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STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 1
About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.
Acknowledgements
AARP staff from the New York State Office, State Advocacy and Strategy Integration (SASI) and State
Research contributed to the design, implementation and reporting of this study.
Contributors include:
Beth Finkel, Bill Ferris, David McNally, David Irwin, Erin Mitchell, and Laura Palmer from the New York
State office; Janee Briesemeister, Enzo Pastore, Coralette Hannon, Sarah Mysiewicz from SASI; Angela
Houghton, Eowna Young Harrison, Brittne Nelson, Kate Bridges, Joanne Binette, Jennifer Sauer,
Rachelle Cummins, Cassandra Cantave, Darlene Matthews, Cheryl Barnes, Wendy Pratt, Sibora
Gjecovi, Ed Evans and Laura Mehegan from AARP Research; and Doris Gilliam, Office of General
Counsel.
Special thanks to Universal Survey for their collaboration in the collection and tabulation of these data.
Copyright © 2014 AARP
AARP Research
601 E Street NW Washington, DC 20049
www.aarp.org/research
For more information contact:
Angela Houghton, Senior Research Advisor
AARP Research
Tel. (202) 434-2261
ahoughton@aarp.org
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 2
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................. 4
POPULATION GROWTH & POWER OF 50+ VOTERS ...................................................................................... 6
DETAILED SURVEY FINDINGS:
Caregiving .................................................................................................................................................. 9
50+ Workers ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Retirement Security ................................................................................................................................ 14
Age Friendly Community ......................................................................................................................... 17
Utilities .................................................................................................................................................... 20
DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS ............................................................................................... 22
METHODOLOGY .......................................................................................................................................... 23
ANNOTATED QUESTIONNAIRE .................................................................................................................... 27
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 3
INTRODUCTION
The 50+ population in New York State numbers 6.8 million people with 168,000 in
Onondaga County. The 50+ constitutes a powerful voting demographic. The 50+
constituency is more likely to vote than their younger counterparts and in the 2010
gubernatorial election, 58 percent of all votes in New York State were cast by a 50+ voter.
AARP is a leading advocate for the 50+ population and a non-partisan membership
organization with 2.5 million members across New York State and more than 70,000
members in Onondaga County. AARP engages its members and the general public on key
issues for the 50+ by providing information, holding debates and sponsoring grassroots
activities. (It does not endorse candidates, have a PAC, or give money to campaigns or
political parties.)
In 2014, the last of the Baby Boomers will turn 50. As this baby boom ages, the number of
New Yorkers coming into traditional retirement age will continue to rise over the next
decade. Recognizing this demographic shift will present opportunities and challenges for
New York, AARP New York commissioned a statewide survey of 50+ voters with
oversamples in 6 geographic areas, including Onondaga County, to understand their
experiences and ask their opinions on issues of importance.1
Faced with age discrimination, caregiving for loved ones, affordability concerns and a lack
of retirement savings, many 50+ New Yorkers see a future where they will never be able to
retire. For those who can retire, a majority say they are likely to leave New York, taking
their retirement incomes with them.
We are pleased to present this State of the 50+ in Onondaga County, New York and hope
the data herein will be used to inform the work of elected officials, policy makers and
community leaders as they seek ways for Onondaga County to adapt to the needs of all its
residents, regardless of age.
1 This report discusses findings from a representative sample of 50+ voters in Onondaga County, New York. The county sample
was part of a larger survey of New York voters as described in more detail in the survey methodology section on page 23.
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
All across the U.S. and in New York State, the combination of increased life expectancy and
an aging baby boom generation is driving a very fast growing 65+ population. Based on an
AARP analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, over 500 New York State residents are
expected to turn 65 every day in the coming years. In 2010, one in seven people living in
Onondaga County were aged 65 and over; by 2035 it is projected to be nearly one in five.
This population shift brings both opportunities and challenges, including a more
experienced work force coupled with family caregiving needs, gaps in traditional retirement
security, and increased demand for age-friendly community services and supports.
