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March 2009

Going From Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in Westchester County, New York

Going from Good to Great:

A Livable Communities Survey in Westchester County, New York

Report Prepared by Brittne M. Nelson and Terri Guengerich

Copyright © 2009 AARP

Knowledge Management 601 E Street NW

Washington, DC 20049 www.aarp.org/research

Reprinting with Permission

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 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 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. State Research brings the right knowledge at the right time to our state and national partners in support of their efforts to improve the lives of people age 50 and older. State Research consultants provide strategic insights and actionable research to attain measurable state and national outcomes. The views expressed herein are for information, debate, and discussion, and do not necessarily represent official policies of AARP.

Acknowledgements AARP staff from the New York State Office, Outreach and Services, Government Relations and Advocacy, and Knowledge Management contributed to the design and implementation of the study. Thanks are extended to William Stoner of the New York State Office; Michael O’Neal of Outreach and Services, Adam Goldberg of Government Relations and Advocacy; and Rachelle Cummins, Erica Dinger, Joanne Binette, Cassandra Cantave-Burton, Darlene Matthews, and Cheryl Barnes of State Research, Knowledge Management. Additional thanks are extended to Nancy Bell, Office of General Counsel, for her legal review of the report. Woelfel Research, Inc. administered the telephone survey and tabulated the results. Erica Dinger managed many aspects of the project including research design and survey development. Brittne Nelson and Terri Guengerich of State Research co-authored the report. For more information, contact Terri Guengerich, at (202) 434-6306.

Going from Good to Great: A Livable Communities Survey in Westchester County, New York (2007) 1

Is Westchester County, New York a Livable Community? AARP defines a livable community as one that allows people to maintain their independence and quality of life as they age and retire. Specific aspects of a livable community include adequate mobility options; supportive community features and services that allow residents to maintain their independence and enjoy an engaging civic and social life; and affordable and appropriate housing.1 AARP New York commissioned a telephone survey of the general population age 50 years and older who live in Westchester County, New York to discover their opinions about living in this county. On average, Westchester County residents age 50+ have lived in their community about three decades – the median length of residency in Westchester County is 30 years. Overall, Westchester County residents age 50+ are rooted in their community, satisfied with it, and think it is a good place for people approaching retirement. Residents would also like to stay in their community and their place of residence for as long as possible. However, the majority of Westchester County residents age 50+ says that affordable housing and heavy traffic are problems in their community. Westchester County residents have also identified the following gaps between what is important and what is missing in their community:

An adequate supply of affordable housing Home repair services Good job opportunities Respite care A variety of housing options for persons with different physical abilities

In addition, many Westchester County residents age 50+ are also unaware that the following services exist in their community:

Home repair services Respite care Health monitoring services A variety of affordable housing options Chore or homemaker services

While Westchester County has many components of a livable community, the survey shows that Westchester County needs to address its problem areas to make this county a great livable community that meets the needs of all its residents as they age.

1AARP Public Policy, 2005. Livable Communities: An Evaluation Guide. AARP, Washington, DC.


SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

Satisfaction with Community Westchester County residents are rooted in their community, satisfied with it, and think it is a good place for people approaching retirement. Westchester County residents have developed roots in their community – among its residents age 50+, the median length of time they have lived in Westchester County is 30 years. In fact, boomer-age residents, those age 50-61 have lived there on average 21 years (median) and non-boomers, those age 62+, an average of 35 years (median). Two in three residents say they are extremely or very satisfied with their community as a place to live, and seven in ten residents rate their community as excellent, very good, or good as a place for older people to live. In fact, residents age 62+ are more likely to rate their community as excellent or very good than boomer-age residents (62+ years, 44%; 50-61 years, 32%).

A Place for Older People to Live (n=800)

3%

10%

18%

31%

26%

14%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Not sure

Poor

Fair

Good

Very good

Excellent

Satisfaction as a Place to Live (n=800)

1%

5%

29%

43%

22%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Not at all

Not too

Somewhat

Very

Extremely

Greenburgh residents are also more likely to rate their community as an excellent or a very good place for older people to live than other Westchester-area residents (Greenburgh, 53%, Yorktown, 39%; New Rochelle, 31%).


Most Westchester County residents say it is important for them to remain in their community and particularly in their current home for as long as possible. Not only do residents age 50+ like their community, they want to stay there. Seven in ten residents say it is extremely or very important for them to remain in their community for as long as possible. Even more say it is extremely or very important to remain in their current residence for as long as possible.

Importance of Remaining in Their Community as Long as Possible

(n=800)

3%

6%

19%

45%

27%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Not at all

Not very

Somewhat

Very

Extremely

Importance of Remaining in Their Current Residence as Long as Possible

(n=800)

1%

2%

6%

11%

38%

41%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Not sure

Not at all

Not very

Somewhat

Very

Extremely

A higher percentage of older residents say it is extremely or very important to stay in their community and in their home for as long as possible compared to boomer-age residents (stay in community: 62+ years, 77%; 50-61 years, 64%; stay in current residence: 62+ years, 84%; 50-61 years, 73%). Similar percentages of Westchester County area residents also say it is extremely or very important to remain in their community as long as possible (Greenburgh, 75%; Yorktown, 78%; New Rochelle, 67%). A higher percentage of residents in Greenburgh and Yorktown say it is extremely or very important for them to remain in their own home (Greenburgh, 86%; Yorktown, 85%; and New Rochelle, 72%).


Community Characteristics and Services

Safe neighborhoods, having a hospital in their community, and services that help people maintain their independence are the most important community characteristics for Westchester County residents age 50+.

At the top and by a wide margin, nearly three in five Westchester County residents identify safe neighborhoods as the most important characteristic from our survey list of twenty-one community characteristics.

Community Characteristics That Are Extremely Important To Westchester County Residents Age 50+

(n=800)

27%

27%

31%

35%

36%

58%

11%

12%

12%

14%

15%

19%

20%

20%

21%

21%

21%

24%

25%

26%

26%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Close walking/bike trails

Entertainment

Convenient places for public events

Volunteer opportunities

Ways to connect young & old

Accessible public buildings/facilities

Sidewalks where you want to go

Job opportunities

Place where older people socialize

Variety of housing options

Parks, community/recreation centers

Affordable housing

Affordable shopping

Places to worship

Close drug store

Close grocery store

Dependable public transportation

Well designed & maintained streets

Services to help age in place

Community hospital

Safe neighborhoods


Safe neighborhoods are also identified as the topmost important community characteristic by boomer residents and non-boomer residents alike, and by residents in Greenburgh, Yorktown, and New Rochelle. Comparing the top ten characteristics by age shows that for both boomers and non-boomers having safe neighborhoods, a hospital nearby, services to age in place, and well designed and maintained streets are the four most important community characteristics. The next most important for boomers are dependable public transportation and places to worship – for non-boomers, it is a close grocery store and a close drug store.

