St. Clair County Poll on Issues Impacting Citizens Over 60

A poll conducted in St. Clair County aimed to determine attitudes and opinions on various issues affecting residents over 60. The research covered topics such as home conditions, transportation, health, social involvement, and financial matters. Mitchell Research & Communications conducted a telephone survey with a sample size of 292 residents and a margin of error of ±5.72%. Results indicated concerns over home conditions, with not enough handrails or grab bars being the top issue. The survey also highlighted the need for minor home repairs, particularly among lower-income individuals. Overall, the poll provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by older residents in St. Clair County.

• St. Clair County
• Poll
• Residents
• Issues
• Attitudes

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1. AAA 1-B St. Clair County Poll Conducted August 21-26, 2019 (N=292 60 + Residents) 1/3 Cell Phones/2/3 Landlines Margin of Error= +5.72% 1

2. Goals and Objectives of the Research The goals were to determine the following: Determine attitudes and opinions on a wide variety of issues impacting citizens over the age of 60 who live in St. Clair County, Michigan. Those issues include: (1)Conditions in their homes (8) Serious Challenges (2) Transportation issues (9) Unmet Needs (3) Physical and mental health issues (10) Knowledge of benefits (4) Addictions (11) Healthcare resources (5) Social involvement (6) Treatment by others (7) Hardships (12) Income/Financial Info 2

3. Methodology Mitchell Research & Communications conducted a quantitative study (telephone survey) to determine attitudes and opinions on a wide variety of issues facing 60+ residents of St. Clair County. The telephone survey of N=292 St. Clair County residents over the age of 60 was conducted August 21-26, 2019 and has a MoE of + or 5.72% at the 95% level of confidence. A telephone list containing landline and cellphone numbers for all 60+ residents in St. Clair County was used. Filter questions were asked so that only respondents who were 60+ and residents of St. Clair County were surveyed. Any calls to non-residents or those younger than 60 were terminated. Sixty-seven percent of all calls were completed to landlines and 33% to cell phones. The gender split was 50% female, 50% male. 3

4. Gender 60% 50% 50% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Male Female 4 4

5. Age 30% 25% 24% 25% 22% 20% 15% 14% 15% 10% 5% 0% 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80+ 5 5 5

6. Area 80% 69% 70% 60% 50% 40% 32% 30% 20% 10% 0% Rural Urban 6

7. Home Condition Concerns The top concerns are not enough handrails or grab bars (8.9%) (3,965) and both home in need of minor repairs and too cluttered at 6.2% (2,762) 4

8. Home Condition Concerns 27.7% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 8.9% 6.2% 10.0% 6.2% 5.8% 5.5% 3.8% 3.8% 5.0% 0.0% 8

9. Conclusions Home Condition Concerns The top concerns are not enough handrails or grab bars (8.9%) (3,965) and both home in need of minor repairs and too cluttered tied at 6.2% (2,762). Home in need of minor repairs varies by income, where a higher proportion of those making less than $25K cited this issue (11.5%) (1,537) There are no differences between the specific groups (age, income, area) among those responding not enough handrails or grab bars and too cluttered . Over a quarter (27.7%) (12,342) of respondents cited no safety concerns This was significantly higher among those making less than $25K (34.5%) (4,612) and among those living in rural areas (35.9%) (5,119)

10. Conclusions Home Condition Concerns The next grouping of issues would be need smoke detector (5.8%) (2,584), and poor water quality (5.5%) (2,451). There are no differences between the specific groups (age, income, area) tested. The final two would be need a ramp (3.8%) (1,693) and presence of mold (3.8%) (1,693). There are no differences between the specific groups (age, income, area) tested.

11. Transportation Issues Transportation to Doctors Appointment 100.0% 86.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 9.6% 2.4% 10.0% 1.0% 0.7% 0.3% 0.0% 11

12. Transportation Issues Missed a Medical Appointment in Last 12 Months Due to Transportation 6.5% 2,896 seniors At least 8 missed appointments every business day 12

13. Conclusions Transportation Concerns Six point five percent (6.5%) (2,896) of respondents said they have trouble getting to the places they need to go. When respondents need to see a doctor, 86.0% (38,317) drive themselves. As one would expect, the percentage is lower among those making below $25K (74.7%) (9,985) and those 75+ (79.5%) (16,294) Another 9.6% (4,277) get a ride from their spouse or family. This number is higher among those making below $25K (14.9%) (1,992).

