Seniors optimistic about future

Most seniors (71 percent) reported that their community was responsive to their needs but interestingly enough, 49 percent indicated that their city or town was not doing enough to prepare for the wave of boomers approaching retirement. Public transportation, job opportunities, and the availability of low-income housing and affordable health care were all areas where respondents noted needed improvement.

A conspicuously optimistic group, seniors surveyed reported connectedness as a virtue they regard very highly. Over half of seniors surveyed reported that being close to friends and family is very important to them. Technology plays a crucial role in maintaining these relationships, as 84 percent of seniors cited technology as a very important tool that keeps them connected with the world around them. Obviously, low income seniors reported barriers to technology use while 48 percent of respondents reported they have trouble understanding technology.

Although seniors reported connectedness as an important component to their lives, there was a significant minority (15 percent), who report occasional feelings of isolation. These seniors express less optimism about their future health and their overall quality of life. Thirty-two percent of isolated seniors reported that they believe their health will get worse, compared to just 23 percent of all seniors.

Connectivity—and the negative outlook seniors who feel isolated have—has a direct correlation with their future and the ageing process. Eighty-six percent of senior respondents said they expect a high quality of life in the next five to ten years, while 60 percent expect their health to stay the same. The survey found African Americans and women were the most optimistic about ageing. Seniors who are focused on taking care of their health were also more optimistic about ageing.