1. Getting to know you and your personal situation.
2. Rating your community on it's age friendliness.
3. Identifying your communities needs.

Please note that your responses will remain anonymous and confidential.
Section 1 - Demographic Questions
In this next section we would like to ask you a few questions to better understand your personal situation. All responses in this survey are anonymous and confidential.

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1. Which of the following categories includes your age?

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2. Which gender do you identify as?

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3. Which of the following describes your position within your community? Please select all that apply.

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4. Do you feel you have a safe place to express your needs and concerns about the residents of your community?

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5. To what extent, if at all, were you familiar with the Age Friendly Community initiative?

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6. Were you aware that your Mayor and Council submitted and passed a resolution to become an Age-Friendly Community?

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7. Which of the following best describes your current living situation?

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8. Do you live alone?

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9. Which of the following best describes your annual household income?

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10. What is your current employment status?

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11. How would you rate your community's ability to support your needs as you age?

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12. Are you currently or have you or anyone you know recently experienced homelessness?

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13. In the past 5 years have you experienced food insecurity?

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14. How would you rate your physical health?

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15. How would you rate your mental health?

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16. Have you been diagnosed or treated for one or more chronic health conditions?

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17. Do you live with a disability?

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18. Which statement would best describe your level of weekly physical activity?

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19. Thinking about the future, are you more likely to...

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20. Some people find they need or want to move out of their community as they get older. Which of the following reasons would make you move out of your current community? Please select all that apply.

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21. Which of the following best describes where you currently live?

Section 2 - Rating your community in the eight areas of an Age Friendly Community
Communities of all sizes—cities, towns, and villages—try to meet the needs of the people who live there, including older adults. They know that when a community is designed to support healthy aging, it helps both older people and the whole community. Places that are “age-friendly” make it easier for older adults to live safely, stay healthy, and stay involved in community life.

In the first question we will ask you to rate your community from a scale of 1-10 in eight areas which we provide a brief description for.

The second question we will ask you to rate how important each is to the older adults of Belledune.

Please note that your responses will remain anonymous and confidential.

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22. Using a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is very poor and 10 is excellent, how would you rate your community with respect to the following eight areas?

1 - Very Poor 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 - Excellent
Transportation
Transportation in a community should be easy to use, safe, and affordable for everyone. There should be different ways for people to get around, especially for older adults who may not be able to drive. Good transportation helps them stay involved in social, cultural, volunteer, and recreational activities. It also allows them to do everyday tasks like shopping, going to appointments, and getting to work.
Housing
Housing in a community should be affordable, easy to access, safe, and well designed for people of all ages. There should be different types of housing available so people can choose what fits their needs. Good housing is also connected to social services and the community, making it easier for residents—especially older adults—to get support and stay involved.
Outdoor Spaces and Buildings
Outdoor areas and public buildings in a community should be safe, easy to access, and welcoming for everyone. They need to be well lit so people can see clearly, and walkways and pavements must be smooth and well maintained. There should be safe places to cross the street, as well as enough rest areas and public washrooms. All these features help people—including older adults—move around comfortably and safely.
Social Participation
Being involved in social activities is a basic human need, especially for older adults. Having the chance to take part in family, community, cultural, economic, and even political life helps people stay connected, find purpose, and feel like they belong. Communities should offer many types of activities that are easy to access, well advertised, and affordable. These activities should encourage people of all ages to participate and interact with each other, helping build strong relationships between generations.
Respect and Social Inclusion
Older adults should be valued and respected because they have a lot of knowledge and experience. They have contributed so much to the community, and people should appreciate their hard work. Older adults should feel included in important social, political, and economic decisions. Communities should also create opportunities for different generations to interact, so everyone can learn from one another and feel connected.
Civic Participation and Employment
Older adults should have chances to use their skills, knowledge, and time to help their community. They should be able to volunteer or take part in community projects if they want to. There should also be job opportunities for older adults who wish to keep working. All these options encourage them to stay active, involved, and connected to society.
Communication and Information
Communities should share information in ways that are easy for older adults to understand and access. People need clear, timely, and practical information so they can stay connected to news, events, services, and activities. When information is shared in an age-friendly way—such as through simple language, readable print, or accessible websites—it helps older adults stay informed and involved in community life.
Community Support and Health Services
There should be a wide range of accessible and affordable health services. Recognizing that access to quality health care is critical to ensure that older adults remain healthy and independent.

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23. Using a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is least important and 10 is most important, how would you rate the importance of addressing the following in your community?

  1 - Least Important 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 - Most Important
Transportation
Housing
Outdoor Spaces and Buildings
Social Participation
Respect and Social Inclusion
Civic Participation and Employment
Communication and Information
Community Support and Health Services
Section 3 - Outdoor spaces and Buildings
The places we build—like parks, sidewalks, and public buildings—have a big impact on the health and safety of older adults. When outdoor spaces and public buildings are accessible and easy to use, older people can take part in community life and do their daily activities more easily. Examples include clean green spaces, well-kept parks, rest areas to sit, safe public areas, and streets or walkways that are easy and safe for people to walk on. These features help older adults stay active, social, and independent.

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24. Have any of the following concerns kept you from using public buildings in your community?
Please select all that apply.

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25. Overall, do you think there are enough accessible public washrooms in your community?

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26. Are there safe pathways for bicyclists and pedestrians in your community?

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27. Do you feel safe in outdoor spaces within your community?

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28. Do you have access to a variety of outdoor spaces and activities in your community to maximize your opportunity for healthy, active living and connections to nature? For example, parks, trails, waterways and community gardens.

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29. Do you think these spaces are accessible for wheeled walkers, wheelchairs, and any type of mobility enhancing device?

