A Quiet Revolution Is Underway—Are You Ready?
Across the country, communities are aging. Every day, 10,000 Americans turn 65. By 2030, one in five U.S. residents will be over the age of 65—and many want to stay in the communities they’ve called home for decades.
But the reality is sobering: Too many communities are unprepared for what this demographic shift means.
Local leaders often make decisions without truly understanding what older residents are experiencing. Are they able to access health care? Can they safely get around town? Do they feel valued, engaged, or isolated? These are the questions that shape the quality of life for older adults—and yet they’re rarely asked.
That’s where the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA) by Polco comes in. It’s the gold standard for learning what your aging population actually needs, directly from the source.
What You Don’t Know About Older Adults Can Hurt Your Community
Older adults often suffer in silence. They vote, they volunteer, they quietly make communities stronger—but they don’t always speak up about unmet needs. And without clear data, assumptions take over.
The CASOA cuts through that silence. It uncovers how older adults truly experience life in your community—so you can act with insight, not guesswork.
What if you knew:
- How many older residents struggle to find safe, affordable housing?
- If transportation options are keeping seniors isolated—or connected?
- Whether older adults feel respected and valued in civic life?
- What percentage report experiencing food insecurity or health access issues?
- How many are involved in volunteering, employment, or lifelong learning?
The CASOA helps you measure exactly that—and benchmarks your results against communities across the country.
Six Dimensions That Matter Most to Aging Residents
The CASOA doesn’t just ask a few surface-level questions. It’s a comprehensive assessment built around key dimensions of successful aging:
- Community Design
- Can older adults safely navigate the built environment? Are homes, neighborhoods, and public spaces age-friendly?
- Productive Activities
- Are there opportunities for volunteering, learning, or part-time work that keep seniors connected and purposeful?
- Health and Wellness
- Do residents report good physical and mental health? Can they access services and support systems?
- Community Engagement
- Do older adults feel a sense of belonging? Are they involved in decision-making or civic life?
- Information and Assistance
- Are they aware of, and able to access, the services that support aging in place?
- Safety and Security
- Do older residents feel safe in their homes, neighborhoods, and public spaces?
These categories paint a full picture of what it means to live and age well in your community—and where the gaps lie.
Data That Drives Smart Aging Policy
Whether you're a city planner, public health official, parks director, or nonprofit leader, understanding the needs of your older residents is no longer optional. It’s foundational to resilient planning.
With CASOA data, communities can:
- Inform master plans and age-friendly initiatives
- Prioritize investments in housing, mobility, and recreation
- Identify at-risk seniors and service gaps
- Support grant applications and funding justification
- Design policies that allow people to age in place with dignity
Because when older adults thrive, the entire community benefits—from increased volunteerism and intergenerational connection to reduced healthcare costs and stronger neighborhoods.
The Future of Your Community Is Aging. Are You Listening?
Your community’s future isn’t just in its youth—it’s in its longevity.
The needs, hopes, and challenges of older adults aren’t speculative. They’re measurable. They’re real. And with CASOA, they’re within reach. The data is there. The voice is waiting. All you have to do is ask.
Learn how the CASOA survey can help you build an age-friendly, future-ready community >>
