HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-01; Senior Commission; ; AGE-FRIENDLY CARLSBAD PHASE 2 OUTREACH AND MID-PROJECT UPDATEMeeting Date: April 1, 2021
To: Senior Commission
From: David Graham, Chief Innovation Officer
Staff Contact: Joseph Stewart, Management Analyst
Subject: Age-Friendly Carlsbad Phase 2 Outreach and Mid-Project Update
Recommended Action
This is an informational update regarding Age-Friendly Carlsbad
Executive Summary
Age-Friendly Carlsbad is a project through the American Association of Retired Persons’ Netwok
of Age-Friendly States and Communities. With support from the San Diego Foundation Age-
Friendly Communities Program, the goal of Age-Friendly Carlsbad is to develop the city's first
Age-Friendly Action Plan. The action plan will use community participation and feedback to
create goals for the implementation of policies and programs that enhance the quality of life in
the community for people of all ages and abilities.
City staff and Circulate San Diego initiated Phase 2 of community outreach on Oct. 27 after the
completion of the Phase 1 which consisted of collecting baseline survey data. Phase 2 of
outreach was meant to build upon results of the survey data collected in Phase 1, in order to
provide qualitative data to help gain more meaningful insight about the needs and
opportunities of Carlsbad’s older adult population.
Under normal circumstances, Phase 2 outreach would be held in the form of “Community
Conversations” which are in-person events such as Town Halls and other public forums.
However, the COVID-19 public health orders have prohibited gatherings, and staff pivoted to
new approaches that allowed community conversations to occur in the online space. To
increase participation, Phase 2 outreach was conducted through “Social Pinpoint” digital tools:
an Ideas Wall and a Mapping Tool hosted on the city’s Age-Friendly Carlsbad webpage.
To help promote the digital tools and accept real-time input, staff hosted two Age-Friendly
Carlsbad workshops via Zoom, one on Nov. 9, 2020 and another on Dec. 3, 2020. During these
webinar-style workshops, staff summarized the results of the survey data, received real-time
input from residents, and provided a tutorial on how to use the Ideas Wall and Mapping Tool on
Social Pinpoint. The community was notified about these opportunities via several City
Manager’s updates, e-newsletters to the city’s “Senior Issues” distribution list, and the Senior
Center’s “Seaside Insider” newsletter. AARP and the Senior Commission were also once again
partners in outreach similar to Phase 1 efforts. Key community stakeholders were contacted
6 of 32
SENIOR COMMISSION
Staff Report
ahead of each of the workshops to ensure that their contacts were informed about the Social
Pinpoint tools and upcoming engagement opportunities. The city also advertised the workshops
and Social Pinpoint on social media channels during Phase 2. Community members who wished
to provide written feedback in lieu of using the online tools were given the opportunity to do so
through a paper form distributed through the city’s Senior Center and Library Services and
mailed upon request. Staff recorded written feedback received from residents on the ideas wall
and mapping tool on behalf of these residents.
Input received via Phase 1 and Phase 2 community outreach to date is summarized in Exhibit A,
the draft Mid-Project Report. Comments centered in the following areas:
• Civic participation and employment;
• Communication and information;
• Housing;
• Outdoor spaces and buildings;
• Respect and social inclusion; and
• Transportation.
Prior to finalization of the Mid-Project Report, city staff and Circulate San Diego held a third
Age-Friendly Workshop on Mar. 25, 2021 to present findings to the community and so that they
may present additional input that they would like to see in the final version of the Mid-Project
Report. A finalized Mid-Project Report will be available for the Senior Commission’s review
prior to the April 1, 2021 meeting.
Next Steps
The data gathered as Phase 1 and Phase 2 will be used to determine which Domains of Livability
are the most relevant for the City of Carlsbad. Suggestions and concerns will be connected to
current efforts and resources, as well as efforts that are planned, but have not yet been
initiated.
A series of action planning sessions will be conducted in the Spring for residents, city staff, and
stakeholders to provide input on the development of the action plan. The sessions will be
diverse in time and content to maximize participation. City staff and community partners who
are responsible for and/or working on related efforts or activities will be available at the
meetings to provide information and opportunities.
A draft action plan will be developed following the action planning sessions and will be
circulated for review and input, including public comment. The final action plan will be
presented to the City Council for approval and adoption in late Summer or early Fall of 2021.
Exhibits
A. DRAFT Mid-Project Report
B. Age Friendly Carlsbad Survey Results
7 of 32
Age-Friendly Community Survey of Carlsbad CA
93.66%
0.63% 5.71%
Do you reside within the city limits of Carlsbad, California?No
Yes
Not sure 3.96%14.58%
27.73%
26.31%
16.32%
11.09%
How long have you lived in your community?Less than 5 years
5 years but less than 15 years
15 years but less than 25 years
25 years but less than 35 years
35 years but less than 45 years
45 years or more
1.27%
18.67%
30.54%26.74%
13.77%
9.02%
How long have you lived in your current residence?Less than 5 years
5 years but less than 15 years
15 years but less than 25 years
25 years but less than 35 years
35 years but less than 45 years
45 years or more
2.22%9.67%
25.20%
26.78%
36.13%
How would you rate your current community as a place for
people to live as they age?
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
Very good
29.19%
13.24%
57.58%
Thinking about your future years, are you more likely to move to a different community, move to a different
residence within your current community or stay in your current residence and never move?
Move to a different community
Move into a different residence within your current community
Stay in your current residence and never move
23.26%
27.30%
45.72%
3.72%
Wanting a smaller size home
2.34%
89.97%
2.51%
Wanting a larger size home
33.17%
32.03%
33.01%
1.79%
The cost of maintaining your current residence
60.45%17.20%
20.26%2.09%
Wanting a home that will help you live independently
as you age, for example a home without stairs
Major factor
Minor factor
Not a factor
Not sure
Some people find that they need or want to move out of their home as they get older. If you were to consider moving out of your current residence, would the following
be a major factor, a minor factor, or not a factor at all in your decision to move?
50.64%
20.58%
28.46%
0.32%
Your personal safety or
security concerns
25.40%
28.48%
45.15%
0.97%
Wanting to move to an
area that has better
health care facilities
31.12%
23.99%
43.27%
1.62%
Wanting to be closer to
family
23.14%
31.72%
42.56%
2.59%
Needing more access to
public transportation
10.71%
3.90%
83.77%
1.62%
Wanting to live in a
different climate
30.47%
33.39%
34.20%
1.94%
Wanting to live in an area
that has a lower cost of
living
26.94%
36.77%
34.19%
2.10%
Wanting to live in an area
with better opportunities
for social interaction
Major factor
Minor factor
Not a factor
Not sure
Some people find that they need or want to move out of their community as they get older. If you were to consider moving out of your current community, would the
following be a major factor, a minor factor, or not a factor at all in your decision to move?
2.84%7.27%
14.69%
33.65%
41.55%
How important is it for you to remain in your
current community for as long as possible?
Not at all important
Not very important
Somewhat important
Very important
Extremely important
9.95%
65.09%
8.06%
2.21%
6.64%
Which of the following types of homes best
describes where you currently live?
Apartment
Condominium or co-op
Mobile home
Senior housing or assisted living facility
Single family house
Some other type of living arrangement
Townhouse or row house
Two family house that has two separate living ..
13.00%
86.53%
0.48%
Do you own or rent your primary home or do you
have some other type of living arrangement like
living with a family member or friend?