Top Ten Extremely Important Community Characteristics by Age and by City of Residence

Community Characteristics

Boomers Age 50-61

(n=331)

Non-Boomers Age 62+ (n=442)

Green-burgh (n=72)

York-town

(n=104)

New Rochelle(n=104)

Safe neighborhoods 1 1 1 1 1 Community hospital 2 2 3 3 2 Age in place services 3 3 2 2 5 Well designed/maintained streets 4 4 6 7 4 Dependable public transportation 5 8 4 8 7 Places to worship 6 9 5 4 − Affordable housing 7 10 − 5 − Affordable shopping 8 7 8 6 9 Close grocery store 9 5 9 − − Variety of housing options 10 − − 9 6 Close drug store − 6 7 − 10 Good job opportunities − − 10 − 3 Parks, community, recreation centers − − − 10 − Sidewalks going where you want − − − − 8 While residents in Greenburgh, Yorktown, and New Rochelle also identified safe neighborhoods as their topmost important characteristic, their rating for the remaining nine characteristics varies. Good job opportunities are more important to residents in New Rochelle than to residents in Greenburgh and Yorktown. Having a grocery store close by made the top-ten list for residents in Greenburgh, but not for residents in Yorktown and New Rochelle. Affordable housing and parks, community and recreation centers made the top-ten list for residents of Yorktown, but not for residents of Greenburgh or New Rochelle. Likewise sidewalks taking you to where you want to go made the top ten-list for residents of New Rochelle, but not for residents of Greenburgh or Yorktown.


Over a third of residents in Westchester County age 50+ say that services that allow residents to age in place, such as special transportation, visiting nurses, or home health aides are extremely important to them. Special transportation for seniors and people with disabilities are at the top of the list of thirteen surveyed community services in terms of importance to Westchester County residents. One in four also says that visiting nurses that come to your home, home health aides who help with personal needs, home repair services, and hospice services are extremely important community services.

Community Services That Are Extremely Important to Residents Age 50+

(n=800)

15%

17%

19%

19%

19%

20%

20%

23%

24%

24%

26%

27%

29%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Congregate meals

Outdoor maintenance

Seasonal or outdoor work

Homemaker services

Respite care

Senior centers

Health monitoring services

Meals-on-wheels

Hospice

Home repair services

Home health aides

Visiting nurses

Special transportation for seniors & disabled


The top five most important community services are the same for boomer residents and non-boomers residents, although the order differs. The top service for boomer residents is special transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities, while the top service for non-boomers is visiting nurses.

Top Five Extremely Important Community Services by Age and by City of Residence

Community Services

Boomers Age 50-61

(n=331)


Green-burgh (n=72)

York-town

(n=104)

New Rochelle(n=104)

Special transportations for seniors and disabled

1 2 3 2 2

Home health aides 2 3 1 4 1 Home repair services 3 5 5 3 4 Visiting nurses 4 1 2 1 − Hospice 5 4 4 5 5 Health monitoring services − − − − 3

For residents in Greenburgh and New Rochelle, the top service identified was home health aides; for Yorktown, the top service was visiting nurses. Health monitoring services was a top-five service for residents in New Rochelle, but not for residents in Greenburgh and Yorktown. Likewise, visiting nurses was a top-five service for residents in Greenburgh and Yorktown, but not for residents of New Rochelle.

The availability of services that allow people to remain in their home as they age is a keystone to viable livable communities. More importantly, however, is the awareness of these services that allow residents to age in place by people in the community. Many Westchester County residents, though, were not sure that these community characteristics or services existed in their community. At least one in five residents says they are not sure the following characteristics or services exist in their community:

Home repair services (44%) Respite care (43%) Health monitoring service (39%) A variety of affordable housing

options, including for people with physical disabilities (39%)

Chore or homemakers’ services (31%)

Home health aides (27%) Hospice (26%) Good job opportunities (26%) Congregate meals (25%)

A variety of housing options for persons with different physical abilities (25%)

Ways to connect older and younger people in the community (23%)

Meals-on-wheels or home delivered meals (22%)

A wide variety of services to help you maintain your independence as you grow older (22%)

Outdoor maintenance services (21%)

Visiting nurses (20%)


For many of the characteristics and services that Westchester County residents deem important – home repair services, home health aides, visiting nurses – many residents are not aware of their existence in their community.

Gaps in Community Characteristics and Services After residents were asked how important the prior twenty-one community characteristics and the thirteen community services are, they were asked if these characteristics and services existed in their community. Pairing these questions allows us to look at “gaps” between the importance of a characteristic or service and its existence in the community. To compare these questions, residents who said a characteristic or service is extremely, very, or somewhat important were aggregated and compared to residents who said a characteristic or service existed in their community. Residents who said they were not sure if a characteristic or service was in their community were removed from this analysis. The biggest gaps identified between what is important and what exists in their community among Westchester-area residents age 50+ are: an adequate supply of affordable housing, home repair services, job opportunities, respite care, housing options for persons with different physical abilities, ways to connect older and younger people, and services to help maintain independence.

Characteristics and Services in the Community(n=varies, based on awareness of

characteristic or service)

Extremely, Very, or

Somewhat Important

Yes, Characteristic

or Service Exists

Gap

An adequate supply of affordable housing (n=681) 91.0% 26.9% -64.1%A service that helps with home repairs, like with the roof or windows (n=452)

91.7% 30.4% -61.3%

Good job opportunities (n=589) 85.2% 39.6% -45.6%

Respite (n=457) 90.9% 45.9% -45.0%A variety of housing options for persons with different physical abilities (n=600)

92.9% 48.3% -44.3%

Ways to connect older and younger people (n=615) 92.5% 56.0% -36.5%A wide variety of services to help you maintain your independence as you grow older (n=622)

98.6% 66.4% -32.2%

Chore or homemakers services, like when someone comes in to do light housekeeping or cleaning (n=547)

93.0% 64.2% -28.8%

Health monitoring services (n=489) 92.2% 63.8% -28.4%

Outdoor maintenance services (n=633) 91.5% 64.7% -26.8%

Sidewalks going to where you want to go (n=792) 83.1% 56.5% -26.6%

A hospital in the community (n=796) 92.5% 67.9% -24.6%

End of life or hospice (n=591) 92.6% 68.1% -24.5%Home health aide, personal care attendant, or other assistant who helps with personal needs (n=585)

94.5% 72.7% -21.8%


Characteristics and Services in the Community(n=varies, based on awareness of

characteristic or service)

Extremely, Very, or

Somewhat Important

Yes, Characteristic

or Service Exists

Gap

Seasonal work, such as lawn work or snow removal (n=667)

91.7% 70.2% -21.5%

Walking or bike trails within a half mile of your home (n=757)

82.5% 61.0% -21.5%

Entertainment, such as theaters and concerts (n=788) 86.4% 65.1% -21.3%Affordable shopping (n=782) 94.9% 74.4% -20.5%A grocery store within a half mile of your home (n=795) 91.6% 74.3% -17.3%Well-designed and maintained streets (n=789) 98.4% 82.3% -16.1%Visiting nurse, such as an RN who comes to your home (n=637)

95.1% 80.1% -15.0%

Dependable public transportation (n=722) 90.3% 76.2% -14.1%A drug store within a half mile of your home (n=799) 88.7% 75.0% -13.7%Congregate meals, such as senior lunch programs (n=597)

87.9% 74.6% -13.3%

Special transportation service, like one for seniors or persons with disabilities (n=669)

97.6% 87.5% -10.1%

Convenient places for public events and meetings (n=739)

90.8% 81.5% -9.3%

A place where older people socialize (n=720) 93.8% 86.2% -7.6% Safe neighborhoods (n=785) 99.7% 93.4% -6.3% Accessible public buildings and facilities (n=737) 93.2% 87.0% -6.2% Well run parks, community centers, and recreation centers (n=760)

95.6% 90.5% -5.1%

Meals-on-wheels or home delivered meals (n=626) 92.0% 87.1% -4.9% Senior centers (n=742) 94.2% 91.0% -3.2% Opportunities for volunteering (n=716) 91.7% 90.3% -1.4% Places to worship (n=793) 87.3% 96.5% 9.2%

Of those residents who say the above services are available in their communities, about one in ten has used seasonal work (12%), outdoor maintenance services (12%), and homemaker services (10%). Fifteen percent of boomer residents also say they have used seasonal work or outdoor maintenance services.