As people age they almost universally want to stay in their homes and communities. But,
contrary to their preference, residents are often faced with the reality of securing for
themselves a future where affordable, independent living is possible. For some, this results
in a decision to relocate. Importantly, the extent to which New York can meet the needs of
its 50+ residents now, and as they age, will help reduce the likelihood that working
Boomers will leave the state in the future. Below are some of the key findings from a May
2014 survey of 50+ voters in Onondaga County, New York about their concerns:
Just over one in five (22%) of currently working Onondaga County voters age 50+ are
not confident they will ever be able to retire and one-fourth (25%) is just somewhat
confident they will ever retire. Just over half (53%) are extremely to very confident they
will retire.
Among those who are confident they will retire, half (50%) report they are at least
somewhat likely to leave New York State after retiring: 25 percent are extremely or
very likely to leave the state and another 25 percent are somewhat likely.
More than four in ten of 50+ voters in the labor force (44%) say their retirement will be
delayed for financial reasons, and one quarter (25%) do not have any access to a
retirement savings plan through their employer.
Over one third of all 50+ Onondaga County voters (37%) are extremely or very
concerned about being able to afford utility costs in the coming years. A similar
proportion of homeowners among 50+ Onondaga County voters are just as concerned
about affording property taxes into the future (39%).
More than half of 50+ Onondaga County voters (51%) have been family caregivers in the
past five years to an adult spouse or relative, a personal responsibility that impacts day-
to-day work schedules, and for some, reduces earning potential.
50+ voters also report experiencing or witnessing age discrimination in the workplace.
More than four in ten (44%) of Onondaga County 50+ voters in the labor force believe
they or someone they know has experienced some form of workplace age discrimination.
Being encouraged or forced to retire (28%) and not being hired for a job (22%) are the
most common forms.
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 5
A majority of 50+ Onondaga County voters say they would be more likely to stay in the
state as they age if improvements were made in the areas of health (68%),
transportation (63%) and housing (61%).
Voter Support for Proposed Legislation and Elected Officials
More than three quarters of Onondaga County 50+ voters (77%) support establishing a
state retirement plan to help New Yorkers that do not have access to a retirement
savings option at work. Features considered most important to such a plan are
portability (85%), low cost to taxpayers (75%), and accessibility (75%).
When making voting decisions for elected officials, Onondaga County 50+ voters are
likely to vote for a candidate that ensures New Yorkers can afford to stay in their homes
(72%), as well as one that helps New Yorkers have a financially secure retirement
(68%).
Onondaga County 50+ voters are ready for elected officials to protect them from high
and increasing utility costs. Three quarters (75%) do not believe the interests of
residential utility customers are represented and taken into consideration when utility
rate increases are proposed. Furthermore, nearly seven in ten (68%) do not believe their
elected officials are doing enough to help them when home energy costs increase. Eight
in ten (80%) support creating an independent utility consumer advocate office in New
York State.
A majority of 50+ voters in Onondaga County support legislative proposals to help
family caregivers, such as:
o Require family caregiver names to be entered on the patient’s medical record (91%
support).
o Require demonstration of medical or nursing tasks that caregivers will have to
perform (94% support).
o Establish a family leave insurance plan funded by the state in addition to employee
contributions (72% support).
Nearly three quarters (74%) of Onondaga County 50+ voters are extremely or very
likely to vote for a candidate who will work on supporting New Yorkers that provide
care at home for an adult loved one who is ill, frail, elderly or disabled.
Over six in ten (62%) of Onondaga County 50+ voters are extremely or very likely to
vote for a candidate that would maintain safe and independent mobility around town.
Three quarters (75%) of Onondaga County 50+ voters support legislation that would
require new homes built with county or state funds for low-income residents to use
Universal Design standards so they are accessible to people of all ages and abilities,
with half (51%) strongly supporting.
