SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Older Sioux Falls residents say the city is an attractive place to live, and a new AARP survey shows they want to stay in their homes as long as possible.
Erik Gaikowski says the survey shows the importance of community.
He says AARP members like to stay in place but they also want social realms. He says they like to be in places where they've got good, quality access to health care, reliable transportation, but also strong community support around them.
Sioux Falls residents gave low marks to the availability of affordable home-care services.
Gaikowski says there will be a challenge of making sure there are enough people to cover those services. He says it's vital to improve care-giving resources, really looking at ways to use some of the things that are already provided to seniors that are still in their homes, and better ways to coordinate that care.
Gaikowski says the survey results can be applied to other cities and communities in South Dakota
He says it's important for cities to understand what older residents want in their towns, whether it's health care, social participation, transportation or outdoor spaces.
The survey also placed a lot of emphasis on streets and roads including safer walking and biking options.
It also indicates that almost 90% of those over 50 plan to stay in their homes and communities as they age.