More than 700 people from across the county responded to our survey, which wanted to find out how our communities wish to make Dorset more age-friendly.
The survey, which closed last week (30 January), asked about people’s experience of ageing in Dorset, using eight key areas that affect our quality of life, such as housing, transport, health services, employment and social participation.
Understandably, all of the responses were from people aged over 50, with the largest range of respondents from those in their 70s and 80s. The oldest person to fill in the form was 94.
Among the key issues to come out of the survey were:
* People were concerned about the lack of step-down properties, especially bungalows, in their quest to find smaller properties as they grow older.
* Residents said that having a car was important to enable them to be part of their community and that inability to drive caused them both mobility and social networking issues due to lack of transport.
* A number of respondents said they took part in volunteering, which was important to them, but were concerned about whether younger people were prepared to step up and levels of bureaucracy.
* Around a fifth of people responding said they did not want to have everything online, although many said they had the technical knowledge to cope with the internet.
* People wanted their footpaths and bridleways clear to enable them to safely exercise regularly.
Councillor Steve Robinson, Dorset Council’s Adult Social Care Portfolio lead, welcomed the scale of responses from across the county, saying feedback was essential to know what is working well and what we needed to focus on.
Cllr Robinson said: “An age-friendly community is a place that recognises and values the contribution that older people make and sees ageing as something that can be enjoyed, not endured. It supports older adults to stay active, take part in local activities, and continue to make a difference.
“By making our spaces and services accessible and welcoming, and by challenging stereotypes about age, the aim is to help ensure that everyone can feel included and valued as they grow older,” he added.
The survey followed the announcement in October that Dorset had become the 100th local authority to register as an age-friendly community with the Centre for Ageing Better.
The findings of the survey will be discussed by the Age-friendly Dorset reference and working groups, which include representatives from the council, NHS Dorset, Volunteer Centre Dorset, Age-UK, Help and Kindness and others.
A formal report will be published later this spring.