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 6
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
22%
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
% o
f To
tal N
Y S
tate
Po
pu
lati
on
50-64 65+
28%
43%
52% 60%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
2010 2012
New York State Voter Participation by Age
18-49 50+
POPULATION GROWTH & POWER OF 50+ VOTERS
New York State has 6.8 million residents that are age 50+ and more than 168,000 in
Onondaga County. A larger share of the 50+ in Onondaga County is currently under age 65:
58 percent are 50 to 64; and 42 percent are 65 and over.2 With the baby boom generation
(those born 1946-1964) now aging into the older half of the 50+ cohort, New York State’s 65
and over population is growing at a rate of 500 people every day.3 Over the 25-year span from
2010 to 2035, New York State’s population age 65+ will go from 1 in every 7, to 1 in every 5
residents. In Onondaga County this is an increase from 14 percent to 19 percent of the total
population.4
New York State Population Projection4
The 50+ age cohort is also an
engaged voter bloc. In the 2010
gubernatorial election, 52 percent of
50+ New Yorkers turned up at the
polls - a rate nearly twice that of
their 18-49 year old counterparts.
In the 2012 presidential election,
50+ voters in New York State again
significantly outpaced younger
voters in voter participation. Sixty
percent of all 50+ residents voted
compared to 43 percent of those
under age 50. 5
2 Nielsen and AARP MUL 2014. Prepared by AARP Research. 3 U.S. Census Bureau. Analysis by AARP Research 4 Cornell University, Program on Applied Demographics. http://pad.human.cornell.edu/counties/projections.cfm
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 7
58% 52%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
2010 2012
Percent of Total Votes Cast New York State by Age
18-49
50+
Stronger voter participation among 50+ voters results in an over representation among all
votes cast compared to their share of the population. In both the 2010 gubernatorial and the
2012 presidential elections, 50+ voters accounted for more than half of all votes in New
York State while representing just 43 to 44 percent of the total 18+ population.6
5 U.S. Census Bureau. Current Population Survey, 2010 and 2012 November Voter Supplement. Prepared by AARP Research. (Self-reported survey of voter behavior.) 6 U.S. Census Bureau. Current Population Survey, 2010 and 2012 November Voter Supplement. Prepared by AARP Research. (Self-reported survey of voter behavior.)
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 8
62%
68%
70%
72%
74%
77%
Maintain safe and independent mobilityaround town for all ages
Help New Yorkers have a financially secureretirement
Ensure work opportunities for New Yorkers asthey age
Ensure New Yorkers can afford to stay in theirhomes
Support family caregivers
Safeguard New Yorkers against consumerscams, identity theft or fraud
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Likelihood to Vote for Candidate that Will Work on the Following Issues
(% Extremely or Very Likely to Vote For) Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)
With such strong 50+ voter representation at the polls, it is their interests that will largely
determine the outcomes. A large majority of Onondaga County voters said they will vote
for a candidate who supports key issues pertinent to 50+ voters. More than three quarters
(77%) would vote for a candidate who supports protecting New Yorkers from consumer
fraud. Onondaga County 50+voters are particularly worried about identity theft and credit
card fraud among the types of consumer fraud.
A majority of Onondaga County 50+ voters are likely to vote for a candidate who supports
family caregivers (74%) and who will work to ensure New Yorkers can afford to stay in their
homes (72%). A majority of Onondaga County 50+ voters also want to elect a candidate
who will ensure work opportunities for New Yorkers as they age (70%), help New Yorkers
have a financially secure retirement (68%) and maintain safe and independent mobility
around town for all ages (62%).
In the following pages we take a closer look at Onondaga County’s 50+ voter needs and
opinions on these issues.
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 9
DETAILED SURVEY FINDINGS
Caregiving
A family caregiver is someone who provides
unpaid care for an adult relative, friend or
spouse who is ill, frail, elderly, or has a
disability. Care may include assisting with
medical or nursing tasks like giving
medications, wound care, special diets, or
communicating with doctors; as well as
helping with personal needs, household chores, transportation, or financial management.