Problems in Westchester County The majority of Westchester County residents say that lack of affordable housing and heavy traffic are problems (big or small) in their community. A great livable community provides appropriate and affordable housing options that allow its residents to transition to housing that is appropriate for their stage of life while maintaining residence in their neighborhood as well as accessible and dependable public transportation. Additionally, accessible and dependable public transportation that allows for pedestrian travel are basic mobility characteristics of a livable community. Yet, two in three Westchester County residents age 50+ say that not having enough affordable housing in their community is a problem, and about six in ten say heavy traffic is also a problem.

Community Problems (n=800) Big

Problem Small

Problem Not a

Problem Not

Sure

Not enough affordable housing 42% 25% 23% 10%

Heavy traffic 29% 29% 42% <1%

People don’t get involved in efforts to improve the community

18% 27% 48% 7%

Not enough senior services 10% 22% 50% 18%

Street and sidewalks that need repair or don’t exist 18% 30% 52% 1%

Public transportation that is too far away, too limited or not available

18% 23% 54% 5%

Crime 10% 29% 60% 1%

Streets are too dark 14% 20% 64% 2%

Not enough arts or cultural activities 9% 24% 64% 3%

Not enough medical services 8% 14% 74% 4%

Traffic lights that are timed too fast 7% 16% 74% 3%

Noise 7% 16% 77% <1%

Being too far away from parks and recreation 4% 16% 79% 1%

Rundown or abandoned buildings/houses/apartments 4% 16% 79% 1%

Shopping, banks, other needed services too far away 6% 14% 80% 1%

Too few traffic lights 5% 14% 80% 2%

Poor public services such as schools, garbage or snow removal

7% 12% 81% 1%

At least three in four residents say that medical services, traffic lights, and noise are not a problem in Westchester County. Residents also say that being too far away from parks or shopping is also not a problem for them. And residents say that public services like schools, garbage or snow removal are also not problems.


The top problem – not enough affordable housing – is the same for boomer residents and non-boomers residents, and for residents of Greenburgh, Yorktown, and New Rochelle. The next biggest problem – heavy traffic – is the same for all these groups except for New Rochelle, where people not getting involved in community improvements is the next biggest problem.

Top Five Big Problems in Westchester County by Age and by City of Residence (At least 20% of Residents Identifying a Problem as Big)

Community Problems

Boomers Age 50-61

(n=331)


Green-burgh (n=72)

York-town

(n=104)

New Rochelle(n=104)

Not enough affordable housing 1 1 1 1 1 Heavy traffic 2 2 2 2 3 Street and sidewalks that need repair or don’t exist

3 − − 4 5

People don’t get involved in efforts to improve the community

4 − − − 2

Public transportation is too far away, too limited or not available

5 − − 3 4

Streets that are too dark − − − 5 − It is interesting to note that in our survey list of 17 types of community problems, people not getting involved in efforts to improve the community made the top-five list of problems for boomers and residents of New Rochelle. Tax relief and more affordable housing were the top two community changes Westchester residents age 50+ would make to improve conditions for older persons living in their communities. When residents were asked, “If you were the leader of your community, what changes would you want to make to improve conditions for older persons living here?” housing-related issues, such as more affordable housing and more varied types of housing tied with financial-related issues, such as reducing taxes, or providing more financial assistance for seniors, were the top sources of change for their community. Although housing and financial issues topped the list of both boomer and non-boomer residents as sources of change they would make in their community, boomer-age residents were more likely than older residents to say they would improve transportation conditions (boomers, 15%; non-boomers, 9%) and supportive services (boomers, 15%; 62+, 9%).


Home Modifications One in five Westchester residents age 50+ say their current residence needs major repairs, modifications, or changes to enable them to stay there as they age. Appropriate and affordable housing options are important to communities such as Westchester County, where many residents are rooted in the community and would like to maintain those roots as long as possible. Over eight in ten Westchester County residents own their home (87%), and the average length of residency in Westchester County is 30 years (median). For many residents, maintaining residency in their current home as they age will require modifications, as one in five says some modification is necessary. In fact, boomer-age homeowners are more likely to say their residence needs modifications than older homeowners (50-61, 24%; 62+, 16%). Most residents say their homes need bathroom modifications, such as grab bars, handrails, high toilets, or non-slip tile. One in ten Westchester County residents age 50+2 believe they will need to move out of their current residence within the next two years. While some residents will be able to make such modifications or repairs, many will not as one in ten believes they will need to move out of their current home within the next two years. The most commonly cited reasons for needing to move are:

Taxes will cost too much; Their current home is too big; Too many stairs; or Their rent/mortgage costs too much.

2 Excludes Westchester County residents age 50+ who live in an assisted living facility.

Westchester-Area Residents Age 50+ Who Say Their Current

Residence Needs Modifications (n=800)

Not sure, 1%

No, 80%

Yes, 19%

Westchester Residents Age 50+ Who Believe They Will Need to

Move in Two Years(n=800)

Yes, 9%

No, 87%

Not sure, 4%


Driving When they need to go somewhere, most Westchester County residents age 50+ drive themselves. Mobility is a major aspect of a livable community because various transportation options allow residents to get around their community at all stages of their life. Most Westchester County residents drive when they need to go somewhere. However, over three in five get a ride with family or friends, and over half walk. Less than one in ten says they use special transportation services for seniors or people with disabilities. Only nine percent of residents say they always or sometimes miss activities because they do not have transportation. One in ten residents also says they have a medical condition that makes it difficult for them to travel outside of their homes.

Forms of Transportation Used When Westchester Residents Age 50+ Need

to Get Somewhere (n=800)

4%

24%

31%

55%

62%

90%

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

Use special transportationservice

Take a taxi

Use public transportation

Walk

Get a ride

Drive


Demographic Characteristics of Respondents (n=800)

3%

9%

84%

18%

19%

62%

56%

22%

21%

47%

45%

41%

22%

12%

43%

57%

22%

44%

31%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Other

Black

White

RACE

Other

Widowed

Married

MARITAL STATUS

College grad+

Post HS/2 yr. degree

High school or less

EDUCATION

Employed

Retired

EMPLOYMENT

75K+

$35K- <$75K

<$35K

INCOME

Male

Female

GENDER

75+

60-74

50-59

AGE


Methodology AARP commissioned Woelfel Research, Inc. to conduct a telephone survey of the general population age 50 years and older who live in Westchester County, New York. The sample was drawn at random from a listed sample of households containing telephone numbers with a high probability of having an occupant being age 50+. The sample was constructed to achieve over-samples of respondents in three areas: New Rochelle, Yorktown Heights, and Greenburgh. A total of 800 interviews were completed. Interviews were conducted from December 12, 2007 to January 11, 2008. Up to ten call attempts per telephone number were made to reach an eligible respondent. Calls were staggered over times of day and days of the week to maximize the chance of making contact with potential respondents. The survey has a sampling error of ±3.5%. Survey responses were weighted to reflect the distribution by age and gender within geographic area. Weights were also applied to separate geographies to bring the over-samples into line with their proportion in Westchester County. Weighted responses to all survey questions are found in Appendix A. The response rate was 17 percent, and the cooperation rate was 86 percent. These rates were calculated using AAPOR’s Outcome Rate Calculator Version 2.1 (May, 2003).