3.83%
25.84%
68.74%
How important is it for you to be able to live independently in your
own home as you age?
Not at all important
Not very important
Somewhat important
Very important
Extremely important
57.53%
25.20%
17.27%
Some people find that they need to make modifications to their residence to enable them to stay there for as long as possible. Does your current
residence need any major repairs, modifications, or changes to enable you to stay there for as long as possible?
No
Yes
Not sure
5.92%
14.97%
35.36%
30.43%
13.32%
Home modification and repair contractors who are
trustworthy, do quality work, and are affordable
6.51%
21.65%
29.58%31.69%
A home repair service for low-income and older adults that
helps with things like roof or window repairs
19.12%
22.11%
31.23%
18.60%
8.95%
Seasonal services such as lawn work for low-income and older
adults
Poor
Fair
Good
Very good
Excellent
Would you rate your community as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor on having the following?
9.89%
14.19%
22.17%31.74%
22.01%
Sidewalks that are in good
condition, safe for
pedestrians, and accessible
for wheelchairs or other
assisitive mobility devices
8.60%
15.29%
26.11%30.89%
19.11%
Well-lit, accessible, safe
streets and intersections
for all users
13.93%
20.16%
24.75%
26.39%
14.75%
Audio and visual
pedestrian crossings
18.05%
21.63%
25.04%
22.60%
12.68%
Separate pathways for
bicyclists and pedestrians
4.16%
28.80%
34.88%
20.48%
Well-maintained streets
1.44%
30.18%
36.12%
24.88%
Easy to read traffic signs
14.93%
21.19%
28.09%
24.56%
11.24%
Enforced speed limits Poor
Fair
Good
Very good
Excellent
Would you rate your community as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor on having the following?
0.97%
21.52%
45.15%
28.32%
Well-maintained homes and
properties
4.35%28.43%
34.11%
23.75%
9.36%
Affordable housing options for
adults of varying income levels
such as older active adult
communities, assisted living
and comm
4.88%23.74%
34.68%
26.26%
10.44%
Homes that are built with
things like a no step entrance,
wider doorways, and first floor
bedrooms and bathrooms 3.80%
36.44%
30.92%
21.07%
7.77%
Well-maintained, safe
low-income housing
2.30%8.36%
22.13%
30.66%
36.56%
Well-maintained parks
4.20%9.58%
26.72%
31.26%
28.24%
Safe parks Poor
Fair
Good
Very good
Excellent
Would you rate your community as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor on having the following?
5.29%14.05%
28.76%33.88%
18.02%
Public buildings and spaces
including restrooms that are
accessible to people of
different physical abilities
7.84%
21.41%
32.19%
26.47%
12.09%
Enough benches for resting in
public areas like parks, along
sidewalks, and around public
buildings 7.57%
20.07%
30.59%
27.30%
14.47%
Conveniently located
emergency care centers
4.10%12.46%
25.74%
34.43%
23.28%
Well-maintained hospitals
and health care facilities
15.87%
27.82%
32.59%
16.72%
7.00%
Neighborhood watch
programs
8.10%
20.17%
31.90%
26.12%
13.72%
Conveniently located public
parking lots and areas to park
including handicapped
parking 6.44%
20.30%
29.21%
24.92%
19.14%
Affordable public parkings
61.81%
38.19%
Walk
2.26%
97.74%
Drive yourself
78.44%
21.56%
Ride a Bike
84.57%
15.43%
Have others drive you
98.87%
1.13%
Take a taxi No
Yes
How do you usually get around your community for things like shopping, visiting the doctor, running errands, or other things?
80.26%
19.74%
Use a ride source company such as Uber or
Lyft
97.39%
2.61%
Use a special transportation service, such
as one for seniors or persons with
disabilities
91.39%
8.61%
Use public transportation
95.04%
4.96%
Some other way
97.56%
2.44%
I do not get out of the house
25.21%
29.24%
26.39%
12.27%6.89%
Accessible and convenient
public transportation
13.20%
26.41%
37.68%
16.55%6.16%
Affordable public
transportation
10.51%
20.11%
40.94%
21.01%
7.43%
Well-maintained public
transportation vehicles
5.76%22.12%
25.18%35.61%
11.33%
Timely public transportation
19.32%
25.04%33.09%
15.38%7.16%
Safe public transportation
stops or areas that are
accessible to people of varying
physical abilities
15.73%
21.91%
38.01%
16.10%
8.24%
Special transportation services
for people with disabilities and
older adults
Poor
Fair
Good
Very good
Excellent
6.78%
21.32%
35.85%
22.48%
13.57%
Well-trained certified home health
care providers
15.29%
33.92%32.16%
12.16%6.47%
Affordable home health care
providers
5.01%14.67%
27.73%27.91%
24.69%
A variety of health care
professionals including specialists
4.67%18.26%
41.38%
23.12%
12.58%
Health care professionals who speak
different languages
3.19%7.79%
28.67%
31.86%
28.50%
Respectful and helpful hospital and
clinic staff
Poor
Fair
Good
Very good
Excellent
Would you rate your community as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor on having the following?
Thinking now about health care professionals in your community, would you rate your community as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor on having the following?
7.31%16.58%
32.98%26.20%
16.93%
Affordable health and wellness
programs and classes in areas
such as nutrition, smoking
cessation, and weight control
8.87%
18.09%
28.00%
29.04%
16.00%
Affordable fitness activities
specifically geared towards
older adults
8.87%
18.62%
34.22%
23.94%
14.36%
Conveniently located health
and social services
12.57%
26.64%
28.52%
20.08%
12.20%
A service that provides people
to help seniors easily find and
access health and supportive
services
6.37%17.76%
31.47%33.40%
11.00%
Affordable home care services
including personal care and
housekeeping
7.24%
21.90%
33.71%
22.29%
14.86%
Easily understandable and
helpful local hospital or clinic
answering services
Poor
Fair
Good
Very good
Excellent
Thinking about health and wellness services in your community, would you rate your community as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor on having the following?
2.08%0.80%10.24%
44.96%
37.44%
How often do you have contact with family, friends, or neighbors who do not live with you?Less than monthly
Once a month
Once every 2 or 3 weeks
Once a week
Several times a week, but not everyday
Everyday
6.43%
29.10%
28.46%
36.01%
I lack companionship
4.37%23.30%
34.63%
37.70%
I feel left out
4.71%
23.70%
30.36%
41.23%
I feel isolated from others Often
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
How often do you feel the following?
11.72%
88.28%
No
Yes
If you were in trouble, do you have friends or family who can help you at any time of the day or night?
47.421%
52.579%
Department of Parks
and Recreation
64.86%
35.14%
Faith community
56.37%
43.63%
Local organizations
or businesses
64.52%
35.48%
Community center
59.40%
40.60%
Senior center
84.27%
15.73%
Offerings through
my work
34.73%
65.27%
Online programs
62.50%
37.50%
Some other sources
81.76%
18.24%
I do NOT participate
in any continuing ed-
ucation/self-im-
provement classes
No
Yes
Do you use the following sources for continuing education or self-improvement classes or workshops in your community?