Such care may be provided to someone who lives either in the same household as the
caregiver or somewhere else. As of 2009, 4.1 million family caregivers in New York State
were providing unpaid care at any given time to an adult with limitations in daily
activities.7
According to our survey of 50+ voters in Onondaga County, over half (51%) have been a
family caregiver to an adult loved one within the past 5 years or since 2009: 18 percent is
currently providing such care while 33 percent previously provided care.
Nationally, the incidence of adult children – mainly Baby Boomers - providing care for a
parent has more than tripled in the past 15 years8 and the demographic shift of the
population indicates the trend will continue. In fact, many Onondaga County 50+ voters see
themselves caregiving in the near future: 54 percent say it is extremely or very likely they
will need to provide care for an adult relative, friend or spouse within the next 5 years.
7 The AARP Public Policy Institute. Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update. The Growing Contributions and Costs of Family Caregiving. www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving/info-07-2011/valuing-the-invaluable.html 8 MetLife Mature Market Institute. The MetLife Study of Caregiving Costs to Working Caregivers; Double Jeopardy for Baby Boomers Caring for Their Parents, 2011. www.metlife.com/mmi/research/caregiving-cost-working-caregivers.html
Nearly two-thirds of working
caregivers have lost work time to
provide care for an adult loved one.
Has Provided Care to an Adult Relative, Friend, or Spouse in the Past 5 years Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)
Current Cargiver
18% No
48%
Don’t Know
1%
Former Caregiver
33%
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 10
Family caregivers help fill the gap in long term care to allow loved ones to stay at home as
they age. The estimated economic value of the care provided by family caregivers in New
York State is approximately $32 billion, representing a significant cost savings for the
health care system.9
But providing this care often comes at a personal cost to the caregiver more than half (51%)
of 50+ voters in Onondaga County with family caregiving experience report the impact of
family caregiving is either “overwhelming” or places “a good deal” of strain on their quality
of life including financial hardship, emotional stress and stress at work.
One-third (33%) 50+ family caregivers in Onondaga County are in the labor force,
simultaneously juggling work responsibilities and caregiving. For working caregivers, the
demands of providing care can often interfere with their work schedules thereby resulting
in lost wages and reduced benefits from pensions and Social Security, detrimentally
impacting earnings and lifetime wealth.10
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of Onondaga County’s 50+ working family caregivers indicate that
providing care has impacted their day-to-day work hours, by going in late, leaving early or
taking time off to provide care. For some, caregiving responsibilities have more obviously
reduced their income from wages, with potential implications on longer-term economic
security: 20 percent have had to take a leave of absence, 20 percent reduced their hours to
part time, and 14 percent stopped working entirely.
9 The AARP Public Policy Institute. Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update. The Growing Contributions and Costs of Family Caregiving. www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving/info-07-2011/valuing-the-invaluable.html 10 MetLife Mature Market Institute. The MetLife Study of Caregiving Costs to Working Caregivers; Double Jeopardy for Baby Boomers Caring for Their Parents, 2011. www.metlife.com/mmi/research/caregiving-cost-working-caregivers.html
4%
11%
14%
20%
20%
65%
Feel treated unfairly at work
Lose any job benefits
Give up working or early retirement
Go from working full-time to part-time
Take a leave of absence
Go in late, leave early, take time off duringthe day to provide care
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Caregiving Impact on Work Schedule Onondaga County Voters 50+, Caregivers in the Labor Force
(n=75)
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 11
Perhaps because so many are past, present or future caregivers, a majority of all 50+ voters
in Onondaga County support legislative proposals to help family caregivers. Over nine in
ten (91%) are in favor of requiring hospitals and care facilities to record a family caregiver’s
name on the medical record of the patient upon admission in order to keep that caregiver
informed of major decisions, like transferring or discharging the patient.
A slightly larger majority (94%) is in favor of requiring hospitals and rehabilitation
facilities to explain and demonstrate any medical or nursing tasks to caregivers that they
will need to perform after the patient returns home.