APPENDIX A

ANNOTATED QUESTIONNAIRE


2007 Westchester County, NY Livable Communities Survey

Westchester County n=800; Sampling Error =+/-3.5% Greenburgh n=72; Yorktown n=104; New Rochelle n=104

1. How long have you lived in your current community? Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

1-5 years 7% 3% 6% 9% 6-10 years 10% 9% 9% 12% 11-15 years 10% 14% 11% 3% 16-20 years 8% 7% 13% 8% 21-25 years 10% 10% 12% 12% 25+ years 55% 57% 49% 55% Don’t know 1% 0% 0% 1%

2. How important is it to you to remain in your community for as long as possible? Is it….?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Extremely important 27% 24% 36% 21% Very important 45% 51% 42% 46% Somewhat important 19% 15% 13% 22% Not very important 6% 8% 5% 4% Not at all important 3% 1% 4% 7% Not sure 0% 2% 1% 1%

3. Thinking about your future needs, how would you rate your community as a place for older people to live? Would you say it is….?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Excellent 14% 17% 12% 4% Very good 26% 36% 27% 27% Good 31% 23% 31% 40% Fair 18% 13% 16% 20% Poor 10% 9% 11% 7% Not sure 3% 3% 3% 3% Refused 0% 0% 0% 0%

4. Overall, how satisfied are you with your community as a place to live? Would you say that you are ….?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Extremely satisfied 22% 27% 24% 16% Very satisfied 43% 37% 45% 38% Somewhat satisfied 29% 27% 30% 42% Not too satisfied 5% 9% 0% 3% Not at all satisfied 1% 0% 2% 0% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 0% Refused 0% 0% 0% 0%


5. Now I’m going to ask you about some community characteristics. Please tell me how important you think it is to have the following characteristics in your community. How important is having ... in your community? (ROTATE ITEMS) Is it extremely important, very important, somewhat important, not very important, not at all important?

a. Well run parks, community centers, and recreation centers Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Extremely important 21% 20% 25% 22% Very important 55% 54% 57% 54% Somewhat important 19% 19% 14% 22% Not very important 4% 6% 3% 2% Not at all important 1% 1% 0% 0% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 1% Refused 0% 0% 0% 0%

b. Convenient places for public events and meetings Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


c. A place where older people socialize Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


d. Dependable public transportation Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


e. Sidewalks going to where you want to go Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle



f. Safe neighborhoods Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


g. Entertainment, such as theaters and concerts Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


h. Walking or bike trails within a half mile of your home Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


i. A grocery store within a half mile of your home Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


j. A drug store within a half mile of your home Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle



k. A wide variety of services to help you maintain your independence as you grow older

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


l. Good job opportunities Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


m. Accessible public buildings and facilities Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


n. An adequate supply of affordable housing Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


o. A variety of housing options for persons with different physical abilities

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle



p. Ways to connect older and younger people in the community

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


q. Opportunities for volunteering Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


r. Well-designed and maintained streets Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


s. A hospital in the community Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


t. Affordable shopping Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle



u. Places to worship Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


6. Does the community where you live have … (ROTATE ITEMS)?

a. Well run parks, community centers, and recreation centers Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 86% 88% 88% 84% No 9% 4% 4% 10% Not sure 5% 8% 8% 6%

b. Convenient places for public events and meetings Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 75% 78% 84% 74% No 17% 14% 11% 23% Not sure 8% 8% 6% 3% Refused 0% 0% 0% 0%

c. A place where older people socialize Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 78% 69% 86% 73% No 12% 13% 6% 17% Not sure 10% 18% 8% 10%

d. Dependable public transportation Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


e. Sidewalks going to where you want to go Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 56% 30% 36% 78% No 43% 66% 62% 21% Not sure 1% 4% 2% 1%

f. Safe neighborhoods Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle



g. Entertainment, such as theaters and concerts Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 64% 84% 86% 69% No 34% 13% 13% 29% Not sure 2% 3% 1% 2%

h. Walking or bike trails within a half mile of your home Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 58% 48% 73% 67% No 37% 41% 25% 29% Not sure 5% 11% 2% 5%

i. A grocery store within a half mile of your home Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 74% 84% 56% 79% No 26% 16% 44% 21% Not sure 1% 0% 0% 0%

j. A drug store within a half mile of your home Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 75% 82% 51% 81% No 25% 18% 49% 19% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 0%

k. A wide variety of services to help you maintain your independence as you grow older

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


l. Good job opportunities Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


m. Accessible public buildings and facilities Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


n. An adequate supply of affordable housing Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle



o. A variety of housing options for persons with different physical abilities

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 36% 25% 43% 47% No 39% 40% 33% 33% Not sure 25% 34% 25% 20%

p. Ways to connect older and younger people in the community

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


q. Opportunities for volunteering Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 81% 68% 87% 81% No 9% 12% 6% 11% Not sure 10% 20% 8% 8%

r. Well-designed and maintained streets Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


s. A hospital in the community Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 68% 79% 63% 95% No 32% 21% 37% 5% Not sure 1% 0% 1% 0%

t. Affordable shopping Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 73% 92% 83% 68% No 25% 4% 15% 26% Not sure 2% 4% 3% 6%

u. Places to worship Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 96% 96% 97% 94% No 3% 3% 2% 6% Not sure 1% 2% 1% 0%


7. Now I’m going to ask you about some community services. Again, I would like you to tell me how important you think it is to have the following services in your community to help people remain in their own homes as they age. How important is having ... in your community? (ROTATE ITEMS) Is it extremely important, very important, somewhat important, not very important, not at all important?

a. Senior centers Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


b. Chore or homemakers services like when someone comes in to do light housekeeping or cleaning

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


c. Congregate meals such as senior lunch programs Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


d. Meals-on-Wheels or home delivered meals Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


e. A service that helps with home repairs, like with the roof or windows

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle



f. Visiting nurse, such as an RN who comes to your home Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


g. Seasonal work, such as lawn work or snow removal Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


h. Home health aide, personal care attendant, or other assistant who helps with personal needs

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


i. Respite Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


j. End of life or hospice Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle



k. Special transportation service like one for seniors or persons with disabilities

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


l. Health monitoring services Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


m. Outdoor maintenance services Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


8. Does your community where you live have ...? (ROTATE ITEMS)

a. Senior centers Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 85% 84% 93% 86% No 8% 7% 5% 6% Not sure 7% 10% 3% 8%

b. Chore or homemakers services like when someone comes in to do light housekeeping or cleaning

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


c. Congregate meals such as senior lunch programs Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 56% 53% 81% 63% No 19% 19% 6% 12% Not sure 25% 29% 13% 25%


d. Meals-on-Wheels or home delivered meals Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 68% 69% 70% 79% No 10% 7% 5% 3% Not sure 22% 24% 26% 19%

e. A service that helps with home repairs, like with the roof or windows

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 17% 8% 15% 19% No 39% 34% 44% 31% Not sure 44% 58% 41% 51%

f. Visiting nurse, such as an RN who comes to your home Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 64% 69% 68% 60% No 16% 14% 13% 13% Not sure 20% 18% 19% 27%

g. Seasonal work, such as lawn work or snow removal Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


h. Home health aide, personal care attendant, or other assistant who helps with personal needs