7.40%15.46%
31.74%31.09%
14.31%
Conveniently located entertainment venues
26.43%
11.28%
28.28%
25.59%
8.42%
Activities geared specifically towards older
adults
25.09%
12.97%
29.35%
24.40%
8.19%
Activities that offer senior discounts
30.69%
10.17%
35.52%
16.72%6.90%
Activities that are affordable to all residents Poor
Fair
Good
Very good
Excellent
9.95%
25.21%
35.85%
20.58%
8.40%
Activities that involve both younger and
older people
11.70%
22.16%
37.23%
20.92%
7.98%
A variety of cultural activities for diverse
populations
5.18%21.88%
33.40%27.26%
12.28%
Local schools that involve older adults in
events and activities
7.99%
21.53%
32.47%
24.48%
13.54%
Continuing education classes or social
clubs to pursue new interests, hobbies or
passions
13.42%
26.07%
37.35%
16.15%
7.00%
Driver education or refresher courses
4.73%19.96%
25.22%29.42%
20.67%
A range of volunteer activities to
choose from
8.51%
23.44%
29.49%
25.33%
13.23%
Volunteer training opportunities to
help people perform better in their
volunteer roles
9.57%
21.12%
30.69%
26.17%
12.45%
Opportunities for older adults to
participate in decision making
bodies such as community councils
or committees 11.23%
25.31%
27.45%
22.99%
13.01%
Easy to find information on available
local volunteer opportunities
4.11%22.79%
34.29%
30.18%
8.62%
Transportation to and from
volunteer activities for those who
need it
Poor
Fair
Good
Very good
Excellent
3.43%
14.03%
8.32%
6.53%
57.42%
Which of the following best describes your
current employment status?
Unemployed, but looking for work GO TO Question 28
Not in labor force for other reasons SKIP TO Question 29
Employed, part-time GO TO Question 28
Employed, full-time GO TO Question 28
Self-employed, part-time GO TO Question 28
Self-employed, full-time GO TO Question 28
Retired, not working at all SKIP TO Question 29
11.57%
13.81%
12.69%
24.63%
34.70%
2.61%
How likely is it that you will continue to work
as long as possible, rather than choosing to
retire and no longer work for pay?
Not at all likely
Not very likely
Somewhat likely
Very likely
Extremely likely
Not sure
1.86%25.21%
36.98%
26.65%
9.30%
A range of flexible job opportunities for older
adults
2.10%28.57%
36.55%
26.47%
6.30%
Job training opportunities for older adults
who want to learn new job skills within their
job or get training in a different field of work.
6.67%2.58%24.73%
37.63%
28.39%
Jobs that are adapted to meet the needs of
people with disabilities
2.12%
29.30%
35.03%
25.48%
8.07%
Policies that ensure older adults can continue
to have equal opportunity to work for as long
as they want or need to regardless
Poor
Fair
Good
Very good
Excellent
Would you rate your community as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor on having the following?
Would you rate your community as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor on having the following?
Would you rate your community as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor on having the following?
3.84%
80.13%
16.03%
Local Senior Centers
10.55%
48.10%
41.35%
Office of Healthy Aging
(formerly Dept. of Elderly
Affairs)3.98%
90.22%
5.80%
Family or friends
12.02%
52.09%
35.89%
Local nonprofit organizations
27.67%
47.29%
25.04%
AARP
38.33%
40.03%
21.64%
Faith-based organizations like
churches or synagogues
No
Yes
Not sure
6.11%
88.12%
5.78%
Internet
74.24%
10.38%
15.38%
Phone Book
14.72%
71.07%
14.21%
Your doctor or other health care
professional
26.03%
39.55%
34.42%
Local government offices like the
Health Department
18.15%
62.69%
19.16%
Library
13.16%
29.08%57.76%
Some other source
11.48%
20.17%
28.17%
26.96%
13.22%
Access to community information in
one central source
12.07%
25.95%
29.73%
22.52%
9.73%
Clearly displayed printed community
information with large lettering
11.40%2.94%
24.18%
31.43%
30.05%
Free access to computers and the
Internet in public places such as the
library, senior centers or
government buildings
15.18%
29.31%32.64%
14.35%8.52%
Community information that is
delivered in person to people who
may have difficulty or may not be
able to leave their home
10.11%
24.84%
38.11%
17.89%
9.05%
Community information that is
available in a number of different
languages
Poor
Fair
Good
Very good
Excellent
Would you turn to the following resources if you, a family member or friend needed information about services for older adults such as caregiving services, home deliver..
Would you rate your community as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor on having the following?
73.30%
26.70%
Are you male or female?Female
Male
25 43 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 104
0
20
40
60
133427899111124161619261717242020254726182613111525151115857711955256211What is your age as of your last birthday?
5.84%
11.04%
2.11%
15.75%62.66%
What is your current marital status?Never married
Not married, living with partner
Separated
Widowed
Divorced
Married 51.04%47.35%
1.61%
Are you or your spouse or partner
currently a member of AARP?
No
Yes
Not sure
87.41%
12.59%
Child/children under 18
84.39%
15.61%
Child/children 18 or older
93.74%
6.26%
Child/children away at college
96.01%
3.99%
Parents
84.16%
15.84%
Other adult relatives or friend 18 or
older
No
Yes
Besides you, do you have any of the following people living in your household?
0.64%5.26%
21.69%
43.54%
28.87%
In general how would you rate your health?Poor
Fair
Good
Very good
Excellent
3.22%6.11%
15.76%
74.92%
Does any disability, handicap, or chronic disease keep
you or your spouse or partner from participating fully
in work, school,housework, or other activities?
Yes, both me and my spouse or partner
Yes, my spouse or partner
Yes, myself
No
86.96%
13.04%
A family caregiver is someone who provides care for an adult loved one who is ill,
frail, elderly, or has a physical, mental, or emotional disability. This care may
include helping with personal needs like bathing or dressing, meals, household
chores, shopping, transportation, managing medical care or finances, or even
visiting regularly to see how they are doing. This adult need not live with you. Are
you currently a family caregiver providing unpaid care to an adult loved one to help
them take care of themselves?
No GO TO Question 40
Yes SKIP TO Question 41
17.78%
26.96%
25.62%
17.21%
12.43%
How likely is it that you will provide unpaid care
to an adult loved one in the future?
Not at all likely
Not very likely
Somewhat likely
Very likely
Extremely likely
Rent
Own
Neither own nor rent b..
27.58%40.32%
What is the highest level of education that you completed?High school graduate, GED or equivalent
Post-high school education/training (no degree)
2-year college degree
4-year college degree
Graduate or professional degree(s)
Post-graduate study (no degree)
K-12th grade (no diploma)
88.37%
2.33%
If you are Hispanic or Latino, please indicate which language
best represents the
95.21%
4.79%
Are you of Hispanic, Spanish, or Latino origin or descent?No SKIP TO Question 44
Yes GO TO Question 43
Do not hav..
English
language y..
Spanish
0
100
200
300
400
4 0
200
400
600 563
0
100
200
300
400
19 0
100
200
300
400
6 0
100
200
300
400
26
Black or African American
White or Caucasian
Asian
American Indian or Alaska Native
Other
What is your race?
0.32%
88.73%
Thinking about your state elections for Governor and
Legislators in the last 10 years, how often would you say you
vote?
Never
Seldom
About half of the time
Most of the time
Always
44.04%
24.70%
22.97%
8.29%
Do you consider yourself to be a Democrat, a Republican, an
Independent, or something else?