Over seven in ten (72%) support the establishment of a family leave insurance program, to
be funded by both state resources and a small employee payroll deduction, that would allow
family caregivers to receive a portion of their salary if they need to leave work for family
caregiving duties.
When making voting decisions for New York State elections, nearly three quarters (74%) of
50+ voters in Onondaga County say they are extremely or very likely to vote for a candidate
who will work on supporting New Yorkers who provide care at home for an adult loved one
who is ill, frail, elderly or disabled.
74% 68%
46%
20% 23%
26%
3% 4%
12%
2% 4% 9%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Require demonstrationof medical/nursing tasks
Require caregiver nameto be on record
Establish family leaveinsurance program
Legislative Proposals to Support Family Caregivers Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)
Strongly Oppose
Somewhat Oppose
Somewhat Support
Strongly Support
SPOTLIGHT ON BOOMERS (50-64 year olds): CAREGIVING
Caregiving among Boomers has tripled in the past 15 years. Among Boomer-aged voters in
Onondaga County, 56 percent are either recent or current caregivers; or 50 percent see
themselves caregiving in the near future. The majority of 50+ working caregivers are Baby
Boomers. In Onondaga County, family caregiving has disrupted a steady day-to-day work
schedule for 69 percent of working Boomer caregivers.
Support
NET=
94%
Support
NET=
91%
Support
NET=
72%
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 12
16%
17%
17%
22%
28%
44%
0% 20% 40% 60%
Passed over for raise orpromotion
Unwelcome comments aboutage
Laid off, fired, or forced out
Not hired
Encouraged/forced to retire
Yes to Any (Net)
Do you Believe you, a Family Member or Friend Have Ever Experienced the Following at Work Because of Age
Since Turning 50? (% Yes) Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)
8%
59%
33%
Not in the labor force for otherreasons
Retired, not working at all
Labor Force Participation (NET)
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Working Status Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)
50+ Workers
After a period of historic lows during the 1980s, the U.S. labor force participation rate for
the 65 and over population has been rising since the late 1990s and is currently around 20
percent. Within the 65 and over population, the 65 to 69 cohort has seen the largest
increase, reaching a labor participation rate of 31 percent in 2010.11 As the Boomers now
age into the 65-and-over ranks, the
working share of the older
population is expected to continue
to rise.12
In our survey, one-third (33%)
Onondaga County 50+ voters are in
the labor force. This equates to 53
percent among 50 to 64 year old
Onondaga County voters; and 12
percent among the 65+.
At the same time; however, age-
based employment discrimination is
a concern for many. Three in ten
(31%) of Onondaga County 50+
voters in the work force are
extremely or very concerned about
age discrimination and another 39
percent are somewhat concerned.
Concern or worry about age
discrimination at work may be
partly due to experiencing or
observing acts believed to be
discriminatory. Over four in ten
(44%) of Onondaga County 50+
voters believe they or someone they
know have experienced age-based
discrimination at work since
turning 50. The most common form
is forcing retirement before the employee is ready (28%) followed by not hiring a candidate
because of age (22%). Lay-offs, firings or ousting, pass overs, and verbal comments are each
experienced or observed by one in six.
11 U.S. Census Bureau, Labor Force Participation and Work Status of People 65 Years and Older, issued January 2013. www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/acsbr11-09.pdf 12 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Spotlight on Older Workers, June 2008. www.bls.gov/spotlight/2008/older_workers/
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 13
Increasing labor force participation among 50+ adults will require workplace dynamics to
meet the needs of older workers, including protection from age discrimination and
adaptations for family caregiving responsibilities. Seventy percent of Onondaga County
voters 50+ are ready to support a candidate who works for ensuring opportunities for
workers as they age.
SPOTLIGHT ON BOOMERS (50-64 year olds): WORK
Over half (53%) of Boomer aged voters in Onondaga County report they are in
the labor force. Among all Boomer voters in Onondaga County, almost half
(48%) have experienced or witnessed work place acts believed to be
discriminatory because of age and worry about age discrimination in the work
place is widespread: 29 percent are extremely or very concerned about age
discrimination at work and another 39 percent are somewhat concerned.