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 53% 51% 58% 55% No 20% 21% 17% 14% Not sure 27% 27% 25% 31%

i. Respite Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


j. End of life or hospice Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 46% 47% 53% 38% No 28% 25% 21% 26% Not sure 26% 29% 26% 37%

k. Special transportation service like one for seniors or persons with disabilities

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle



l. Health monitoring services Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


m. Outdoor maintenance services Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


9. Have you used any of these services I just mentioned in the last 12 months? (Base is the number of respondents who said they have at least one of the aforementioned 13 services in their community -- Westchester County n=777; Greenburgh n=68; Yorktown n=100; New Rochelle n=100)

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 17% 20% 19% 20% No 83% 78% 81% 80% Not sure 0% 2% 0% 0%

10. Which services have you used? Have you used ...? (Base is the number of respondents who say they have the service in their community)

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

a. Senior centers (Westchester County n=676; Greenburgh n=60; Yorktown n=96; New Rochelle n=90)

7% 13% 3% 19%

b. Chore or homemakers services like when someone comes in to do light housekeeping or cleaning (Westchester County n=351; Greenburgh n=35; Yorktown n=50; New Rochelle n=35)

10% 9% 10% 20%

c. Congregate meals such as senior lunch programs (Westchester County n=446; Greenburgh n=38; Yorktown n= 84; New Rochelle n=65)

2% 3% 2% 2%

d. Meals-on-wheels or home delivered meals (Westchester County n=546; Greenburgh n=50, Yorktown n=72; New Rochelle n=82)

2% 2% 1% 4%

e. A service that helps with home repairs, like with the roof or windows (Westchester County n=137; Greenburgh n=6; Yorktown n=16; New Rochelle n=20)

5% 0% 0% 5%

f. Visiting nurse such as an RN who comes to your home (Westchester County n=510; Greenburgh n=49; Yorktown n=71; New Rochelle n=62)

7% 10% 13% 13%

g. Seasonal work such as lawn work or snow removal (Westchester County n=468; Greenburgh n=46; Yorktown n=65; New Rochelle n=55)

12% 9% 6% 9%

h. Home health aide, personal care attendant, or other assistant who helps with personal needs (Westchester County n=425; Greenburgh n=37; Yorktown n=60; New Rochelle n=57)

6% 11% 10% 12%

i. Respite, getting a break from caregiving duties (Westchester County n=210; Greenburgh n=19; Yorktown n=26; New Rochelle n=24)

2% 0% 8% 4%

j. End of life or hospice, medication or services provided to relieve symptoms of terminal illness (Westchester n=365; Greenburgh n=34; Yorktown n=56; New Rochelle n=39)

1% 3% 0% 0%


10. Which services have you used? Have you used ...? (Base is the number of respondents who say they have the service in their community)

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

k. Special transportation service like one for seniors or persons with disabilities (Westchester n=585; Greenburgh n=52; Yorktown n=90; New Rochelle n=75)

4% 4% 1% 5%

l. Health monitoring services (Westchester County n=312; Greenburgh n=29; Yorktown n=49; New Rochelle n=34)

5% 3% 4% 6%

m. Outdoor maintenance services (Westchester County n=409; Greenburgh n=38; Yorktown n=53; New Rochelle n=45)

12% 11% 6% 16%

11. Where, or to whom, would you turn for information about services in your community like the services we just asked about? (Base is the number of respondents who said they have used at least one of the 13 services in Q8 -- Westchester County n=777; Greenburgh n=68; Yorktown n=100; New Rochelle n=100)

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

FAMILY MEMBERS/NEIGHBORS 8% 12% 7% 7% Spouse 1% 0% 1% 1%Children 1% 3% 0% 0%Parents/other family members 1% 0% 1% 1%Friends/neighbors 6% 9% 5% 5%CITY/COUNTY/OFFICE OF AGING/SOCIAL SERVICES/OTHER AGENCY 23% 16% 24% 27%

Area Agency on Aging/Office of Aging 6% 7% 6% 7%Dept. of Social Services 3% 2% 7% 7%Health Department 1% 0% 0% 0%County executive 2% 3% 1% 2%County Council 4% 3% 2% 1%Other county offices 6% 2% 8% 11%Other private agency 1% 0% 0% 0%MEDICAL CENTER/HEALTH PROFESSIONAL 5% 7% 4% 5% Professional (e.g., doctor, nurse, social worker) 3% 4% 4% 5%Medical center 2% 3% 0% 0%CHURCH OR SYNAGOGUE 3% 0% 5% 4% SENIOR CENTER 6% 6% 4% 5% PHONE BOOK/OTHER MEDIA 26% 19% 28% 22% Newspaper/radio/TV 1% 2% 2% 1%Library 0% 0% 0% 0%Phone book 4% 0% 6% 3%Depends on service needed 0% 0% 0% 0%Wouldn’t contact anyone 0% 0% 0% 0%Computer/Internet 4% 4% 3% 2%City/town resources (general) 13% 10% 15% 11%Insurance company 0% 0% 0% 0%Hospital/clinic 3% 2% 1% 4%Senior citizen hotline 2% 2% 1% 2%


11. Where, or to whom, would you turn for information about services in your community like the services we just asked about? (Base is the number of respondents who said they have used at least one of the 13 services in Q8 -- Westchester County n=777; Greenburgh n=68; Yorktown n=100; New Rochelle n=100)

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

OTHER 20% 35% 19% 19% Chamber of Commerce 1% 0% 0% 1%City Hall 3% 0% 1% 8%Community center 1% 6% 1% 1%County website 1% 3% 0% 0%Internet 3% 2% 6% 4%Mayor's office 2% 1% 0% 1%Town government 2% 6% 0% 0%Town Hall 5% 13% 6% 2%Condo manager/owner 0% 0% 0% 0%Visiting nurses 0% 2% 1% 0%Other 3% 3% 4% 2%Not sure 8% 5% 10% 12% Refused 0% 0% 0% 0%

12. Now, I’m going to read you a list of problems that occur in some communities. After I mention each problem tell me how big you think the problem is in your community. Would you say ... (ROTATE ITEMS) is a big problem, a small problem or not a problem in your community?

a. Heavy traffic Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Big problem 29% 33% 44% 24% Small problem 29% 26% 32% 34% Not a problem 42% 42% 24% 40% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 2%

b. Crime Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


c. Being too far away from parks and recreation Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Big problem 4% 4% 4% 4% Small problem 16% 12% 17% 18% Not a problem 79% 82% 77% 77% Not sure 1% 2% 2% 0% Refused 0% 0% 0% 0%

d. Noise Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle



e. Street and sidewalks that need repair or don’t exist Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


f. Streets are too dark Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


g. Rundown or abandoned buildings, houses or apartments Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


h. Poor public services such as schools, garbage or snow removal

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


i. Public transportation that is too far away, too limited, or not available

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


j. No or not enough senior services Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


k. Too few traffic lights Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle



l. Traffic lights that are timed too fast Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


m. Shopping, banks, or other needed services being too far away

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


n. Not enough arts or cultural activities Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


o. Not enough affordable housing Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


p. No or not enough medical services Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


q. People don’t get involved in efforts to improve the community

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle



13. If you were the leader of your community, what changes would you want to make to improve conditions for older persons living here?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

