
mental and physical health,
recreation and leisure time,
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
and family situation) to get
much better, somewhat
better, stay about the same,
get somewhat worse, or get
much worse?
Much better
11
7
10
Somewhat better
Stay about the same
Somewhat worse
19
45
16
17
49
20
22
48
10
20
40
13
16
46
13
14
43
16
Much worse
6
4
6
6
7
7
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
3
With regard to your health,
would you say the past year of
your life has been...?
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
The best yet
A lot better than normal
A little better than normal
3
6
12
4
9
14
4
10
16
4
4
9
6
8
14
3
9
10
Normal
A little worse than normal
A lot worse than normal
45
21
8
44
22
6
40
21
6
52
20
6
46
18
5
51
20
4
The worst yet
5
2
4
4
3
4
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
8
7
6
When thinking about the next
5-10 years, do you expect your
health to get much better,
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
somewhat better, stay about
the same, get somewhat
worse, or get much worse?
Much better
7
4
4
Somewhat better
Stay about the same
Somewhat worse
10
52
22
8
60
24
13
51
22
13
51
18
13
53
17
10
52
21
Much worse
6
3
7
5
5
5
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
In general, is it easy or difficult
for you to live independently
and accomplish your daily
tasks without assistance from
caregivers (who help with
buying groceries, cleaning, and National Upstate NY Milwaukee
taking you to the doctor) or
community resources, such as
transportation, home health
care, Meals on Wheels, and
wellness programs? Is it...
Very easy
Somewhat easy
Neither easy nor difficult
55
21
5
68
16
8
54
21
6
61
17
4
61
16
6
63
17
6
Somewhat difficult
Very difficult
Cannot accomplish daily tasks
without a caregiver or
7
4
5
0
10
3
11
2
5
3
7
2
4
1
3
2
7
3
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
4
community resources
How satisfied are you with
your community’s resources
and services, with regard to
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
helping you lead a healthy and
independent lifestyle? Are
you...
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
Very satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
33
23
37
15
31
28
31
21
34
18
39
16
Neither satisfied nor
dissatisfied
8
8
5
8
6
8
Somewhat dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
4
4
4
1
3
3
6
3
4
3
2
1
Haven’t used these services
enough to have an opinion
25
34
29
28
33
33
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
How confident are you that
your community will have all
of the resources and services
you need to help you lead a
healthy and independent
lifestyle for the next 5-10
years? Are you...?
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
Very confident
Somewhat confident
Neither
25
38
8
29
40
10
24
37
9
23
30
8
32
32
9
30
29
8
Not very confident
Not at all confident
15
8
14
4
11
11
16
13
9
10
13
11
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
How strongly do you agree or
disagree with the following
statement: "I have a strong
sense of purpose and passion
about my life and my future"?
Do you...
Strongly agree
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
57
58
48
60
54
50
Somewhat agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Somewhat disagree
27
7
6
28
10
2
34
9
3
22
7
6
28
13
2
31
14
4
Strongly disagree
1
0
4
2
2
0
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
5
Which of the following best
describes your current
employment status?
Employed part-time
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
10
10
9
8
10
7
Employed full-time
Homemaker
14
5
13
6
11
1
16
2
12
6
11
5
Retired
Disabled
Unemployed but looking for
work
63
7
65
5
70
5
63
8
60
8
70
3
2
1
3
2
4
3
Miami
(N= 65)
Dallas
(N= 66)
Orange
County
(N= 54)
IF WORKING: For which, if any,
of the following reasons are
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
you still working? Please tell
(N= 225)
(N= 60)
(N= 58)
me all that apply.
