SLCNA Report February 2020 - Report - Page 23
10. Do you feel your town(ship) is an age-friendly
community?
Yes
No
No answer/Don’t know
Group A
53.8%
30.7%
15.3%
Group B
75%
18.7%
6.2%
Groups A & B
Combined
64.4%
24.7%
10.8%
The individual group breakdown shows that 30.7% of the group in Mechanicsburg feels their town(ship)
is not age-friendly. This is unfortunate, but offers inspiration and opportunity to make some positive
changes, especially since these participants are in closer proximity to Messiah Lifeways.
11. Are you limited in any way with daily
activities because of physical, mental, or
emotional problems?
Yes
No
Group A
46.1%
53.8%
Group B
6.2%
93.7%
Groups A & B
Combined
26.2%
73.8%
Both groups were shown to demonstrate that despite the age make up of both groups being relatively
similar (refer to question #2), the number of respondents who replied they are limited with daily activities
in Group A in Mechanicsburg was significantly higher.
12. Do you currently have any health problems
that require you to use special equipment, such
as a cane, walker, wheelchair, a special bed, or a
special telephone?
Yes
No
Group A
46.1%
53.8%
Group B
12.5%
87.5%
Groups A & B
Combined
29.3%
70.6%
Much like question #11, the number of respondents who replied affirmatively in Group A Mechanicsburg
was much higher than the group from Harrisburg.
13. Do you have difficulty identifying, determining
eligibility, and accessing local services and benefits for
older adults?
Strongly agree
Agree
Neither agree or disagree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Groups A & B Combined
3.8%
17%
48.7%
15.6%
14.6%
Approximately 21% of the combined answers stated affirmatively they had difficulty identifying,
determining eligibility, and accessing local services and benefits. This number feels low. In contrast,
the Stakeholder groups regularly cited the need for better outreach, education, and communication
to empower consumers (see section VII #5). It’s also possible that the 79%, who neither agreed nor
disagreed, disagreed, or strongly disagreed, haven’t yet experienced these difficulties, but will as they age
and possibly need more care and services. Lack of awareness “not knowing, what you don’t know,” may
also play a factor in these responses. Additionally, the need for more affordable dental care, vaccinations,
and hearing aids were mentioned as a way to improve the health and well-being of older adults in south
central Pennsylvania.
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