TRANSPORTATION (NET) 11% 8% 16% 13% Better/improved/expanded (public) transportation 8% 8% 11% 8%Need public transportation system 0% 0% 0% 0%More accessible/readily available (public) transportation 3% 0% 3% 4%Free/low cost transportation/more affordable 1% 0% 1% 1%Other transportation 1% 0% 1% 2%PRESCRIPTIONS (NET) 0% 0% 0% 0% Free prescriptions for seniors 0% 0% 0% 0% Affordability of Rx for seniors 0% 0% 0% 0% HEALTH CARE (NET) 6% 7% 3% 5% More/better quality healthcare services 1% 1% 1% 0%Free/affordable healthcare services 2% 3% 1% 2%Make medical care more accessible/available 0% 0% 0% 0%Improve/more home assistance/home healthcare 2% 3% 1% 4%HOUSING (NET) 18% 12% 16% 10% Assisted living facilities 1% 0% 0% 0%More varied types of housing 0% 0% 0% 0%More/better senior housing 2% 0% 3% 2%More housing for impaired/disabled 0% 0% 0% 0%More affordable housing 15% 10% 11% 10%Retirement homes/communities 0% 0% 1% 0%Other housing 0% 1% 1% 0%ACTIVITIES (NET) 8% 6% 14% 12% Social/recreational activities/opportunities 5% 6% 5% 8%Senior centers/more/larger/improved 3% 0% 8% 1%Recreation centers/facilities 1% 0% 1% 3%Other activities/recreation 0% 0% 1% 0%FOOD (NET) 1% 0% 2% 1% Make sure they have enough food 0% 0% 0% 0%Meals on wheels/food service programs 1% 0% 2% 1%FINANCIAL (NET) 17% 30% 23% 18% Lower prices/discounts (general) 0% 0% 0% 0%Reduce/freeze taxes (school, property, sales)/give discount 16% 29% 22% 12%More financial assistance/subsidies for seniors 1% 2% 1% 2%Lower the rent/rent control 0% 0% 0% 1%Utility bills 0% 0% 0% 1%Other financial 0% 0% 0% 1%SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (NET) 11% 8% 11% 10% Be in contact with/make phone calls/visits to elderly/check up on them

3% 1% 0% 3%

Help them get around/take them places/provide personal transportation

3% 3% 2% 2%

Listen to the seniors more/find out what they say they need 1% 1% 2% 1%Program/volunteers for home maintenance/repair 2% 0% 2% 2%Provide senior daycare 0% 0% 0% 0%Provide service/good service (general) 2% 0% 3% 2%Provide more help in the home/do homemaking chores for them 1% 0% 1% 0%Improve/maintain quality of social services/programs for seniors 0% 1% 1% 1%Other outreach 1% 1% 0% 0%


13. Con't. If you were the leader of your community, what changes would you want to make to improve conditions for older persons living here?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

SAFETY (NET) 11% 9% 16% 10% More policemen/police patrol/better response 1% 1% 0% 3%More/improve elderly/handicap access to facilities 1% 1% 1% 1%Repair/improve streets 1% 0% 0% 0%Lower crime in neighborhood 0% 2% 0% 1%Install more street lights/make improvements 1% 3% 3% 0%Build/repair sidewalks/make wheelchair accessible 5% 5% 11% 2%Control traffic/speeding 1% 0% 4% 3%General security measures 1% 0% 0% 1%More/better city/public services 0% 0% 0% 0%Other safety 1% 0% 0% 1%COMMUNITY (NET) 3% 2% 3% 3% More accessible/closer resources/activities/shopping 2% 0% 1% 3%Change/improve political leadership 0% 0% 1% 0%Other community 1% 2% 1% 0%OTHER 7% 6% 3% 8% Advertise/communicate services/resources available to seniors 3% 3% 1% 4%More involvement by seniors 0% 0% 0% 0%Bring older and younger people together 1% 2% 0% 2%Snow removal 1% 1% 1% 1%Put a hospital in area 1% 0% 0% 0%Parking 1% 0% 0% 1%Other 0% 0% 1% 0%NOTHING/HAVE NO PROBLEMS/NO NEED FOR CHANGES 12% 15% 10% 11% Not sure 21% 18% 15% 26%

14. Now I would like to ask you some questions about where you currently live. Which of the following arrangements best describes where you currently live? Do you live in…?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

A one family house 66% 86% 78% 57% Two family house 5% 2% 1% 9% Townhouse or rowhouse 4% 7% 2% 1% Apartment or condominium 21% 4% 17% 22% Senior housing or assisted living facility 2% 2% 2% 1% Multi-family house 1% 0% 0% 3% Co-op 1% 0% 0% 4% Something else 0% 0% 0% 1% Refused 1% 0% 1% 1%

15. Do you own or rent your home? Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Own 87% 99% 92% 80% Rent 12% 2% 6% 19% Live with adult child or others 0% 0% 1% 0% Convent/parsonage 0% 0% 0% 0% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 0% Refused 1% 0% 1% 1%


16. How important is it to you to stay in your current residence for as long as possible? Is it …?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


17. Does your current residence need any major repairs, modifications, or changes to enable you to stay there as you age?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


18. If answered yes to Q17, Would one of the modifications be …? (ROTATE ITEMS) Westchester County n=154; Greenburgh n=21; Yorktown n=26; New Rochelle n=17) CAUTION: SMALL BASES

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

a. Better cooling in the summer 28% 23% 19% 32% b. Better heating in the winter 25% 37% 8% 38% c. Accommodations for easier access into or within your home such as a ramp, chairlift, wheelchair, or elevator

48% 51% 57% 37%

d. Bathroom modifications such as grab bars, handrails, high toilet, or non-slip tile

60% 51% 55% 54%

e. Fixing problems with insects or rodents or bugs 11% 15% 15% 21% f. Better lighting 20% 23% 27% 32% g. Structural changes or major repairs such as a new roof or new plumbing

47% 45% 25% 63%

h. Cosmetic or minor repairs such as painting or floor refinishing 56% 48% 57% 57% i. Installing a medical emergency response system that notifies others in case of an emergency

46% 48% 60% 56%

j. Something else (SPECIFY) 20% 18% 20% 21%

19. Ask if answered yes to modifications in Q18. Do you plan on making (Insert each yes modification/repair)? CAUTION: SMALL BASES

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

a. Better cooling in the summer (Westchester County n=44; Greenburgh n=5; Yorktown n=5; New Rochelle n=5) 44% 66% 44% 48%

b. Better heating in the winter (Westchester County n=38; Greenburgh n=8; Yorktown n=2; New Rochelle n=6) 48% 51% 0% 56%

c. Accommodations for easier access into or within your home such as a ramp, chairlift, wheelchair, or elevator (Westchester County n=75; Greenburgh n=11; Yorktown n=15; New Rochelle n=6)

28% 18% 22% 29%

d. Bathroom modifications such as grab bars, handrails, high toilet, or non-slip tile (Westchester County n=93; Greenburgh n=11; Yorktown n=14; New Rochelle n=9)

37% 39% 42% 20%

e. Fixing problems with insects or rodents or bugs (Westchester County n=17; Greenburgh n=3; Yorktown n=4; New Rochelle n=4)

81% 100% 52% 72%

f. Better lighting (Westchester County n=30; Greenburgh n=5; Yorktown n=7; New Rochelle n=5) 45% 43% 30% 29%


19. Ask if answered yes to modifications in Q18. Do you plan on making (Insert each yes modification/repair)? CAUTION: SMALL BASES

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

g. Structural changes or major repairs such as a new roof or new plumbing (Westchester County n=72; Greenburgh n=9; Yorktown n=6; New Rochelle n=11)