I want to stay active and
productive
I enjoy it
I need the income
76
77
75
85
78
72
70
69
65
72
69
59
67
64
80
77
63
75
It gives me a sense of purpose
I want to stay involved with
other people
I want to make a difference or
help others in my community
67
71
64
67
75
59
60
68
66
64
81
59
53
62
51
55
61
46
I need the benefits
40
43
44
44
49
58
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
6
ECONOMIC SECURITY AND HOUSING
Although it is very or somewhat easy for 64% of respondents in the national sample to pay their
monthly living expenses, over 1 in 5 have difficulty meeting this obligation
If an unexpected expense were to occur today, 71% of respondents in the national sample would be
very or somewhat confident in their ability to pay
68% of respondents in the national sample consider the housing options available to them either
very or somewhat affordable – respondents in Milwaukee and Dallas report the most affordable
housing options
9 in 10 respondents in the national sample plan to continue living in their current home for the next
5-10 years with the top reasons being “I like my home and don’t want to move out,” and “I have
family/ friends nearby”
In general, based on your
current income and savings,
how easy or difficult is it for
you to pay your monthly living
expenses? Is it...
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
Very easy
Somewhat easy
32
32
32
33
32
35
39
22
39
27
34
27
Neither easy nor difficult
Somewhat difficult
Very difficult
13
16
6
14
17
3
8
15
10
12
15
12
15
13
7
13
18
7
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
How confident are you that
your income will be sufficient
to meet your monthly
expenses over the next 5-10
years? Are you...
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
Very confident
Somewhat confident
Neither
28
38
7
31
41
6
27
38
8
34
34
10
37
26
9
33
28
9
Not very confident
Not at all confident
17
7
13
6
17
6
13
6
15
8
21
5
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
How confident are you that
your financial plan is sufficient
to last for all of your
retirement years? Are you...
Very confident
Somewhat confident
Neither
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
34
39
36
32
38
27
35
3
32
6
41
3
34
4
27
3
38
7
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
7
Not very confident
11
14
10
11
11
13
Not at all confident
I don't have a financial plan
4
8
4
6
3
5
8
9
5
12
4
8
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
41
42
38
If a significant unexpected
expense (such as an accident
or medical need) were to occur
in your life today, how
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
confident are you that you
would have the ability to pay?
Are you…
Very confident
32
35
41
Somewhat confident
Neither
39
5
42
3
42
3
25
5
35
7
31
9
Not very confident
Not at all confident
11
8
9
9
10
3
17
10
7
9
10
12
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
Through what organizations, if
any, do you access medical
insurance benefits? Please tell
me all that apply.
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
Medicare
Your current or former
employer
Private health insurance plan
you purchased for your own
individual coverage; not
provided by the government or
an employer
Medicaid
Veterans Administration or
Tricare
66
67
75
70
70
70
37
48
36
27
34
28
35
27
37
27
32
37
13
12
13
14
12
10
13
8
7
6
11
8
Do not have health insurance
4
1
1
5
5
3
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
How confident are you that
you know all of the
government benefits to which
you are entitled? Are you...
Very confident
Somewhat confident
Neither
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
26
26
25
31
30
20
33
9
34
7
32
10
29
4
29
8
32
12
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
8
Not very confident
16
20
19
13
14
20
Not at all confident
13
9
10
14
19
11
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
How confident are you that
you will be able to afford your
Medicare premiums,
deductibles and co-payments
in future years? Are you...
Very confident
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
27
31
35
35
36
30
Somewhat confident
Neither
Not very confident
34
7
18
44
6
10
34
12
8
28
6
10
27
5
21
35
5
17
Not at all confident
10
8
8
13
7
8
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
How affordable are the
housing options currently
available to you? Are they...
Very affordable
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
37
36
40
36
43
35
Somewhat affordable
Neither
31
9
36
8
34
6
29
8
32
8
29
12
Somewhat unaffordable
Very unaffordable
8
6
6
4
7
5
7
9
2
6
9
6
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
How confident are you that
you can stay in your current
home for the next 5-10 years
without the need for
significant home
modifications? Are you...
Very confident
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
55
53
48
57
60
53
Somewhat confident
Neither
Not very confident
30
4
6
34
3
5
36
3
4
18
8
7
20
5
8
26
6
5
Not at all confident
3
4
6
7
3
6
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
In the past 10 years, have you
moved into a smaller home to
make home maintenance
easier?
