Aging Well in Communities: Conducting Aging Well Resident Surveys

A resident survey encourages boomers to think about what their lives will be like in the years ahead. It provides detailed quantitative information about what they need and want from the community. This information can, in turn, serve as a key guidepost for future policy and planning efforts.

A survey helps local governments:

Determine their “aging readiness” at a time when increasing numbers of boomers are expected to remain in their communities as they grow older
Understand residents’ expectations about the role local government should play in providing “age-friendly” or “livable” community services and policies
Identify areas where administrators may need to allocate resources or focus planning efforts
Inform the general planning process and updates to elements of the general plan
Educate residents about planning ahead and aging in the community
Foster greater civic engagement and community involvement among older residents
Move the aging well planning process forward with key community input
Create a collaborative process rather than an effort owned and directed by local government

This guide to resident surveys presents the information you need to:

Understand how surveys fit into your overall aging well initiative
Consider potential survey topics and decide on those most appropriate for your community
Develop effective survey questions
Decide which survey format—web-based form, paper, face-to-face, or telephone—can best help you meet your survey goals
Plan for and conduct your survey
Evaluate the information that comes out of your survey

Download Conducting Aging Well Resident Surveys (PDF)

Questions? Please contact us at (916) 646-8680 or ccp@civicpartnerships.org.