50% 81% 14% 26%

h. Cosmetic or minor repairs such as painting or floor refinishing (Westchester County n=86; Greenburgh n=10; Yorktown n=15; New Rochelle n=10)

43% 44% 27% 40%

i. Installing a medical emergency response system that notifies others in case of an emergency (Westchester County n=71; Greenburgh n=10; Yorktown n=16; New Rochelle n=9)

26% 30% 35% 50%

j. Something else (Westchester County n=31; Greenburgh n=4; Yorktown n=5; New Rochelle n=4) 56% 54% 41% 50%

20. Ask if answered no to Q19, "are not making the modification." What is the major reason for not planning to make … (Insert each no to specific modification/repair)? a. Better cooling in the summer (Westchester County n=20; Greenburgh n=2; Yorktown n=3; New Rochelle n=2) CAUTION: SMALL BASES

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Can't afford it 49% 50% 64% 44% Not sure will still be residence 11% 0% 0% 0% Do not own residence or need landlord approval 5% 0% 0% 0% No real need 23% 50% 36% 57% Moving/selling house 6% 0% 0% 0% Refused 6% 0% 0% 0%

b. Better heating in the winter (Westchester County n=19; Greenburgh n=3; Yorktown n=2; New Rochelle n=3) CAUTION: SMALL BASES

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Can't afford it 63% 0% 54% 36% Not sure will still be residence 6% 0% 0% 0% No real need 31% 100% 47% 64%

c. Accommodations for easier access into or within your home such as a ramp, chairlift, wheelchair, or elevator (Westchester County n=51; Greenburgh n=8; Yorktown n=11; New Rochelle n=4) CAUTION: SMALL BASES

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Can't afford it 28% 27% 0% 30% Can't find information 1% 0% 9% 0% Unable to do it yourself 1% 0% 11% 0% Not sure will still be residence 12% 0% 16% 35% Do not own residence or need landlord approval 7% 0% 11% 17% No real need 36% 73% 53% 0% Not old enough yet/low end of the age group 5% 0% 0% 17% Moving/selling house 5% 0% 0% 0% Not sure 2% 0% 0% 0% Refused 4% 0% 0% 0%


d. Bathroom modifications such as grab bars, handrails, high toilet, or non-slip tile (Westchester County n=55; Greenburgh n=5; Yorktown n=7; New Rochelle n=7) CAUTION: SMALL BASES

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Can't afford it 29% 0% 13% 43% Can't find information 2% 0% 0% 0% Not sure will still be residence 15% 22% 0% 22% Do not own residence or need landlord approval 3% 0% 0% 11% No real need 31% 79% 43% 14% Not old enough yet/low end of the age group 4% 0% 15% 0% Other 5% 0% 0% 0% Not sure 3% 0% 16% 0% Refused 8% 0% 13% 11%

e. Fixing problems with insects or rodents or bugs (Westchester County n=3; Greenburgh n=0; Yorktown n=2; New Rochelle n=0) CAUTION: SMALL BASES

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Can't afford it 49% 0% 47% 0% Other 51% 0% 53% 0%

f. Better lighting (Westchester County n=15; Greenburgh n=3; Yorktown n=4; New Rochelle n=2) CAUTION: SMALL BASES

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Can't afford it 23% 0% 0% 0% Don’t trust anyone to do it 9% 0% 24% 0% Do not own residence or need landlord approval 16% 0% 24% 44% No real need 35% 65% 24% 57% Moving/selling house 2% 0% 28% 0% Not sure 8% 35% 0% 0% Refused 7% 0% 0% 0%

g. Structural changes or major repairs such as a new roof or new plumbing (Westchester County n=35; Greenburgh n=2; Yorktown n=5; New Rochelle n=6) CAUTION: SMALL BASES

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Can't afford it 41% 100% 19% 70% Not sure will still be residence 13% 0% 0% 0% Do not own residence or need landlord approval 15% 0% 0% 30% No real need 16% 0% 62% 0% Not sure 5% 0% 0% 0% Refused 10% 0% 19% 0%

h. Cosmetic or minor repairs such as painting or floor refinishing (Westchester County n=46; Greenburgh n=6; Yorktown n=10; New Rochelle n=4) CAUTION: SMALL BASES

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Can't afford it 25% 14% 51% 60% Unable to do it yourself 3% 0% 0% 0% Can't find contractor/workers/others to do it 2% 0% 0% 0% Not sure will still be residence 5% 0% 0% 0% Do not own residence or need landlord approval 9% 0% 0% 0% No real need 40% 86% 19% 40% Moving/selling house 3% 0% 11% 0% Other 3% 0% 11% 0% Not sure 1% 0% 9% 0% Refused 8% 0% 0% 0%


i. Installing a medical emergency response system that notifies others in case of an emergency (Westchester County n=48; Greenburgh n=5; Yorktown n=8; New Rochelle n=5) CAUTION: SMALL BASES

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Can't afford it 25% 0% 0% 45% Not sure will still be residence 14% 0% 12% 17% Do not own residence or need landlord approval 11% 0% 0% 17% No real need 43% 100% 64% 0% Not old enough yet/low end of the age group 3% 0% 13% 0% Moving/selling house 3% 0% 0% 0% Refused 2% 0% 12% 22%

j. Something else (Westchester County n=12; Greenburgh n=2; Yorktown n=2; New Rochelle n=2) CAUTION: SMALL BASES

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Can't afford it 37% 100% 0% 0% Unable to do it yourself 10% 0% 0% 0% Not sure will still be residence 11% 0% 47% 0% Do not own residence or need landlord approval 18% 0% 0% 57% No real need 13% 0% 0% 44% Moving/selling house 3% 0% 54% 0% Not sure 10% 0% 0% 0%

21. Do you think you will need to move out of your current residence within the next two years?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


22. Why do you think you’ll need to move within the next two years? (Westchester County=73; Greenburgh n=6; Yorktown n=9; New Rochelle n=7) CAUTION: SMALL BASES

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Can’t manage my house/apartment 6% 0% 23% 0% Move to warmer climate 4% 0% 0% 0% Move to a safer location 2% 0% 0% 0% Dissatisfied with features of current home/location 2% 0% 0% 0% Would like to move to a place with more services 4% 0% 0% 0% My house/apartment is too big 11% 13% 0% 0% Rent/mortgage will cost too much 8% 0% 0% 0% Taxes will cost too much 37% 71% 31% 23% Maintenance costs will cost too much 6% 0% 0% 18% Utilities will cost too much 3% 0% 0% 0% Health related reasons 6% 0% 12% 0% Can’t find reliable help 5% 0% 0% 0% To be closer to relatives or friends 5% 0% 13% 13% Buying/building a new home 2% 0% 0% 0% Too small/need more space 1% 0% 0% 11% Too many stairs 9% 0% 0% 18% Retiring 5% 17% 0% 11% Costs too much/too expensive 5% 0% 11% 0% If spouse passes away 2% 0% 12% 0% Other 10% 0% 13% 11% Not sure 7% 0% 10% 0% Refused 4% 0% 0% 14%


23. Now I would like to ask you some questions about transportation in your community. How do you usually get around your neighborhood for things like shopping, visiting the doctor, running errands, or other things? Do you….?

a. Drive a car Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 90% 93% 93% 90% No 10% 7% 6% 10% Refused 0% 0% 1% 0%

b. Ride in a car Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


c. Take a taxi Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


d. Use public transportation Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 31% 33% 12% 32% No 69% 67% 87% 68% Refused 0% 0% 1% 0%

e. Use a special transportation service, like one for seniors or for persons with disabilities

