Resident Feedback: A Voice for Change
How do seniors perceive the impact of housing challenges on their lives and well-being?
Summary of Survey Findings: Housing Needs of Older Adults in Hartford
A recent survey conducted with 31 seniors at the South End Wellness Center reveals key insights into the housing challenges faced by older adults in Hartford. The findings highlight the diversity of the senior population in terms of age, gender, and ethnicity, and underscore the ongoing issues with housing affordability, accessibility, and suitability.
Demographics:
- The majority of respondents are between 75–84 years old (52%) and predominantly female (87.1%).
- Racially, 41.9% identified as Black or African American, while 35.5% identified as Hispanic or Latine/a/o.
- A significant portion of respondents (about a third) still live in Hartford, particularly in neighborhoods like South End, North End, and Frog Hollow, though many have moved to surrounding towns in search of affordable housing.
Housing and Living Conditions:
- Homeownership is common, with 32.3% of respondents owning their homes. However, a notable portion of the group lives in senior housing or rental situations.
- Many seniors express concerns that their housing does not fully meet their needs, particularly in terms of accessibility and maintenance, with nearly half stating that their housing could be improved.
- Affordability is a major concern, with 48.4% stating that their housing is somewhat affordable, though many still face difficulties in covering essential expenses.
Housing Challenges:
- More than 40% of participants reported that housing has become less affordable as they age, with many seniors experiencing financial strain. Approximately 39% of respondents have had to leave Hartford due to the lack of affordable senior housing options.
- Moving is difficult for many, with 60% of respondents citing the emotional and practical challenges of relocating, particularly the loss of connections to family, friends, and community resources.
Social Connections and Community Ties:
- Survey responses revealed that social connection is central to older adults’ sense of well-being. A large majority of participants (84%) said it was at least somewhat important to remain connected to their neighborhood, and many identified specific places that support these ties—especially community centers, religious institutions, and the homes of family and friends.
- If forced to move, over 60% of respondents said it would be difficult or very difficult to maintain their relationships and access services. These findings highlight how housing instability threatens more than just physical shelter—it disrupts essential social networks and trusted spaces that seniors rely on for daily life.
Future Housing Needs:
- When envisioning ideal senior housing, respondents emphasized affordability, accessibility, proximity to essential services (such as healthcare and public transportation), and opportunities for social engagement.
- The need for more senior housing was expressed, with several respondents suggesting areas like Parkville, Frog Hollow, Asylum Hill, and the South End as potential locations for new developments.
These findings underscore the critical need for affordable, accessible, and community-oriented senior housing in Hartford, reflecting both the diverse demographic makeup of the city and the challenges faced by older residents seeking to age in place. These findings also highlight how housing instability threatens more than just physical shelter—it disrupts essential social networks and trusted spaces that seniors rely on for daily life.