Democrat
Independent
Republican
Something else
4.51%
15.88%
16.47%18.24%
31.37%
What was your annual household income before taxes
in 2019?
$10,000 to $19,999
$20,000 to $29,999
$30,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $149,999
$150,000 or more
Less than $10,000
9209520089021192007920089200992010920119201492018920249202692054920569205792078920819208492110921309262992809930080
100
200
1112137114151
133
90
131
203
1111
What is your 5-digit zip code?
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AGE-FRIENDLY CARLSBAD
DRAFT Mid-Project Report
March 9, 2021
Carlsbad, California became part of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)’s Livable
Communities Network in 2019. In an effort to engage residents and community leaders in increasing
livability even further, especially for older adults, the city partnered with The San Diego Foundation,
AARP, and Circulate San Diego to better understand residents’ perceptions and needs. The following is
DRAFT Mid-Project Report, intended to provide insights gleaned from conducting a project survey and
collecting additional insights through online input tools, printed questionnaires, and hosting two (2)
interactive public workshops in partnership with the Carlsbad Senior Center. This DRAFT Mid-Project
Report will be finalized after we receive the next round of community input at the third Age Friendly
Carlsbad Workshop to be held on March 25.
PART A: Summary of Survey Findings
PART B: Summary of Online Input via Social Pinpoint
PART C: Summary of Interactive Community Workshops (on-going)
PART A: Summary of Survey Findings
What we asked: Respondents were asked to indicate their experiences with the Domains of Livability
using AARP’s survey model.
Who took the survey: 635 responses were received between Aug. 10 - Sept. 13, 2020. Seventy-three
percent of the respondents were female with nearly one-third of the total respondents residing in the
92008 Zip Code. Zip Codes 92009 and 92011 each contributed 21% of the respondents. Over 83% of
respondents reported an annual income of greater than $50,000. Fifty-seven percent of the respondents
have lived in Carlsbad for more than 15 years. The largest percentage of residents (28%) have lived in
Carlsbad for 5 to 15 years. The percentage of residents who own the home they live in is 87%.
DATE OF RELEASE: 03/09/2021
73.3%
26.7%
Female Male
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■ ■
Table 1 below illustrates demographic information about survey participants, as well as an overall
commuting rating of Carlsbad as a place to live as people age:
Female Male
Gender 73.3% 26.7%
92008 92009 92010 92011 Other
Residence Zip Code 33.9% 21.9% 15.1% 22.2% 5.7%
< $30,000 $30-49,999 $50 – 99,999 >$100,000
Socio-Economic Status 7.7% 9.22% 32.4% 49.6%
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor
Place to Live 26.8% 36.1% 25.2% 9.7% 2.2%
Table 1 - Survey demographics and insight about aging in Carlsbad
26.8%
36.1%
25.20%
9.70%
2.20%
Excellent Very Good
Good Fair
Poor
Figure 1 - Gender breakdown of survey participants
Figure 2 – Carlsbad rated as a place to age
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■ ■
■ ■
■
Summary responses from the survey are as follows:
The survey questions were developed by AARP and are based on the Domains of Livability. Typically,
there are Eight Domains of Livability, which include Housing, Outdoor Paces & Buildings,
Transportation, Social Participation, Respect & Social Inclusion, Work & Civic Engagement,
Communication & Information, and Community and Health Services. Those topics have been included
and consolidated into the six topic areas shown below. Key themes from each topic area and a detailed
summary from each topic area are listed below. A link to the full survey results can be accessed
through the project webpage: Carlsbadca.gov/AgeFriendlyCarlsbad
Detail for each livability domain topic and respondents’ perception of their functional ability follows:
Housing Of those surveyed, 65.1% of the respondents live in a single-family house and 86.6% own
their home. Most respondents agreed that Carlsbad homes and properties are maintained very good or
excellent (73.5%) and 95.5% said that it is very important or extremely important to be able to live
independently in their own home as they age. Respondents considered Carlsbad fair or good for
housing attributes that include the trustworthiness of modification and repair options (50.4%) and
modification affordability (61.3%). However, several housing attributes were noted for receiving many
poor ratings, including well-maintained, safe low-income housing (36.4%), affordable housing options
for adults of varying income levels (28.3%), and having housing options that are built with things like a
no-step entrance, wider doorways, and first floor bedrooms and bathrooms (23.7%). In evaluating a
respondent’s desire to stay in Carlsbad as they age or to move, only 2.3% said that having a larger
home is a major factor to stay in Carlsbad and 60.5% said it is a major factor to have a home that helps
them live independently, for example, one without stairs.
Key Take-Aways
It is important to residents to have a variety of housing options and feel safe living in their home and
community. Additionally, as residents age, there is a high desire to live independently and having
access to affordable and accessible housing in Carlsbad.
Outdoor Spaces and Buildings Respondents rated most aspects of this domain very good or excellent,
including well-maintained parks (67.3%), safe parks (59.5%), and sidewalks that are in good condition,
safe for pedestrians, and accessible for wheelchairs or other assistive mobility devices (53.8%). Of the
respondents, 53.6% said the quantity of benches for resting in public spaces is good or fair.
Neighborhood watch programs were rated as poor or fair by 43.7% of the respondents.
Key Take-Aways
The current status of public spaces and facilities in Carlsbad is good, as stated by residents, and it is
important to keep these public amenities accessible and safe for all. Suggestions for programming
were made, especially focused around intergenerational opportunities.
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Transportation Most respondents get around Carlsbad by driving themselves (97.7%), followed by
walking (38.1%), riding a bike (21.6%), using a ride share company (i.e. Lyft) (19.8%), being driven by
others (15.4%), and using public transportation (8.6%). Public transportation received poor or fair
ratings for accessibility and convenience (54.4%), timeliness (47.3%), safety of use for all abilities
(44.3%), and affordability (39.6%). Respondents rated aspects of this domain very good or excellent for
easy-to-read traffic signs (61%), well-maintained streets (55.4%), and well-let, accessible, safe streets
and intersections for all users (50%). Aspects rated poor or fair by respondents included having
separate pathways for bicyclists and pedestrians (39.6%), offering driver education or refresher
courses (39.5%), and offering audio and visual pedestrian crossings (34.1%).
Key Take-Aways
While most residents sated that they rely on driving to get around, areas of improvement include
intersections with safe crossings and access to transit. There is also a desire to improve and expand the
city’s transportation programs for intra-city travel services and education about alternative mode
options.
Health and Wellness Many respondents rated the quality of healthcare services as good, including
having access to healthcare professionals who speak different languages (41.4%), having well-trained
certified home health care providers (35.9%), and conveniently located health and social services
(34.2%). Carlsbad excelled in this domain with very good and excellent ratings for having respectful and
helpful hospital and clinic staff (60.4%), well-maintained hospitals and health care facilities (57.7%),
having a variety of healthcare professionals and specialties (52.6%), and affordable fitness activities
geared towards older adults (45%). Respondents provided poor or fair ratings to affordable home care
services for personal care and housekeeping (49.3%) and affordable home health care providers
(49.2%).
Key Take-Aways
For Carlsbad residents, or all ages, maintaining or bettering personal health is important.
Improvements that residents prioritize include offering affordable healthcare options and having
conveniently located health services and resources.
