A research team at UMass Boston has delivered a 109-page report — Aging in Newton: A Community Needs Assessment — to assist the City’s strategic planning in preparation for the opening of the Cooper Center for Active Living, which is expected in the fall of 2025 as a replacement and enhancement of the former Newton Senior Center. The report presents an assessment of the needs and characteristics of Newton residents aged 60 and older. It will be discussed in the City Council’s Programs and Service Committee meeting on December 4.
This research was commissioned by the City’s Department of Older Adult Services with support from the Senior Citizen’s Fund of Newton, a 33-year-old nonprofit aimed at enhancing the well-being of Newton’s older residents. The research was designed to:
- Support decisions about programming, staffing, and facility use at the Cooper Center;
- Assist other City departments and organizations in understanding and meeting the needs of older residents;
- Examine age-relevant issues such as financial security, caregiving, housing, transportation, health, social inclusion, and cultural diversity; and
- Make specific recommendations to address these needs.
The research was based on:
- A mailed community survey that achieved a response rate of over 50% and thus represented the views of more than 10% of the target population;
- Key-informant interviews to gather expert opinions and context; and
- Focus groups (some conducted in Russian and Chinese) to explore residents’ experiences and opinions in more detail.
Some key findings from the research include:
- By 2030, 30% of Newton’s population will be age 60 or older.
- The top concern is financial security. Despite Newton’s affluence, 13% of households headed by someone aged 65 and older reported annual incomes below $25,000.
- The growth in space (from 8,000 sq. ft. for the former Senior Center to 33,000 sq. ft. for the Cooper Center) is expected to increase residents’ participation and requests for services. 38% reported that they did not need the services of the former Senior Center.
- Indoor fitness and performances and presentations are residents’ top programming priorities.
- 21% reported that their social life had deteriorated. “Solo agers” — who live alone with no partner and no family nearby — represent 12% of those over 50, according to the AARP. They seek transportation services and opportunities to socialize.
- 34% of those who drive with limitations and 37% of those who do not drive reported missing a medical appointment because of a lack of transportation.
- 22% of residents over 64 live alone, and 10% do not know anyone within 30 minutes travel to call on for help.
Some key recommendations from the research include:
- Extend the Cooper Center’s evening and weekend hours, and provide drop-in spaces to socialize.
- Develop online and in-home programs.
- Promote affordable housing options, including home-sharing.
- Support caregivers with caregiver boot camps and a hotline.
- Expand transportation services based on volunteers and nonprofits.
- Focus on cultural and linguistic diversity.
- Develop neighborhood-based programs to build informal support networks.
- Create “surrogate grandparent” initiatives for mentorship and socialization.