Yes
No
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
13
16
13
17
17
11
87
83
87
83
82
89
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
9
Have you made any significant
modifications to your home to
help you age in place? This
could include adding handrails
in a bathroom, moving your
bedroom downstairs, etc.
Yes
No
Do you intend to continue
living in your current home for
the next 5-10 years?
Yes
No
Do you plan to make any
modifications to your home to
help you age in place?
Yes
No
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
21
79
22
77
21
78
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
18
82
23
77
20
79
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
90
86
83
83
86
89
7
11
12
13
10
8
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
21
15
17
22
19
20
74
83
78
75
76
76
Dallas
(N= 216)
Orange
County
(N= 222)
87
89
64
69
IF STAYING IN HOME: For
which of the following reasons
National Upstate NY Milwaukee Miami
do you plan to stay in your
(N= 903) (N= 215) (N= 208) (N= 207)
home? Please tell me all that
apply.
I like my home and don't want
85
87
88
91
to move out
I have family / friends nearby
66
73
66
64
I don't want to deal with the
hassle of moving
I’m not sure where I would go
I can’t afford the cost of moving
all of my things
I don't believe I can sell my
home in the current market
IF MOVING: Which of the
following reasons best
describes why you would
50
42
52
39
45
42
30
27
33
22
27
28
26
18
18
15
17
20
23
13
30
19
20
18
Miami
(N= 43)
Dallas
(N= 34)
Orange
County
(N= 29)
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
(N= 101)
(N= 35)
(N= 42)
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
10
move?
I could stay in my current
home, but I want to relocate to
a different community or
region
The style, layout, and size of my
home is too difficult for
someone of advanced age
I want to move now while I’m
still healthy enough to do so
I cannot afford to continue
living in my current home
I won’t want to worry about
home maintenance
18
20
44
33
23
22
14
13
6
11
9
14
14
11
6
5
7
10
13
18
6
18
13
17
10
14
12
11
18
11
Miami
(N= 43)
Dallas
(N= 34)
My current city or region
39
62
42
32
54
Orange
County
(N= 29)
39
Another city or region
Don’t know
38
24
22
16
41
17
48
19
26
20
48
13
Miami
(N= 21)
Dallas
(N= 9)
Orange
County
(N= 14)
IF MOVING: Where do you
plan to live when you move?
IF MOVING TO ANOTHER CITY
OR REGION: For which of the
following reasons would you
move to another city? Please
select all that apply.
It’s warmer/has a better
climate
I have another relative (e.g. a
sibling, cousin, etc.) who lives
there
It’s more affordable than my
current city
My child lives there
I’ve heard it’s a good city to
retire in
In general, how favorable is
your view of the senior-living
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
(N= 101)
(N= 35)
(N= 42)
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
(N= 38)
(N= 8)
(N= 17)
41
77
31
8
51
29
37
34
35
48
58
42
36
45
28
32
22
62
33
35
48
37
64
45
21
33
37
35
43
34
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
11
facilities in your community?
This would include patio
homes or apartment
communities geared toward
seniors, assisted-living
facilities, and the like. Is your
view...
Very favorable
29
35
30
20
31
30
Somewhat favorable
Neither favorable nor
unfavorable
Somewhat unfavorable
33
32
30
22
23
27
11
14
19
19
17
14
7
7
5
9
5
5
Very unfavorable
7
3
5
8
10
4
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
12
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
High blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis are the most common chronic conditions suffered by
respondents
Over one-third of respondents in the national sample engage in exercise or physical activity every
day to maintain their health, and 45% would be very or somewhat likely to participate in an exercise,
fitness or health promotion program in their community if it were offered
81% of respondents are very confident that they could see a primary-care physician in their
community if they were in need of medical care, although only 42% of respondents are very
confident that they could see a geriatric-care physician under the same circumstances
What chronic conditions, if
any, do you suffer from?