Social and Civic Participation Seventy-one percent of respondents said that the availability of
continuing education classes or social clubs to pursue new interests, hobbies, or passions is good, very
good, or excellent in Carlsbad. When it comes to diversity of activities, respondents said that Carlsbad
is good or fair at offering activities that involve both younger and older people (61.1%) and a variety of
cultural activities for diverse populations (59.4%). Local schools involving older adults in events and
activities was rated as poor or fair by 55.3% of the respondents. When it comes to companionship,
respondents sometimes or often feel a lack of companionship (35.6%), feel isolated from others
(28.4%), and feel left out (37.7%). Additionally, 11.7% of residents do not have friends or family that
they can call at any time of day or night if they are in trouble. When it comes to employment and
training, respondents feel services are mostly poor or fair. This includes job training opportunities for
older adults who want to learn new skills (65.2%), policies that ensure older adults can continue to
have equal opportunities to work (64.3%), jobs that adapt to meet the needs of people with disabilities
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(62.3%), and having a range of flexible job opportunities for older adults (62.2%). Most respondents
said access to volunteering opportunities and participating in decision making bodies is good, very
good, or excellent. However, 57.1% said that transportation to and from volunteer activities is poor or
fair.
Key Take-Aways
There is a strong desire for socialization and programming to combat isolation, which has been
heightened because for COVID-19. Residents are interested in employment and volunteering
opportunities to stay active and involved.
Community Information Respondents in Carlsbad rely heavily on the internet for information and
communication at 88.1%. Other primary means of retrieving information include family or friends
(90.2%), local senior centers (80.1%), doctor or other health professionals (71.1%), and the library
(62.7%). Respondents rated the free access to computers and the internet in public spaces as very
good or excellent (61.5%). Overall, access to information is well rated but respondents rated
community information that is delivered in-person to people who may have difficulty or may not be
able to leave their home as poor or fair (44.8%).
Key Take-Aways
Carlsbad residents have a high competency with digital information and are able to access community
and civic information via the internet and social media. It is recommended to continue working on
information accessibility to reach all populations, especially those who are home-bound and non-
English speaking.
* Some of the findings discussed can be categorized into several categories and are not exclusively
reviewed based on the category they are shown a part of above.
** Demographics indicate that the people who completed the survey (and attended the community
workshops) may have been disproportionately well off, English-speaking, highly educated, and
physically mobile compared to census data for the general population of those 45 years old and
older.
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PART B: Summary of Online Input via Social Pinpoint
What we asked: Residents and leaders were encouraged to participate in the online engagement tool,
Social Pinpoint, through e-newsletters, Senior Center outreach and meals programs, information from
the City Manager e-newsletters, social media, by participating in the Community Conversations, and
word of mouth. The Social Pinpoint tool is accessed through the Age-Friendly Carlsbad webpage at
Carlsbadca.gov/AgeFriendlyCarlsbad.
Social Pinpoint is an online engagement and input tool that makes it easy to for community members
and stakeholders to provide comments and feedback in a virtual format. The Social Pinpoint tool was
chosen for this project because of the onset of COVID-19 restrictions that prevented large groups
gatherings. Typically, in-person community workshops would be hosted at locations around the
community to collect input from residents, but this was not an option due to the pandemic. Social
Pinpoint provided the opportunity to engage community members in a safe and thoughtful manner,
while also providing a format that allows residents and stakeholders to participate at any time, at a
convenient pace, and with a preferred language.
Who participated in Social Pinpoint: As of Jan. 14, 2021, 83 comments have been posted to the Ideas
Wall and 24 comments have been posted to the Mapping Tool through the Social Pinpoint online
engagement platform. The online tools launched October 2020 and are currently still available and
receiving comments through the Age-Friendly Carlsbad webpage. Paper versions of the online
engagement questions were delivered to targeted community locations, and completed forms were
collected and inputted into the online platform (these forms have been included in the total counts
shown).
Ideas Wall participant comments have been summarized by domains of livability and are described
as follows:
Civic Participation
& Employment
Communication
& Information Housing Outdoor Spaces
& Buildings
Respect & Social
Inclusion
Transportation
The summaries below are from comments and suggestions provided by residents. In this platform,
comments could be “up” or “down” voted by others. It is included below if comments received up
and/or down votes by other residents. The average age of the Ideas Wall participants was 59 and a
majority reside in the 92008 Zip Code. A topic that was not included as an option but received input was Health and Wellness. A category for this topic has been included below in “Other Topics of Discussion.” Health & Wellness was not included in the Social Pinpoint tool because of the community’s overall satisfaction with this topic, demonstrated by the survey results.
1. Civic Participation & Employment This domain received one comment on the ideas wall.
However, when assessing input as a whole with the survey, job access and opportunities is of
need/interest. The comment included: Interest in joining the Civic Academy Training, which
stopped when COVID-19 began and is encouraged to restart digitally. (received two up votes)
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Key Ideas
Responses highlighted the importance of working with community partners to provide hybrid
programs and activities as virtual and in-person events to help sustain the availability of programs.
2. Communication & Information This topic received a variety of input, related mostly to
communication between the city and residents, as well as how programs are performed and
operated.
Comments and suggestions about Communication & Information included:
• Growing the relationship between seniors and Senior Center staff
• Appreciation for Twitter feed information as a useful way to get local information
(City of Carlsbad, Carlsbad Police, NCTD, and others)
• The best source for getting current information and notifications
• Where can resources about aging (transportation, home modifications, assisted
living, nursing homes, etc.) be found (received one up vote)
• The City Manager’s notes are well-written and informative (another participant
agreed that the City Manager’s updates are informative and reliable, but that the
social media presence is sparse) (received four up votes)
• More updates on the main city website and social media would be helpful
• Working with residents to offer programs at the Senior Center
Key Ideas
Respondents stressed the importance of working to diversify communication strategies to reach
all residents and evaluate where improvements can be made to strengthen the information
channel between the city and residents.
3. Housing This topic has crossover with other domain topics. Residents highlighted affordability,
building form, availability, access, and safety as top concerns when it comes to housing.
Comments and suggestions about affordability:
• Available housing for seniors on fixed social security and with moderate to low
income that are walkable to stores and amenities
• Housing in Carlsbad is in demand for people priced out of Orange County
• Need low-income housing to live near my daughter because her help is sometimes
needed
• Create a low-income complex with easy access to the supermarket, affordable
retailers, the library, and the post office
• More affordable housing options in the Village and other parts of Carlsbad because
economic diversity is important
• People who work in Carlsbad should have opportunities for housing
• Need for affordable housing options and increased security (received one up vote)
• Bonds and tax increases make it hard to afford Carlsbad (received three up votes)
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Comments and suggestions about form and availability:
• More density and taller buildings make Carlsbad less age-friendly and single-family
homes are being pushed out (received one up vote)
• More choices for housing
• Appreciation for the live-work and retail spaces in Carlsbad that increase density,
especially close to the train station, but do not go to extensive lengths to change the
character (received one up vote)
• Ideas for ways to modify a home in case for multi-story homes (received two up
votes)
• Granny flats would be a good option for independent senior living and the city could
help provide more senior housing
• Pre-permitted plans for granny flats help with single-family home access, the desire
to age-in-place, and to promote home ownership for extended family (received five
up votes)
• Scarcity of single-story homes; limited options may drive out residents (received two
up votes)
• More housing developments with one-story or plans with master on first floor
• Incentive for developers to include universal designs that work for people of all ages
and abilities; virtual resource center with links for remodels and upgrades
• People are struggling to find housing as they face age-related limitations; the
housing being built is going in the opposite direction with multiple levels/stairs
(received five up votes)
Comments and suggestions about accessibility and safety:
• More housing developments built with seniors in mind (many developments have
stairs)
• High-density housing is good close to transit (received three up votes)
• Modify city housing plans to require single-story housing and/or multi-story housing
with elevators, grab bars, and wider hallways for those with mobility issues (received
three up votes)
• Housing is not safe because of homelessness and we need a County-wide solution
(received four up votes)
Key Ideas
Respondents stressed the desire for the city to work with community partners in diversifying the
housing stock to meet the needs of all income levels and accessibility types. Suggestions were
made for any housing decisions to be implemented with an age-friendly lens and to consider
additional programming and education about housing topics.