14. Health Concerns About one third (32.2%) (14,347) of all respondents do not have any health concerns. 4

15. Health Concerns 35.0% 32.2% 30.0% 24.0% 25.0% 18.2% 20.0% 16.4% 15.1% 14.0% 15.0% 12.7% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 15

16. Conclusions Health Concerns About one third (32.2%) () of all respondents do not have any health concerns. This is pretty consistent across all demographics. Those making less than $25K per year had a higher percentage of respondents citing not being able to do the things I enjoy (27.6%) (), coping with pain (35.6%) (), and losing my independence (24.1%) () Among rural residents, not being able to do things I enjoy (14.1%) () and other health concerns (19.6%) () were cited more frequently Almost all of the respondents (97.6%) () have a regular primary care physician. That is true of 100% (20,495) of those 75+, but only 95.4% () of those making under $25K per year.

17. Missed Doctor and Dentist Appointments When They Thought They Should Go 10.5% 10.3% 10.0% 9.5% Doctor Dentist 8.9% 9.0% 8.5% 8.0% Yes 17

18. Conclusions Missed Appointments Eight and nine tenths percent (8.9%) (3,965) of the respondents said that there have been times in the last twelve months where they thought they should see a doctor but did not. Again, the percentage of respondents who did not go to a dentist when they thought they should (10.3%) (4,589) is only slightly higher than the nearly 9% that did not see a doctor. The percentage is much higher among those making below $25K (16.1%) (2,152) and lower among those making more than $25K (7.8%) (2,433).

19. Conclusions Missed Appointments Reasons cited include (N=26): No way of getting there and I could not afford it were both (34.6%) (1,373) It was not covered by my insurance (26.9%) (1,067) I was too sick to go (23.1%) (916) Other (19.2%) (762) I could not get anyone to take me as a patient (15.4%) (611) I was too afraid to go (11.5%) (456)

20. Quality of Health About eight in ten (78.4%) (34,913) of respondents said in general their health is very good (32.2%) (14,347) or good (46.2%) (20,584). Another 18.5% (8,243) said it is fair while just 3.1% (1,381) said it was poor. 4

21. Quality of Health - General Health 50.0% 46.2% 45.0% 41.3% 40.0% 37.3% 35.0% 32.2% 30.0% Total 75+ <25K Rural 24.1% 23.9% 25.0% 18.5% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 3.1% 5.0% 0.0% Very Good Good Fair Poor 21

22. Quality of Health - Causes of Painful Feelings 29.1% 25.7% 25.0% 35.0% 30.0% 17.8%15.1% 14.7% 20.0% 15.0% 11.3%10.3% 10.0% 6.8% 6.2% 5.8% 3.4% 2.4% 5.0% 0.0% 22

23. Quality of Life One in seven respondents (71.6%) (31,901) say that during the past 30 days they have had no difficult or painful feelings such as stress, grief, worry, anger, or loneliness That percentage is lower among those making less than $25K (66.7%) (8,916) Almost one third (29.1%) (12,966) say that from a list of things that might cause them pain, the inability to do things I used to is mentioned most often. This rises to 39.1% (5,226) among those making under $25K per year

24. Addictions 25.0% 22.9% 20.0% 13.7% 15.0% 11.0% 10.0% 5.5% 5.1% 3.8% 5.0% 2.7% 2.4% 0.0% 0.0% 24

25. Addictions Working To Quit 90.0% 76.5% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 23.5% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Yes No 25

26. Addictions Why Not Working To Quit 90.0% 80.0% 73.9% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 14.8% 20.0% 10.0% 3.4% 3.4% 2.3% 2.3% 0.0% Not Ready Tried, Don't Know of Local Programs Programs are for Younger People Can't Get to Programs Can't Afford it Unsuccessful 26