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 14
10%
12%
25%
19%
33%
53%
Not at all confident
Not too confident
Somewhat confident
Very confident
Extremely confident
Extremely/Very (NET)
0% 20% 40% 60%
Confidence in Ability to Retire Onondaga County Voters 50+, in
Labor Force (n=143)
Retirement Security
Within the 33 percent of Onondaga County voters 50+ who are currently in the labor force,
82 percent are age 50 to 64 and
approximately 18 percent are age 65
and over.
Onondaga County 50+ voters who are
still in the labor force are moderately
confident that they will ever be able to
retire. While over half (53%) are
extremely or very confident they will ever retire, one-quarter (25%) is just somewhat
confident, and over one in five (22%) are not confident in ever being able to retire. More
than four in ten (44%) say that their retirement will be delayed for financial reasons.
Among the subset of 50+ Onondaga County voters who are confident they will be able to
retire, 50 percent of them report they are at least somewhat likely to leave New York State
after retirement. One-quarter (25%) are extremely or very likely to leave and one-quarter
(25%) is somewhat likely to leave.
18%
31%
25%
8%
17%
25%
Not at all likely
Not very likely
Somewhat likely
Very likely
Extremely likely
Extremely/Very (NET)
0% 20% 40% 60%
Likelihood of Leaving New York State after Retiring
Onondaga County Voters 50+, in Labor Force and Confident Will
Retire (n=109)
50+ working Onondaga County
voters face prospects of either
never retiring or leaving the state.
SPOTLIGHT ON BOOMERS (50-64 year olds): RETIREMENT FLIGHT
In the 50 to 64 year old Boomer cohort, 22 percent of Onondaga County workers
are not confident they will ever be able to retire. Of the 77 percent of
Onondaga County workers who are at least somewhat confident they will retire,
53 percent report likelihood to leave New York State after retirement.
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 15
39%
37%
26%
Property Taxes
Utilities
Monthly rent or mortgage
0% 20% 40% 60%
Level of Concern about Ability to Pay in the Coming Years
(% Extremely or Vey Concerned) Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)
At the same time, 50+ Americans overwhelmingly say they want to stay in their homes and
communities as they age.13 Further, majorities of 50+ voters consistently support
candidates and legislation that allows older New Yorkers to stay in their homes. The
question then is why does such a relatively large proportion of future retirees say they are
likely to leave New York? Looking at some basic affordability issues offers insight.
Nearly four in ten (39%) of 50+
Onondaga County voters indicate a
high level of concern for their
ability to afford property taxes and
utilities in the coming years. In
addition, one-quarter (26%) is
concerned about affording monthly
housing payments such as a
mortgage or rent.
Ongoing rises in these basic
housing costs coupled with
uncertain retirement income
suggest motives for future retirees
to leave New York and relocate in
exchange for an affordable
retirement.
Over the past few decades, the decrease in the percentage of all workers covered by defined
benefit (“payout”) plans and increase in defined contribution (“pay in”) plans means that
employees are bearing more risk in terms of steady retirement income.14
Countywide in Onondaga, one-quarter (25%) of 50+ voters in the labor force do not have
any option to save for retirement through their employer. Another 21 percent have only
defined contribution plans available, such as a 401k, where employers pay a specified
amount into the plan but there is no assurance on the final payout to the retiree. Relatively
fewer 50+ voters in Onondaga County (9%) are offered defined benefit or traditional
pensions as their only retirement plan. Defined benefit or pension plans are more likely to
be provided together with a defined contribution plan (44%) for current Onondaga county
workers age 50+.