4. Outdoor Spaces & Buildings Themes that residents shared relate most to improving upon existing
facilities, as well as areas of concern for access when it comes to open space and buildings.
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Comments and suggestions about accessibility and safety:
• Live near Poinsettia Park, but it’s not accessible because of a large slope; this
neighborhood has a large population of seniors, but no transportation to get them to
the park (received two up votes)
• Love that there is such accessibility to the beach and the oceanfront, but have
concern for the speed of cars (appreciates the new lighted crosswalks installed)
• Large RV park at the beach (Tamarack) obstructs view and takes up multiple car
spaces; takes away the opportunity for locals and visitors to access the beach
• Eliminate RV parking/camping south of Tamarack; family likes to go but difficult to
find parking as people save spots (received three up votes)
• Like how recent park projects include walking paths, including Alga Norte and the
Veteran’s park; safe and pleasant for people of all ages and without tripping hazards
(requests to maintain this) (received three up votes)
Comments and suggestions about activities and facilities:
• Getting outside and participating in activities keeps you healthy
• There are no multi-purpose fields available to rent
• More, smaller parks for kids, seniors, and everyone; there are several large-acre
parks that you have to drive to (received one up vote)
• Like to vary walks between trails and paths, and hilly and flat; paths and trails need
to be safe, wide, and include amenities like benches and shade; trails are even more
important because of the pandemic (received one up vote)
• Please keep the open spaces and trails, it is a huge benefit to living in Carlsbad;
would like more emphasis on native plants and trees (received one up vote)
• Need a warm water pool, Tri-City Wellness has been closed since March
• Please get an Arthritis Foundation Warm Water Pool, also helps with rehab;
surprised Carlsbad does not have one (received three up votes)
• Pick-up soccer for 50+; it’s hard to find space to play since most fields are taken up by
youth sports (received one up vote)
• More open space to walk and hike; glad we have it already but also want more
• Walking the coast is stressful as there are too many users (walkers, joggers, bikers,
baby strollers) and not enough space; reduce car traffic and give space back to
recreational users (received three up votes)
• Need a dog park in the Village (next to the railroad tracks between Grand Avenue
and Carlsbad Village)
• Outdoor spaces need to be kept clean and sanitary, not just places for homeless
• More public art
• Nineteen-year struggle for a park in the Ponto area; leaders fought against it and
favored a dense development (received one up vote)
• Holiday Park does not have a sidewalk that goes all the way around the park
(received one up vote)
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Key Ideas
Respondents expressed the desire for the city to maintain and improve the quality of public
facilities throughout Carlsbad and evaluate opportunities to increase open space access where
there are deficiencies.
5. Respect & Social Inclusion This domain received comments that spoke to physical spaces that
provide social and inclusive opportunities, as well as perspectives on how community members
interact with each other. Several comments related more to a health and wellness category and
those have been included below under “Other Topics of Discussion.”
Comments and suggestions included items specific to the Senior Center:
• Lack of senior meeting locations in south Carlsbad; could use a large rec room at
Stagecoach and there could be meals and a microwave
• No place where seniors can go and hang out, people show up to classes at the Senior
Center and then leave; nice to have a space to read the paper, chat with others, play
cards (received one up vote)
• Senior Center lunchtime drive-through is restricted to residents and not age-friendly
to all residents
• Have space at senior center to sit, enjoy, and socialize
Comments and suggestions related to social programs:
• More socialization opportunities for 60+
• Pre-COVID, there was a 45+ basketball league in UTC with diverse group and having
mature adult sport leagues helps foster community among groups who may
otherwise not interact (received five up votes)
• Expand on events in the park and library to bring people together (received one up
vote)
• Have more green spaces to interact and not have to drive to an open space
Comments and suggestions related to community and interactions:
• Social inclusion holds people together and respect means no discrimination
• Love living in Carlsbad, one of the best places in the country
• Want to engage socially and live civilly
• Seems that newer Councilmembers are not inclusive of all ages, genders, ethnic
groups and this doesn’t help create community
• Homeless people in the street make me feel less safe with age (received one up vote,
one down vote)
• People are friendly and out more because of the pandemic, but NextDoor shows bias
in Carlsbad, including racism, criminalization of homeless, and neighbors
complaining about neighbors; City should encourage diversity and acceptance
through community awareness programs (received six up votes, one down vote)
• More seating in public spaces would encourage socialization between neighbors
• Long way to drive from La Costa to participate in programs; Stagecoach Park could
have classes (received one up vote)
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Key Ideas
Respondents would like the city to provide more intergenerational activities that help combat
isolation and provide socialization opportunities. Activities could be specific to age and interests,
but greater efforts towards increasing community connections between all residents should be a
priority.
6. Transportation The key take-aways for the transportation topic were alternative modes of
transportation and insufficient infrastructure, as well as the need to a local mobility option to
assist with essential trips and parking.
Comments and suggestions that relate to alternate modes of travel (biking, walking, public
transit):
• At 77 years old, rides a bike every day and bike safety improvements are needed
• Desperately need more sidewalks and bike paths (near Agua Hedionda Lagoon); the
pandemic has caused crowded streets and many areas have no sidewalks
• Carlsbad Boulevard (between Tamarack and Pine) is dangerous for pedestrians;
many cars blow through intersections (received one up vote)
• With aging population, improving bike lanes is not a good use of money
• Check the city’s Mobility Plan
• Some signals are censored for bikes, but not all
• Make drivers more aware of bikes through painted bike lanes and physical barriers
• Sold my car and now use an ebike and it would be good to have more safe bike
paths, places to safely lock bikes, and ebike charging stations (received three up
votes)
• Would use buses and trains, but they are not clean
• Need safer bike lanes in Carlsbad with buffer from traffic, especially in south
Carlsbad near Ponto Beach (received four up votes)
• Don’t feel safe in the bike lanes and need a three-foot buffer, bike crossing buttons,
and bike lanes in all areas (received one up vote)
Comments and suggestions that relate to city-run, rideshare, or voucher transportation:
• Cannot get anywhere without a car; if public transportation or the city provided ride
service that was convenient, may consider not using a car
• Love free senior ride service available from the city (received one up vote)
• Seniors should be encouraged to use Uber/Lyft as a low-cost option, it is still not
affordable for seniors; can the city provide a voucher? (received three up votes)
• Consider an intra-Carlsbad shuttle that connects residential areas to shopping,
medical areas, and city services, with a minimal fare (received four up votes)
• Many people rely on County or insurance-based disabled transportation options
• Difficult to get the Kaiser in San Marcos and unsure how to get transportation
information/services other than Uber/Lyft for disabled husband (received three up
votes)
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Comments and suggestions that relate to parking:
• Allow easy parking for seniors, want to pull up to a business and walk in; need more
parking
• Wonderful that Carlsbad has free parking in town and along the beach, but during
the summer, RVs should not be allowed to take up multiple spaces received three up
votes)
Key Ideas
Respondents expressed the need for the city to work with community partners to expand the
mobility network by increasing awareness and safety strategies around alternative transportation
(walking, biking, and public transit). Respondents also want the city to explore opportunities to
provide intra-city transportation services and assist with the improvement of transportation
accessibility.