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
High blood pressure
Diabetes
19
16
19
11
23
16
15
15
22
14
16
14
Arthritis
High cholesterol
Asthma
15
7
5
14
7
3
14
7
6
15
3
2
14
6
2
11
8
2
Cancer
Cardiac failure
Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disorder
3
3
4
3
5
5
2
4
3
5
3
2
3
3
3
2
2
2
Coronary artery disease
Osteoarthritis
Atrial fibrillation
3
2
1
1
2
2
3
4
2
3
2
1
3
2
2
4
2
0
Depression
Emphysema
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
Glaucoma
Hypothyroidism
Multiple sclerosis
1
1
1
1
2
0
0
1
0
2
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
Rheumatoid arthritis
Chronic renal disease
Crohn's disease
1
0
0
3
0
0
2
0
0
2
0
0
2
1
0
2
0
0
Dysrhythmias
Epilepsy
Hemophilia
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
HIV/AIDS
Lupus
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Parkinson's disease
Schizophrenia
Ulcerative colitis
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
13
None of the above
36
37
29
36
IF HAS A CHRONIC CONDITION:
How confident are you that
you can do the tasks and
National Upstate NY Milwaukee Miami
activities needed to manage
(N= 608) (N= 150) (N= 165) (N= 150)
your health condition(s), so as
to reduce your need to see a
doctor?
38
42
Dallas
(N= 150)
Orange
County
(N= 140)
Very confident
Somewhat confident
Neither
44
36
7
42
44
6
36
48
6
44
34
7
46
31
6
42
38
7
Not very confident
Not at all confident
7
6
4
1
4
4
5
9
4
11
9
3
Dallas
(N= 150)
Orange
County
(N= 140)
51
51
IF HAS A CHRONIC CONDITION:
How confident are you that
you can do things other than
National Upstate NY Milwaukee Miami
just taking medications to
(N= 608) (N= 150) (N= 165) (N= 150)
reduce how much your illness
affects your daily life? Are
you...
Very confident
51
46
44
53
Somewhat confident
Neither
30
7
40
4
44
3
26
2
30
3
30
5
Not very confident
Not at all confident
5
4
3
3
2
4
7
4
8
8
6
4
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
How often do you exercise or
engage in physical activity to
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
help you maintain your health?
Every day
Four to six days per week
One to three days per week
36
16
25
47
17
22
31
17
30
33
20
24
36
18
27
41
22
25
Two to three days per month
Once per month or less
Never
7
4
11
2
3
8
7
3
11
5
6
11
8
3
7
4
2
6
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
14
How confident are you that
you will be able to do the
things needed to maintain
your health over the next 5-10
years? Are you...
Very confident
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
40
44
40
43
47
43
Somewhat confident
Neither
44
4
43
4
47
4
38
3
33
3
36
4
Not very confident
Not at all confident
Don't know what to do to
maintain my health
5
3
4
0
3
3
7
2
5
4
10
3
3
1
0
2
5
2
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
How well would you say you
manage your mental health
and stress levels?
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
Very well
Somewhat well
62
30
64
31
60
33
63
27
61
31
60
33
Neither
Somewhat poorly
Very poorly
3
3
1
2
3
0
1
3
1
5
4
1
4
3
2
4
3
0
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
How likely are you to
participate in an exercise,
fitness or health promotion
program in your community if
it were offered? Is it...
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
Very likely
Somewhat likely
20
25
16
27
16
31
28
21
23
24
17
26
Neither
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
8
12
23
7
13
24
9
10
24
6
9
25
5
13
20
7
14
20
Already participate in this type
of program
11
13
8
9
14
14
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
78
71
76
How well would you say you
communicate with your
doctors regarding your health
questions and concerns,
including your test results?
Very well
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
73
71
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
77
15
Somewhat well
19
19
18
13
21
17
Neither
Somewhat poorly
3
2
4
3
3
1
4
2
5
1
2
1
Very poorly
2
1
0
2
1
2
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
74
10
73
16
65
19
How confident are you that
you know what your
medications do and know
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
what side effects to watch for?
Are you...