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30. Do you think there are enough police patrols in your community?

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31. Do First Responders respond quickly to calls in your community?

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32. Do you feel that you live in a community that is safe from crime?

Transportation
Getting around safely, affordably, and easily can be difficult, especially for older adults. Age-friendly communities work to improve transportation so that older adults can take part in social, cultural, volunteer, and recreational activities. Good transportation also helps them do everyday tasks like shopping, going to appointments, and getting to work. This makes life easier and helps older adults stay active and connected.

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33. Is there any form of public transportation in your neighborhood?

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34. Do you own your own vehicle?

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35. If you had a form of accessible transportation in your community, would you use it?

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36. Would accessible transportation help you stay in your community longer?

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37. Please select the option that best describes how you usually get around your community for activities (e.g., shopping, errands, medical appointments, socializing).

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38. If you are unable to drive yourself, do you have another option?

Housing
Older adults need homes where they feel safe and comfortable. It’s important that housing is available, affordable, and offers choices. Communities should provide different types of housing, including independent living and assisted living options. Age-friendly community programs help create safe and affordable housing projects so older adults can live well and stay part of the community.

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39. Do you think there is enough affordable housing in your area that is appropriately located, well built, well designed and secure?

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40. When you retire, do you expect to have enough income to maintain your current housing situation?

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41. Do you think there are enough assisted living options within your community for which waiting times are reasonably short?

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42. Do you think there is enough support to help you with maintenance and repairs at your current dwelling?

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43. Are you aware of any rent subsidies (A rent subsidy is money that helps people pay for their housing) or housing loan programs for older adults in your area?

Social Participation
Social Isolation and Loneliness - Feeling alone or isolated can be a problem for many people, especially older adults. But it can also be a chance to think about new ways to connect with others. Age-friendly communities try to help people build stronger relationships, live healthier lives, and create communities that support everyone. By encouraging social activities and connections, these communities help reduce loneliness and make life better for everyone.

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44. How often, if at all, do you engage in social activities (e.g., meet with friends/neighbors, take part in spiritual or cultural activities, volunteer, talk to family or friends via phone or online)?

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45. Do you think there are adequate opportunities to take part in recreational activities for all ages in your community?

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46. Do you personally feel you are affected by social isolation and loneliness?

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47. Helping people feel connected and less lonely is something everyone can contribute to. Communities can create programs, events, or spaces where people—especially older adults—can meet, talk, and participate in activities. You can think about your own community: Are there enough opportunities for people to connect? Could more clubs, social events, volunteer programs, or accessible meeting spaces be created to help reduce loneliness?

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48. Do you feel a real sense of belonging in your community?

Respect and Social inclusion
An inclusive community encourages older adults to take part in social, civic, and economic life. This helps them stay active and engaged as they age. While many communities respect older people, there are still some negative ideas about aging that need to be changed. Interactions between younger and older generations can help fight these stereotypes. Older adults have a lot of knowledge and experience, and they are an important part of society. They deserve respect and should feel included in their communities as they grow older.

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49. Do you participate in any programs where young and older people work or socialize together? If not, could such programs be started to help everyone connect?

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50. Do people recognize and thank you for your contributions? Could your community do more to show appreciation for everyone’s efforts?

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51. Do people seem to notice and care about the needs of older adults? Are there programs, services, or activities that show older adults are valued and supported?

Civic participation and employment
Older adults are valuable members of a community because they continue to contribute even after retirement. Age-friendly communities make sure older adults have many opportunities to stay involved, whether through volunteering, paid work, or participating in political and community decisions. These opportunities help older adults stay active, feel useful, and remain connected to their community.

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52. As a member of your community, are you comfortable with voicing your questions or concerns to your local governing party?

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53. Do you feel that there are sufficient opportunities for older adults to volunteer in your community?

Communication and information
People, especially older adults, need clear information about the programs and services available in their community. This information should be easy to read, up-to-date, and simple to understand. Not all older adults use computers, so communities should not rely only on online information—they should also share information through printed materials, phone calls, or in-person communication. Providing information in different ways helps everyone stay informed and connected.

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54. Do you think your community is kept well informed by the governing body?

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55. If you need information regarding community policies or services by your local government, do you know who or where to contact?

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56. When informative materials are in print form, are they provided in larger print, plain language, and distributed to everyone in the community?

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57. Do you feel there is affordable, good quality internet service provided throughout your community?

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58. Do you own a computer or any type of device through which you can access the internet?

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59. Are you competent and comfortable when using a computer on the internet?

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60. Would you like to see more training opportunities on using devices like iPads, Computers, Cell phones and the internet?

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61. It is important for communities to have available resources to help older adults when filling in forms. Which of the following do you think best describes your community?

Community support and health services
Supporting Independent Living - Most older adults want to live in their own homes for as long as possible. Communities can help by providing services and support that older adults may need at home or nearby. Having access to healthcare, preventative programs, and other services can help older adults stay healthy and independent. It can also prevent or delay the need to go to a hospital or move into a long-term care facility. Communities that provide these supports make it easier for older adults to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

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62. Are you aware of crime prevention resources, courses and programs for older adults (including focus on fraud and elder abuse) in your community?

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63. Do you have access to a primary care physician?

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64. Older adults need access to programs that help prevent health problems, such as check-ups, vaccinations, exercise classes, or education about nutrition and chronic illnesses. These programs help them stay healthy, independent, and active in the community. Which of the following best describes the availability of prevention programs in your community?

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65. If you want to add any additional comments pertaining to this survey, please make them in the following space.

Thank you for participating in our Age-Friendly Community Survey!

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