The City’s Age-Friendly Needs Assessment Report was released to the public. About 81% of respondents said Culver City is an “excellent place to age.”
Mayor O’Brien and Vice Mayor Freddy Puza were appointed to the ad-ho sub-committee to identify ways to identify and prioritize the needs in the report.
The report details key findings of positive community attributes for aging adults including; the Senior Center, walkability, abundant social opportunities, free and low-cost transportation, proximity, access to health care, and weather.
The report also detailed a list of the highest priority needs identified through surveys, meetings, and interviews including:
- More housing that is affordable, accessible
- Isolation reduction
- Caregiver training and support (family and paid)
- Support to maintain independent living
- Senior Center-type activities in more geographic areas and in parks
- More mental health and case management services
- Parking, drop-off zones, and benches in high density areas for those who cannot walk the “last mile” but don’t qualify for handicap parking
- More benches and shade in parks and on City streets
- A strong, simple source for information on resources – social and recreational as well as services and transportation
- Support to individuals for use of technology
The next steps in the process is “Action Planning” which will help identify ways to prioritize and implement those needs. Culver City’s Action Planning is currently envisioned to begin in early 2025 and will continue to involve the City and community stakeholders. The City Council will consider and review the City’s available resources as development of the Plan evolves.
“We have made tremendous progress in making this City a long-term home for residents as they age,” said Culver City Mayor Dan O’Brien. “But we have more to work on to ensure folks can feel comfortable to retire here with the ability to live independently and have quality of life they deserve.”
Culver City joined the World Health Organization/AARP Age Friendly Communities movement in 2018 and began its Age-Friendly Planning Process with a community survey of individuals over age 50 and/or disabled (at any age) in 2019.
A report with findings from the survey and listening sessions can be found on the City’s website.