Very confident
69
74
68
Somewhat confident
17
11
22
Neither
Not very confident
5
3
5
2
4
2
3
3
3
2
5
2
Not at all confident
1
1
1
4
3
2
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
If you were in need of medical
care, how confident are you
that you could see each of the
following in your community:
A Primary-care physician
Very confident
Somewhat confident
Not very confident
Neither
Not at all confident
If you were in need of medical
care, how confident are you
that you could see each of the
following in your community:
A Geriatric-care physician
Very confident
Somewhat confident
Neither
Not very confident
Not at all confident
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
81
13
81
13
81
15
86
8
77
11
82
9
2
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
0
2
2
4
3
3
4
1
1
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
42
18
33
16
37
22
39
12
43
11
45
12
9
4
7
11
6
9
11
3
5
9
3
6
9
6
10
6
8
3
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
16
Thinking about the physician(s)
whom you see most
frequently, how easy or
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
difficult is it for you to get to
your physicians’ offices? Is it...
Very easy
72
79
77
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
72
73
79
Somewhat easy
Neither easy nor difficult
18
2
14
2
16
2
18
3
15
4
13
1
Somewhat difficult
Very difficult
5
2
5
0
2
1
4
2
4
3
2
3
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
12
88
11
89
8
91
Miami
(N= 29)
Dallas
(N= 26)
Orange
County
(N= 21)
Do you currently need any
long-term-care or support
services?
Yes
No
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
8
91
4
96
11
89
IF NEEDS LONG TERM CARE:
How easy or difficult is it for
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
you to afford your long-term(N= 78)
(N= 10)
(N= 27)
care or support services? Is it...
Very easy
Somewhat easy
Neither easy nor difficult
33
23
2
18
36
0
9
17
11
15
17
8
11
15
0
13
32
13
Somewhat difficult
Very difficult
I receive these services for free
8
16
18
8
20
18
19
21
20
9
29
15
12
41
15
14
22
5
Dallas
(N= 224)
Orange
County
(N= 230)
IF DOES NOT NEED LONG TERM
CARE: How confident are you
that you would be able to
National Upstate NY Milwaukee Miami
afford long-term-care or
(N= 926) (N= 240) (N= 223) (N= 221)
support services if you need
them someday? Are you...
Very confident
Somewhat confident
Neither
24
32
8
25
32
11
22
34
9
27
28
7
35
29
4
35
25
10
Not very confident
Not at all confident
19
13
12
15
19
10
16
13
16
13
13
14
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
17
COMMUNITY ACCESSIBILITY
Over 80% of respondents agree that they feel safe when they walk in their communities – residents
of Upstate New York and Orange County are the most likely to strongly agree with this statement
While over a third of respondents in the national sample report being very or somewhat satisfied
with the quality of programming and events at senior centers in their community, 4 in 10 say they
have not visited enough to have an opinion one way or the other
Half of respondents in the national sample say the community they live in helps them to lead a
happy and healthy life, and 81% are able to meet all of their daily needs without leaving their
community
Thinking about your
community, please tell me
how strongly you agree or
disagree with the following
statements.
National
Upstate NY
Milwaukee
Strongly Agree/Disa Strongly Agree/Disa Strongly Agree/Disa
agree
gree
agree
gree
agree
gree
A high-quality public
transportation service is
available in my community
I feel safe when I walk in my
community
25
51/34
27
51/35
27
60/27
61
83/11
71
89/8
58
83/10
The local government in my
community provides support
services that can help older
adults with their daily needs
25
61/16
30
59/19
31
67/13
There are non-profit
organizations, churches, or
other types of organizations in
my community that provide
support services to help older
adults with their daily needs
38
69/9
44
72/12
37
62/17
My community offers job
opportunities for people of my
age
10
28/38
12
28/38
11
32/32
Thinking about your
community, please tell me
how strongly you agree or
disagree with the following
statements.