Other Topics of Discussion Other topics that residents had comments about that fall outside of the
six domain topics included Health & Wellness.
Comments and suggestions about health and wellness included:
• Caregiver communication network for those aging in place (received one up vote)
• Health and wellness should be in every category and is the most important as you
age
• Senior lunches are very helpful and having fitness classes when COVID-19 is over
• Senior lunches have helped me stretch my budget, but I would like to see more
produce
• Paint lines on tennis courts for pickleball because courts are underutilized and people
are trying to live healthier lives; put subsidized golf money into pickleball
Key Ideas
Respondents would like the city to consider the health and wellness of all residents for all projects
and programs. The Senior Center is a valuable community resource, and the services that are
provided through this facility should be maintained and evaluated for improvements to help
benefit older adults from around the city.
Mapping Tool participant comments have been summarized by the comment type and are described
as follows:
Existing Age-Friendly
Examples in Carlsbad Issues & Concerns Opportunity areas
The summaries below are from comments and suggestions left by residents on the Mapping Tool. In
this platform, an interactive map allowed participants to drop a pin at an exact location and leave a
comment about that location. These comments could be up or down voted by others. It is included
below if comments received up and/or down votes by other residents. Additionally, residents could
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comment on others’ responses, and those items have been included as a sub-bullet where appropriate.
The average age of the Mapping Tool participants was 61 and a majority reside in the 92008 Zip Code.
1. Existing Age-Friendly Example in Carlsbad A resident would select this comment type if they
knew of a location/feature in Carlsbad that demonstrates a current example of livability within the
City.
Examples of livability in Carlsbad currently include:
• The Senior Center (received one up vote)
• Georgina Cole Library – The library and community garden (received one up vote)
Key Ideas
Carlsbad hosts current examples of livability, and it is evident that the availability of pubic open
space and facilities contributes greatly to the livability in the community.
2. Issues & Concerns A resident would select this comment type if they wanted to identify a
location/feature in Carlsbad where a livability issue or concern exists.
Issue & Concern locations and comments included:
• Northern Carlsbad Boulevard – Flashing lights are not stopping traffic for walkers
crossing Carlsbad Boulevard (received one up vote)
• Parking south of Tamarack – Limit RV parking south of Tamarack (received three up
votes)
o Yes, RVs take up too much space
• Carlsbad State Beach at Lower Seawall – Control traffic on lower seawall to
pedestrians; bikers, skateboarders, scooters, and dog walkers who do not read
signage (received four up votes)
• Walnut Avenue between Roosevelt Street and Madison Street – Getting around
without a car is difficult due to very little public transportation (received one up vote)
• Walnut Avenue between Roosevelt Street and Madison Street – Village area is
conducive to biking but traffic makes it challenging (received one up vote)
• Madison Street near Oak Avenue – Need a stop sign or crosswalk because cars drive
too fast
• Harding Street near Oak Avenue – Need a stop sign or crosswalk because cars drive
too fast
• Carlsbad Village Drive from the east – Walking to the Village from the east side of
the freeway has limited access points; need pedestrian bridge(s) between
Tamarack/Village Drive and La Flores/Village Drive so more people could leave their
car at home (received three up votes)
o Yes, this area is very dangerous, especially young children (received one up
vote)
• Carlsbad Village Drive between Pio Pico Drive and I-5 off-ramp – Congested and
dangerous are to walk or bike due to bad design; traffic backs up on Carlsbad Village
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Dr both ways (received one up vote)
• Chestnut Avenue from the high school to the city center – Feel threatened bike riding
under the freeway where there are no bike lanes so rides on the sidewalk
• Poinsettia Lane on east side near Brigantine Dr – Add sidewalk for safety (received
one up vote)
• Alicante Road, south of Alga Road – Cars race on roadway, something needs to
happen since deaths and crashes have already occurred (received one up vote)
Key Ideas
Residents are largely concerned with roadway safety and having safe and accessible access to
community resources, like the parks and shoreline. Safety improvements should be prioritized at
intersections where pedestrians and bicyclists are the most vulnerable.
3. Opportunity Areas A resident would select this comment type if they wanted to identify a
location/feature in Carlsbad where there is an opportunity to improve livability.
Opportunity Area locations and comments included:
• The Village – While there are many senior living facilities close to State St, the
businesses downtown include many restaurants and do not support independent
living for seniors (received three up votes)
o I agree, while the Village is the most livable place in the city it still needs more
resources and an effort not to lose any essential businesses like grocery
• Carlsbad Village Drive at the I-5 – Improve the entrance to the Village and make is
more bike and walk-friendly (received one up vote)
• Georgina Cole Library – More small neighborhood parks for seniors, children, and
everyone in between; land around the library has weeds and it could be a community
space (received one up vote)
• East of I-5 – Build a greenwall to muffle traffic noise and reduce emissions towards
Holiday Park (received three up votes)
• South of Tamarack Avenue, north of Agua Hedionda – No park within a ½ mile
radius; only opportunity to get out is to walk the neighborhood
• Outside of the 92008 quadrant – Satellite senior centers at the other three
quadrants; seldom go to Pine Street because of distance
• La Costa Greens – Residents are unaware of street cleaning schedule; there are
always cars parked on the street and as a result, the streets are not cleaned (received
one up vote)
Key Ideas
Opportunities for increasing livability in Carlsbad is narrowly focused on improving facilities for
pedestrians and bicyclists, which include parks, pathways, and amenities within walking distance
of residences. Improvements are geared for all ages and careful attention is also given to senior
living facilities, where older adults may depend more on walkability for recreation and commuting.
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PART C: Summary of Interactive Community Workshops
What we asked: Residents and leaders who attended the community workshops in person were
provided with background information about the project, a summary of the survey findings, and a brief
tutorial about how to use the online input tools. In addition, participants were asked to provide their
input about certain domains of livability through live polling and a moderated Q&A discussion.
Who participated in the Community Workshops: To date, 72 residents and leaders attended one (or
more) of the first two workshops that were conducted, including three commissioners from the Senior
Commission. Workshop #1 was hosted on Nov. 9, 2020 from 9am to 10am and Workshop #2 was
hosted on Dec. 3, 2020 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. These workshops were hosted via Zoom webinar and
participant’s cameras were turned off. Demographic information was not asked of participants.
Combined responses across the Community Workshops are summarized as follows:
Rating of Importance The data gathered from the workshop’s live polling and discussion have helped
illuminate the Domains of Livability that are of greatest interest and/or priority to the community.
This data, in addition to that collected from the survey, Social Pinpoint, and the printed questionnaire,
will help structure the domains of livability that will be used for the Carlsbad Age-Friendly Action Plan.