27. Conclusions Addictions Among the more serious addictions, alcohol was cited by 3.8% (1,693), opioids/narcotic pain medication by 2.7% (1,203), marijuana by 2.4% (1,069), and illegal drugs by 0.0% (0) Alcohol was cited more frequently by those 60-74 (4.8%) (1,155) and less by those 75+ (1.2%) (246) Opioids/narcotic pain medication was cited more often by those in rural areas (4.3%) (613) None of those 75+ cited marijuana (N=115) About one in five (23.5%) (4,124) said that they are trying to quit. (N=88) When those who said they were not actively trying to quit were asked why not, the most common answer was not ready to quit (73.9%) (9,923). This was lower among those making less than $25K (58.6%) (2,350) and higher among those making more than $25K (81.4%) (7,616)

28. Social Involvement Friends, Neighbors, and Relatives 90.0% 85.5% 76.7% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% Total 75+ 40.0% 30.0% 19.2% 20.0% 10.8% 10.0% 4.1% 0.0% Not Enough About Enough Too Much 28

29. Social Involvement Social Activity 90.0% 83.1% 80.0% 75.7% 70.7% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% Total 75+ Rural 40.0% 27.2% 30.0% 21.9% 20.0% 13.3% 6.2% 10.0% 0.0% Not Enough About Enough Too Much 29

30. Social Involvement Someone To Count On for Understanding and Advice 100.0% 93.5% 88.5% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Total <25K 30

31. Social Involvement Would Participate 80.00% 67.8% 66.1% 64.4% 70.00% 60.00% 47.5% 45.8% 50.00% 40.00% 25.4% 30.00% 20.3% 20.00% 10.00% 0.00% 31

32. Social Involvement What Prevents you from Participating 17.1% 16.1% 16.0% 18.0% 13.7% 14.0% 11.3% 12.0% 10.6% 9.6% 10.0% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 0.0% Cannot Afford It Don't Know of Such Programs Prefer To Be With Younger People Don't Have A Way To Get There Don't Want To Be With People In The Programs Too Sick/Disabled to Participate 32

33. Elder Abuse When asked about whether or not they are being treated badly, at least 97% (43,218) say they are not. As we repeatedly see, there is a higher incidence of people making under $25K a year and those over the age of 75 indicating they are being treated badly. Conversely, almost no rural residents report being treated badly on any of the issues discussed. There are three examples: 1.7% (757) of all respondents say someone hurts me, but that percentage is 3.4% (454) of those making under $25K. 1.4% (624) say someone is supposed to help me with other things but is not doing it, but the incidence of those making under $25K (3.4%) (454) is higher. 2.7% (1,203) say someone is taking things from me without asking, while the percentage goes to 5.7% (762) of those making under $25K.

34. Greatest Hardship Faced by Others 29.4% 30.0% 25.0% 17.9% 20.0% 15.1% 15.0% 12.4%10.6% 10.0% 4.6% 4.1% 3.7% 5.0% 2.3% Yes 0.0% 34

35. Serious Challenges 25.0% 21.2% 20.0% 15.8%15.8% 15.0% 12.0% 9.6%8.6% 8.6%8.2%6.8% 10.0% 4.8% 4.5%2.7% 2.4% 5.0% 0.0% 4

36. Conclusions Biggest Unmet Need Challenges The following is the list of the biggest unmet need faced by older adults cited by respondents: Home care assistance (20.5%)(9,134) Home maintenance assistance (13.7%) (6,104) Less than $25K (19.5%) (2,607) Door-to-door transportation (12.7%) (5,658) Other (8.2%) (36,535) Affordable housing (7.5%) (33,416) Information about senior services (6.5%) (2,896) Food or nutritious food options (4.8%) (2,139) Don t Know (26.0%) (11,584)

37. Receiving All Benefits Eligible For 90.0% 83.2% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 9.9% 6.8% 10.0% 0.0% Yes No Not Sure 4

