Thank you to all who completed the Senior Activities/Services questionnaire!
We are at 80 responses so far, and more are coming to us in the mail. We are still adding in the mailed questionnaires but wanted to share some of the information gathered from the first 65 responses.
• We have received the most responses from those in the 70-79 age group, but the 80+ are close behind!
• Around 1/3 of Solon seniors do not participate in any activities in Solon. (We would love to see that number go up!)
• People are going to Ely, North Liberty, Iowa City and Mount Vernon for activities, as well as in Solon.
• Around 90% of people are aware of Chair Yoga, followed by Pickleball (60%), Zumba (54%), and Coffee group (51%).
• The top three NEW activities people are interested in are: Senior Fitness class (71%), Walking group (40%) and Monthly Potlucks (29%). Next were Midday Movie (23%), Drum Fit (22%) and Games (19%).
• Mornings and Afternoons were the most requested times for activities.
• Most people (around 80%) are aware of the Senior Groups (Advocates, Dining, Transport, Support) and the Food Pantry
• 90% of people would use a Senior/Recreation Center if free/low-cost activities were offered.
• We had MANY great ideas for what a Senior/Rec Center should offer: crafts, fitness, dance, strength classes, an area to “hang out,” informational speakers on topics important to older adults, walking, swimming/water aerobics, cooking/baking classes, etc. All suggestions will be in the October edition of the Newsletter.
• Most people (around 80%) receive their information on local activities/services from the Senior Newsletter (note: the questionnaire was sent through the Newsletter’s mailing and e-mail list); next is word of mouth or the Economist.
WHAT WILL WE DO WITH THIS INFORMATION?
1. The Senior groups are meeting monthly and will work together to increase outreach and best serve older adults in Solon.
2. Senior Support is starting a FREE Friday lunch on the last Friday of each month! We will order from a local eatery and eat at 11:30 a.m., then play Euchre and Bingo (if enough players). The first lunch date will be Friday, Sept 26, and we will have the Big Grove Dougie Special (tater tot casserole and mac-n-cheese). Call Jill Weetman at 319-624-2773 by Thursday, Sept. 25 to RSVP so she knows how much to order.
3. The information will be shared with Solon City Council members and Recreation staff. New programs and a location for senior activities will be discussed.
Watch the Solon Senior Newsletter for new programs and activities!