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 4% 3% 2% 4% No 96% 97% 97% 96% Refused 0% 0% 1% 0%

f. Walk Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 55% 61% 37% 57% No 45% 39% 62% 43% Refused 0% 0% 1% 0%

g. Something else Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle



24. How often do you miss activities because you do not have transportation? Would you say …

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Always 2% 2% 3% 0% Sometimes 7% 6% 5% 11% Rarely 15% 24% 13% 15% Never 76% 69% 77% 74% Not sure 0% 0% 1% 0% Refused 0% 0% 1% 0%

25. Excluding taxi services, is public transportation service available in your community?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 73% 83% 58% 72% Yes, but too limited to be useful 15% 8% 21% 15% No 9% 7% 16% 10% Not sure 3% 3% 4% 3% Refused 0% 0% 1% 0%

26. Do you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to travel outside the home?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


27. Because of this condition, have you … (ROTATE ITEMS)? (Westchester County n=81; Greenburgh n=6; Yorktown n=15; New Rochelle n=13) CAUTION: SMALL BASES

a. Reduced your day-to-day travel Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


b. Asked others for rides Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 70% 82% 34% 90% No 30% 19% 66% 10%

c. Limited your driving to daytime Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


d. Given up driving altogether Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 32% 30% 29% 51% No 68% 70% 71% 49%


e. Used public transportation less often Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 31% 51% 14% 18% No 66% 49% 79% 82% Not sure 3% 0% 8% 0%

f. Used special transportation services, such as those for seniors or for persons with disabilities

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Yes 13% 16% 8% 36% No 87% 84% 92% 64%

g. Made other changes to your travel patterns Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


28. Are you able to get transportation to the places you need to go?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


29. What kinds of difficulties do you have in getting the transportation that you need? (Westchester County n=23; Greenburgh n=1; Yorktown n=5; New Rochelle n=2) CAUTION: SMALL BASES

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Don’t have a car 12% 0% 0% 0% Public transportation not available in this community or extremely limited

12% 100% 21% 0%

Taxi service not available in this community or extremely limited 3% 0% 0% 50% Costs too much 5% 0% 0% 0% There’s no one I can depend on 17% 0% 0% 0% Bus schedules are a problem 7% 0% 0% 0% Bus stops are too far away 7% 0% 39% 0% Physical or other impairment makes transportation hard to use 2% 0% 21% 0% Transportation does not accommodate walking assisting devices: walkers, cane, wheelchair

2% 0% 21% 0%

Don’t want to ask others for help 3% 0% 0% 50% Distance to public transportation too far 11% 0% 0% 0% No sidewalks/walkway to public transportation 2% 0% 21% 0% Not sure 35% 0% 19% 50%

30. How likely is it that you or a family member may need long-term care services in the next five years? Would you say you or a family member are….

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Extremely likely 5% 5% 8% 12% Very likely 7% 5% 10% 10% Somewhat likely 20% 15% 11% 16% Not very likely 30% 22% 25% 27% Not at all likely 27% 37% 32% 23% Not sure 10% 17% 14% 12% Refused 0% 0% 1% 1%


31. Gender Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Male 43% 42% 44% 43% Female 57% 58% 56% 57%

32. What is your age as of your last birthday? [IN YEARS] Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

50-59 31% 32% 37% 38% 60-74 44% 41% 43% 34% 75+ 22% 19% 18% 26% Refused 3% 8% 2% 2%

33. What is your current marital status? Are you….? Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Married 62% 62% 80% 61% Not married, living with your partner or significant other 2% 3% 0% 4% Separated 1% 0% 1% 3% Divorced 8% 10% 6% 7% Widowed 19% 19% 10% 14% Currently single and never married 6% 7% 3% 9% Refused 2% 0% 1% 1%

34. [IF 33 = 1 ASK: “Are you or your spouse currently a member of A-A-R-P?” IF 33 = 2 ASK: “Are you or your partner currently a member of AARP?” OTHERWISE ASK “Are you currently a member of AARP?”]

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


35. What is the highest level of education that you completed? Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

0 to 12th grade, but with no diploma 3% 7% 2% 5% High school graduate or equivalent 18% 9% 23% 21% Post high school education, but with no degree 12% 11% 18% 14% 2 year degree 10% 11% 6% 8% 4 year degree 23% 25% 23% 27% Post graduate study, but with no degree 6% 6% 7% 8% Graduate or professional degree 27% 31% 21% 17% Refused 1% 0% 1% 1%

36. Which of the following best describes your current employment status?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Self-employed full-time 8% 6% 3% 5% Self-employed part-time 4% 3% 2% 3% Employed full-time 26% 27% 35% 26% Employed part-time 9% 9% 10% 8% Retired and not working at all 45% 54% 45% 51% Unemployed and looking for work 2% 0% 0% 2% Not in the labor force for other reasons 5% 2% 4% 4% Refused 1% 1% 1% 1%


37. Are you of Hispanic, Spanish, or Latino origin or descent? Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle


38. What is your race? Westchester

County Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

White or Caucasian 84% 67% 89% 81% Black or African American 9% 17% 2% 11% Native American or Alaskan Native 0% 0% 1% 0% Asian 1% 5% 2% 1% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 0% 2% 0% 0% Hispanic 1% 3% 0% 3% Mixed 1% 1% 1% 1% Refused 4% 5% 5% 3%

39. Thinking about elections for Westchester County Executives and Legislators in the last ten years, which of the following best describes your voting behavior? Would you say you vote always, most of the time, about half of the time, seldom, or would you say you never vote?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Always 65% 64% 67% 63% Most of the time 23% 26% 20% 21% About half of the time 4% 4% 7% 8% Seldom 4% 3% 3% 4% Never 4% 3% 3% 3% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 1% Refused 1% 0% 1% 1%

40. In general, how often do you go online to access the Internet or World Wide Web or to send and receive email? Would you say several times a day, about once a day, 3-5 days a week, 1-2 days a week, once every few weeks, less often than every few weeks, or do you never go online to use the Internet or check email?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Several times a day 40% 41% 36% 32% About once a day 15% 12% 18% 13% 3-5 days a week 8% 7% 6% 7% 1-2 days a week 5% 6% 6% 8% Once every few weeks 2% 6% 2% 2% Once a month or less 2% 3% 3% 2% Or do you never go online to use the Internet or World Wide Web? 28% 26% 30% 34% Not sure 0% 0% 0% 0% Refused 1% 0% 1% 2%


41. We realize income is a private matter and so rather than ask you anything specific about your income, I’d like to ask you to please stop me when I get to the category that your includes your household’s income before taxes in 2006. Was it….?

Westchester County

Green-burgh

York-town

New Rochelle

Less than $10,000 2% 2% 1% 3% $10,000 to less than $20,000 4% 3% 4% 5% $20,000 to less than $35,000 6% 4% 7% 9% $35,000 to less than $50,000 8% 5% 8% 10% $50,000 to less than $60,000 8% 6% 7% 4% $60,000 to less than $75,000 7% 7% 6% 7% $75,000 to less than $100,000 11% 15% 11% 8% $100,000 or more 30% 33% 34% 28% Not sure 5% 8% 4% 6% Refused 21% 18% 18% 20%

AARP Knowledge Management

For more information, please contact Terri Guengerich at: 202.434.6306 or e-mail [email protected]

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