38. Conclusions Need Assistance or Information Ranked in order from most to least mentioned, the following are the list of services (N=49): Medication discounts (30.6%) (2,288) Property tax relief (28.6%) (2,138) Medicare premium payment assistance (26.5%) (1,981) Free cell phone (22.4%) (1,675) Medicare/health insurance counseling (20.4%) (1,525) Home energy weatherization (18.4%) (1,376) Food pantry delivery (14.3%) (1,069) Veterans benefits (10.2%) (763) Reverse mortgage counseling (10.2%) (763) Tax preparation/filing assistance (10.2%) (763) SNAP/Food stamps/Bridge card (6.1%) (456) Job training or employment assistance (6.1%) (456) 4

39. Conclusions Information About Aging and Resources Ranked in order from most to least mentioned, the following are the list of services: Friends and family (70.2%) (31,278) Doctor or healthcare provider (61.0%) (27,179) Mail delivered to my home (49.7%) (22,148) Internet search (47.6%) (21,208) Service agency such as an Area Agency on Aging (38.0%) (16,931) Senior centers (31.5%) (14,035) Newspapers (30.5%) (13,589) TV (30.1%) (13,411) Library (29.5%) (13,144) Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.) 27.7% (12,342) Magazines (25.7%) (11,451) Flyers, posters, or billboards (23.6%) (10,515) Radio (21.9%) (9,758) 4

40. Total Combined Income 80.0% 70.2% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 29.8% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% At/Below $25,365 Above $25,365 4

41. Conclusions Total Combined Income Twenty nine and eight tenths (29.8%) (13,277) percent of the respondents make less than $25K a year. It is 25.8% (6,207) among those 60-74 and 39.8% (8,157) with those over 75. 4

42. Trouble Paying Bills 70.0% 59.2% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 36.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 4.8% 0.0% Can comfortably afford to pay bills Cann afford to pay bills if careful about spending Have trouble paying bills no matter how careful 4

43. Conclusions Trouble Paying Bills Just slightly under two thirds (59.2%) (26,377) can comfortably afford to pay [their] bills with money left over. This is lower with those making under $25K (46.0%) (6,149). It is higher, as you would expect, with those making $25K or more A little more than a third (36.0%) (16,040) can afford to pay [their] bills if [they] are careful about spending. This is higher with those making under $25K (44.8%) (5,988). Four point eight percent (4.8%) (2,139) have trouble paying bills no matter how careful. This climbs to 9.2% (12,297) of those making under $25K. 4

44. Personal Debt 80.0% 74.7% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 8.6% 8.2% 6.2% 10.0% 2.4% 0.0% No Debt Less than $1,000 Between $1,000 and $5,000 Between $5,000 and $10,000 More than $10,000 4

45. Conclusions Personal Debt Three-fourths of the respondents (74.7%) (33,283) have no debt. This number rises when looking at respondents over the age of 75 to eighty point seven percent (80.7%) (16,539) and those who make less than $25K (79.3%) (10,600). 4

46. Behind On Payment 16.0% 13.5% 14.0% 12.2% 12.0% 10.0% 8.1% 8.0% 6.8% 6.8% 6.0% 4.0% 1.4% 2.0% 0.0% Medical bills Credit cards Property taxes Utilities Mortgage Rent 4

47. Conclusions Behind On Payment (N=74) About one in ten respondents (12.2%) (1,265) are behind on credit card bills This is higher with those who live in rural areas (19.2%) (684) Thirteen point five percent (13.5%) (1,524) are behind on medical bills This increases heavily by those making less than $25K (22.2%) (742) Eight point one percent (8.1%) (915) are behind on property taxes This climbs to 16.7% (558) with those making less than $25K Six point eight percent (6.8%) (768) are behind on mortgage This higher among those who live in rural areas (11.5%) (410) 4

48. Thank You Steve Mitchell Mitchell Research & Communications, Inc. 314 Evergreen Suite B, East Lansing, MI 48823 steve@mitchellresearch.net Office: 517-351-4111 Cell: 248-891-2414 6/10/2019 48