Prioritizing Age-Friendly Domains for Transforming a Mid-Sized American City

Anthony A. Sterns, Harvey L. Sterns and Ann Walter
Additional contact information
Anthony A. Sterns: iRxReminder LLC, 1768 E. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
Harvey L. Sterns: Institute for Life-Span Development and Gerontology, Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
Ann Walter: Consortium of Eastern Ohio Master of Public Health Program, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 23, 1-30

Abstract: In May 2019, the city of Akron in the state of Ohio was admitted into AARP’s network of age friendly cities and communities. Akron has a long history of aging services initiative that date back to the 1970s. To provide direction for future aging initiatives, an assessment of Akron’s current state was conducted in early 2020. A survey designed to capture information on the eight Age-friendly domains was designed and mailed to 3000 randomized individuals in Akron’s ten political wards. A total of 656 individuals responded and returned the survey. Akron is rated good to excellent by older Akronites; people want to stay in their neighborhood and in their home. Most Akronites like and use their neighborhood parks, find their streets well-lit, and feel safe walking in their neighborhood. Most respondents rated transportation in Akron as good to very good, but they found sidewalks good to poor. There is a high level of access to social and educational activities and a substantial opportunity to include more people. About two-thirds of respondents participate in faith-based activities, volunteer, and participate in city-sponsored events. Loneliness is not or rarely a problem for three quarters of respondents. Around 56.5% of respondents indicated they disagree they are disconnected from the community. There is high level of access to the Internet and public WiFi in Akron and a substantial opportunity to include more people. Overall, Akron has benefitted from its historical efforts and has the opportunity to impact on more older adults as the older population grows.

Keywords: survey; questionnaire; age-friendly; age-friendly cities; older people; age-friendliness; use of technology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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