Miami
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
Dallas
Orange County
18
Strongly Agree/Disa Strongly Agree/Disa Strongly Agree/Disa
agree
gree
agree
gree
agree
gree
A high-quality public
transportation service is
available in my community
I feel safe when I walk in my
community
The local government in my
community provides support
services that can help older
adults with their daily needs
There are non-profit
organizations, churches, or
other types of organizations in
my community that provide
support services to help older
adults with their daily needs
My community offers job
opportunities for people of my
age
40
59/20
29
45/39
34
57/26
57
83/10
54
80/14
78
97/3
33
61/19
33
59/16
33
60/6
35
58/17
43
62/16
43
73/4
12
25/33
13
34/34
13
27/30
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
14
6
13
How often do you walk to
places where you regularly
need to go, such as church, the National Upstate NY Milwaukee
grocery store, the drug store,
etc.?
Every day
10
12
12
Four to six days per week
One to three days per week
Two to three days per month
5
13
5
7
13
3
8
13
6
5
15
6
5
11
5
5
14
5
Once per month or less
Never
9
57
5
59
8
51
8
51
6
67
11
51
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
How satisfied are you with the
quality of the programming
and events at senior or
community centers in your
community? Are you...
Very satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Neither satisfied nor
dissatisfied
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
22
15
23
14
20
16
13
11
22
9
30
8
11
9
8
9
8
6
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
19
Somewhat dissatisfied
1
3
0
2
2
2
Very dissatisfied
Don't visit enough to have an
opinion
There are no senior or
community centers in my
community
1
1
0
3
0
2
40
38
48
50
50
45
5
4
3
6
5
2
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
Does the community in which
you live help you or hinder you
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
in your ability to lead a happy
and healthy life?
Help
Hinder
50
4
54
2
47
4
37
8
40
6
50
2
Neither – my community does
not impact my happiness or
health
42
41
41
49
49
42
Miami
(N= 93)
Dallas
(N= 101)
Orange
County
(N= 127)
92
1
90
1
90
5
Miami
(N= 19)
Dallas
(N= 14)
Orange
County
(N= 5)
IF HELPS: Do you think your
community will continue
helping you be happy and
healthy over the next 5-10
years?
Yes
No
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
(N= 500) (N= 134) (N= 117)
89
4
IF HINDERS: What sort of
community would help you
lead a happy and healthy life?
Please tell me all that apply.
95
1
84
4
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
(N= 39)
(N= 6)
(N= 11)
A more affordable community
A walkable community
42
40
32
18
48
46
41
48
61
37
79
79
Warmer weather
A community with less hustle
and bustle
A community with more people
my age
Some other type of community
33
0
43
15
23
0
33
46
31
39
41
58
20
0
28
23
23
37
17
40
42
43
17
42
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
Are you able to meet all of
your everyday needs without
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
20
leaving your community?
Yes
No
81
18
83
17
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
83
15
80
17
81
19
87
12
21
FAMILY AND CAREGIVERS
Half of respondents in the national sample have someone they consider a caregiver. Of those, 87%
report their caregiver is a family member, and 52% say their caregiver lives with them in their home.
Over half of respondents are aware of services in their community to assist them in attending to
everyday needs, but fewer than 1 in 5 respondents has ever used such a service.
Respondents overwhelmingly prefer to be called “senior citizens” or “seniors.”
How close do your nearest
relatives live, not including
your spouse?
With me in my home
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
13
9
11
10
12
14
Within walking distance
A drive of less than 15 minutes
A drive of 15 – 45 minutes
17
28
19
19
38
15
14
33
23
15
23
20
15
29
23
8
26
23
A drive of 45 minutes – 2 hours
A drive of more than 2 hours
7
9
6
9
6
4
6
11
4
7
10
7
Would usually need to fly
7
2
5
13
6
11
Miami
Dallas
How often do you spend time
visiting with your relatives?
Every day
19
18
16
14
17
Orange
County
15
Four to six days per week
One to three days per week
Two to three days per month
11
31
12
10
36
14
7
33
14
8
25
13
9
31
14
8
25
19
Once per month or less
Rarely or never
14
13
12
8
17
11
16
21
11
15
16
15
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
47
51
50
48
39
61
Do you have someone you
consider a caregiver in your
life?