In drawing from the workshop input, five areas of significant community interest have been identified:
Connectivity Mobility Intergenerational
Opportunities Socialization Housing
1. Connectivity The interest in increased and/or improved connectivity includes a broad range of
sub-topics, including information (to and from residents) and programs that connect residents to
their community:
Comments and suggestions about information included:
• The Senior Center is not the main way seniors get information
• Need to consider people who do not have internet access
• It is important to consider equity across the board, including offering Spanish at
events and in resources
• Include information in the Patch and leave paper copies of project and community
information at the Library for those without internet
Program-related discussion items included:
• A volunteer fair would be helpful (several attendees agreed with this comment)
• Workforce participation is important because people want to be relevant and
productive
• The Citizen Academy program is a gem in Carlsbad
• Pickleball is popular with older folks
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• Many older folks like to play Pickleball because it’s easier on the body than tennis, but
there are limited permitted spaces to play
• Recruiting older adult volunteers with expertise can help with more programs (other
participants agreed with this comment)
• The Carlsbad Library has always been the major star to reach out and provide things
for seniors to do, especially during COVID-19
When participants engaged in the live polling, these results related to connectivity:
• Ninety-five percent agree or strongly agree that they feel confident in using the
internet or other digital tools
• Ninety-four percent agree or strongly agree that they would engage with the city
online of via their mobile devices if there were more opportunities to do so
• Thirty-two percent agree and 42% are undecided when asked if they plan to remain in
the workforce beyond any opportunity to retire
Key Ideas
Workshop participants stressed the need for the city to continue offering information about
programs, events, and civic updates via the internet, as well as practicing a range of strategies to
reach all of Carlsbad’s residents, regardless of having access to internet. Information should also
include social and civic participation opportunities because residents of all ages are valued and
should have the opportunity to participate in the community.
2. Mobility Themes in this section cover interests in transportation options (walking, biking, public
transit) and concerns for improved infrastructure to better accessibility and safety. Comments
include:
Several comments relate to sidewalks and infrastructure
• Carlsbad has rustic streets without sidewalks, which pose a risk for older adults
• Add bike and pedestrian infrastructure to encourage more activity (recognizes
progress the city has made)
• The Village is a lovely place to walk
Several comments relate to safety
• Street safety is a major barrier to walking and biking; white lines don’t protect bikers
and having a lack of sidewalks endangers pedestrians
• As a pedestrian, crossing the freeway exits/entrances is the scariest task. People do
not use the library because of the having to cross at these places
• Biking would be great for all ages, but it doesn’t feel safe
• More community education on pedestrian safety
• Pedestrians can’t be safe on car-dominated streets
Participant comments demonstrated a correlation between mobility and housing
• Mobility and affordability are the barriers to remining in Carlsbad
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• Mobility in Carlsbad is inconsistent with affordable housing because a car is needed to
get around most units
Participants spoke about access to resources, in and around Carlsbad
• Many people use the Kaiser in San Marcos and it is challenging to get to
• It would be great to have a transportation vehicle that runs all day through the city
for people to jump on and off (other participants agreed with this comment)
When participants engaged in the live polling, these results related to mobility:
• Fifty-eight percent of the participants said they would select a network company
(Uber, Lyft) as an alternative to owning an automobile
• Fifty-eight percent said they would select walking as an alternative to owning an
automobile
• Thirty-eight percent said they would select public transit as an alternative to owning
an automobile
• Seventy-two percent said convenience and 41% said lack of access when asked about
the major barriers to using an alternative transportation mode
• Fifty-eight percent are undecided or disagree when asked if current methods of
transportation available to them will meet their needs as they age
*Results were averaged from the questions being asked at both Workshop #1 and Workshop #2
Key Ideas
Workshop participants noted the need to expand alternative transportation options and
educational opportunities to increase awareness of these alternative modes. Mobility is important
for recreation and accessing necessary resources, like health facilities. Participants expressed the
desire for concerted efforts to think about how residents of all ability types can access local and
regional resources in a safe and convenient fashion, and without the need or access to a private
vehicle.
3. Intergenerational Opportunities Participants expressed a desire for involvement with youth, as
well as thinking about the age-friendliness of Carlsbad in terms of fulfilling the needs of younger
generations.
• Intergenerational programs were not responsive to the requests or opinions of seniors
• Have more students involved
• Volunteers to spend time talking with seniors at the Senior Center would be nice, as
well as volunteers in the computer room
Key Ideas
Workshop participants expressed the desire for the city to expand the programming and events
available to residents of all ages, as well as provide opportunities for intergenerational
socialization.
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4. Socialization There is a strong desire to stay connected, especially during the COVID-19 era, and
combatting isolation. Participants provided comments that provided suggestions for socialization:
• How will the Senior Center become more welcoming and friendly for seniors to enjoy
themselves and meet people, similar to a social club?
• Our parks are safe places
• We need more social inclusion opportunities, not just classes
• Diminished human connection seems to be a growing threat to our seniors
• The Senior Center has great opportunities, as well as the Carlsbad Newcomers Club
and the Carlsbad Women’s Club
• Not much for men to get involved in
When participants engaged in the live polling, these results related to socialization:
• Forty-eight percent occasionally or rarely feel like they have adequate availability of
human connection
Key Ideas
Workshop participants expressed the desire to maintain and support Senior Center programming
while seeking opportunities to expand resources across the city. Programs can be targeted to
specific interest and genders to help get all residents involved and socializing with others.
5. Housing This theme looks mostly at housing in terms of affordability and the type of housing
available to older adults. Comments include:
• Would like to see a map of Carlsbad that shows where the affordable housing can be
found
• Only upscale, large housing units are going in and density increases should require
smaller, less expensive options
• Keep in mind that many seniors are renters
• The strength of congregate living is social connection and the weakness if the loss of
freedom, but we can change that and make it a positive experience (crossover with
Socialization)
When participants engaged in the live polling, these results* related to housing:
• Ninety-three percent feel it is very important or extremely important to live
independently in their own home as they age
• Eighty-two percent feel it is very important or extremely important to remain in
Carlsbad as they age
• Forty-two percent agree and 32% are undecided when asked if they feel that they
have a path to living in Carlsbad for as long as they would like as they age
*Results were averaged from the questions being asked at both Workshop #1 and Workshop #2
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Key Ideas
Participant expressed the desire for the city to work with community partners to offer a range of
housing types that are affordable, safe, and accessible. The city appreciates that residents want to
age-in-place in Carlsbad, so finding opportunities to keep residents in Carlsbad should be a
priority.
Crossover The categories listed above contain crossover and some of the discussion items relate to
multiple themes described. All themes, individual comments, and polls will be collectively reviewed
when creating the Carlsbad Age-Friendly Action Plan and do not live exclusively within the theme or
event shown above.
NEXT STEPS
The quantitative and qualitative data gathered as part of Baseline Assessment will be used to
determine which Domains of Livability are the most relevant for the City of Carlsbad. Suggestions and
concerns will be connected to current efforts and resources, as well as efforts that are planned, but
have not yet been initiated.
A series of Community Action Planning Sessions will be conducted in the Spring for residents and
stakeholders to provide input. The sessions will be diverse in time and content to maximize
participation. City staff and community partners who are responsible for and/or working on related
efforts or activities will be available at the meetings to provide information and opportunities.
A DRAFT Action Plan will be developed following the Action Planning Sessions and will be circulated
for review and input, including public comment.
The FINAL Action Plan will be presented to the City Council for approval and adoption in August 2021.
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