Yes
No
IF HAS A CAREGIVER: Is your
caregiver a member of your
family?
Yes
No
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
50
49
47
52
43
56
National Upstate NY Milwaukee Miami
(N= 500) (N= 117) (N= 107) (N= 117)
87
11
86
13
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
83
17
82
17
Dallas
(N= 126)
87
12
Orange
County
(N= 98)
84
16
22
IF HAS A CAREGIVER: How far National Upstate NY Milwaukee Miami
away does your caregiver live? (N= 500) (N= 117) (N= 107) (N= 117)
Dallas
(N= 126)
Orange
County
(N= 98)
With me in my home
Within walking distance
A drive of less than 15 minutes
52
12
18
49
15
27
48
14
18
53
14
14
56
10
13
62
10
8
A drive of 15 – 45 minutes
A drive of 45 minutes – 2 hours
A drive of more than 2 hours
8
3
5
5
3
1
15
2
2
10
4
0
13
2
2
13
7
0
Dallas
(N= 140)
Orange
County
(N= 169)
IF DOES NOT HAVE A
CAREGIVER: How likely is it
that one of your children or
grandchildren will need to
serve as a caregiver for you at
some point in the future? Is
it...
National Upstate NY Milwaukee Miami
(N= 567) (N= 149) (N= 161) (N= 154)
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Neither likely nor unlikely
18
21
8
11
21
14
15
21
9
20
17
6
22
23
9
14
18
7
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
15
20
12
17
14
17
10
27
12
21
15
30
Don't have any children or
grandchildren
11
18
17
12
9
9
Miami
Dallas
Do you act as a caregiver for
someone else?
Yes
No
IF ACTS AS A CAREGIVER:
Would you benefit from
services designed to support
caregivers, such as respite
care?
Yes
No
IF WOULD BENEFIT FROM
THESE SERVICES: How easy or
difficult would it be for you to
28
32
24
30
33
Orange
County
23
72
66
75
69
67
75
Miami
(N= 75)
Dallas
(N= 82)
Orange
County
(N= 59)
37
50
37
43
23
51
Miami
(N= 28)
Dallas
(N= 31)
Orange
County
(N= 14)
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
(N= 281)
(N= 80)
(N= 61)
45
43
36
52
43
38
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
(N= 126)
(N= 29)
(N= 26)
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
23
afford caregiver support
services?
Very easy
Somewhat easy
Neither easy nor difficult
17
25
12
6
24
6
17
33
20
19
13
10
26
19
11
7
38
7
Somewhat difficult
Very difficult
13
24
37
18
9
14
22
33
27
14
14
34
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
51
19
29
53
16
31
61
9
30
If you needed help attending
to your everyday needs, is
there a service in your
community you could call to
request help?
Yes
No
Don’t know
IF THERE IS A SERVICE: Have
you ever used this service?
Yes
No
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
61
16
22
65
9
25
National Upstate NY Milwaukee Miami
(N=616) (N= 117) (N= 163) (N= 129)
15
85
Today, we’ve talked a lot
about people who are aging.
Which of these do you think is
the best term for people your
age?
Senior citizens
Seniors
71
9
20
15
85
14
85
National Upstate NY Milwaukee
Dallas
(N= 133)
Orange
County
(N= 153)
12
87
16
84
18
82
Miami
Dallas
Orange
County
25
18
25
18
27
19
19
17
23
18
23
24
Retirees
Older Americans
Aging Americans
15
11
6
19
10
8
16
6
7
14
7
3
19
8
4
16
4
3
Golden-Agers
The elderly
4
3
3
1
4
6
7
5
9
2
8
2
Sexagenarians
Octogenarians
Septuagenarians
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
None of these
7
5
5
12
5
8
© 2011 PENN SCHOEN AND BERLAND ASSOCIATES LLC.
24