13 The AARP Public Policy Institute. What Is Livable? Community Preferences of Older Adults, April 2014. www.aarp.org/research/ppi/liv-com2/policy/Other/articles/what-is-livable-AARP-ppi-liv-com.html 14 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Compensation Survey – Benefits. www.bls.gov/ncs/ebs/
(Homeowners Only)
(Homeowners only)
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 16
To help close the gap in savings options, a large majority of 50+ Onondaga County voters
(77%) support the establishment of a state retirement plan that would grant plan access for
New Yorkers who have no retirement savings option through their employer. Over half of
50+ voters (53%) strongly support such a proposal.
When considering a state retirement plan in New York to help all workers have access to
retirement savings plans, portability is considered important by over eight in ten (85%) 50+
voters across Onondaga County, ranking first among plan features. A low cost to taxpayers
and accessibility to all workers rank second in voter importance. Features that affect
individual participants are important to relatively fewer but still a majority, such as low
cost to participants (62%), professional management (59%), and ease of use (55%).
Ensuring financial security for New Yorkers is a key voting issue for 50+ voters.
Candidates who will work on helping secure retirements and housing security for the 50+
are likely to win support from voters. When making voting decisions for New York State
elections, more than two-thirds (68%) Onondaga County 50+ voters say they are extremely
or very likely to vote for a candidate who will work on helping New Yorkers have a
financially secure retirement. Also, seven in ten (72%) say they are extremely or very likely
to vote for a candidate working to ensure New Yorkers can afford to stay in their homes.
6%
12%
5%
17%
24%
53%
77%
Neither/Don't know/Refused
Strongly oppose
Somewhat oppose
Total Oppose (NET)
Somewhat support
Strongly support
Total Support (NET)
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Would you support or oppose establishing a state retirement plan to help New Yorkers that do not have
access to a retirement savings option at work? Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 17
Age Friendly Community
In addition to affordability, improvements in supports and services for older residents offer
opportunities to make staying in New York likely for more retirees. Between 49 percent and
68 percent of 50+ Onondaga County voters say they would be more likely to stay in the
state as they age if improvements were made in the areas of health, housing, transportation
and jobs for older residents.
Nearly seven in ten (68%) of 50+ voters would be more likely to stay in New York as they
age if health services and community support were improved. Six in ten (61%) say
improvements in affordable and suitable housing for older residents would positively
influence their likelihood to stay in New York. Over six in ten (63%) would be positively
persuaded to stay with public and alternative transportation improvements for all mobility
levels. Better employment opportunities for 50+ residents would influence just under half
(49%) to consider staying in New York as they age.
49%
61%
63%
68%
Employment opportunities for older residents
Housing that is affordable and suitable for olderresidents
Public transportation and alternativetransportation services for older or ill residents,
that is affordable and accessible
Health services and community support
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
If New York State Were to Make Improvements in Onondaga County, Would It Make You More Likely to Stay in NY as You
Age? (% saying “yes”) Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)
SPOTLIGHT ON BOOMERS (50-64 year olds): AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY
The potential for age friendly improvements to sway the likelihood of staying in New York
State is similar, or somewhat less, among Boomers as it is for the entire 50+ cohort. 63%
of Boomer voters in Onondaga County would be influenced to stay in New York with
improvements in health services; 60% with improvements in housing; 60% with improved
public/alternative transportation services; and 53% with more or better employment
opportunities for older residents.
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 18
Concerning problematic features in the community, streets that are in need of repair are
considered a problem to the large majority of 50+ Onondaga County voters (84%); with six
in ten (59%) saying this is a major problem. Echoing concerns about future affordability of
housing costs, the lack of affordable housing again arises as a concern for a significant
portion of Onondaga County’s 50+ voters – 58 percent categorize the lack of affordable
housing as a problem in their community.
Among the pedestrian-friendly features asked about, cars not yielding to pedestrians is
ranked as a major problem by 50+ voters in the county: two-thirds (66%) overall recognize
this as a problem and over one in five (23%) say it is a major problem. Additional
community features that encourage walkability and decrease reliance on driving also
present opportunity to improve age friendliness of New York communities. Large portions
of county residents report problems in their community with sidewalk condition (61%),
close, accessible and easy public transportation (59%), and traffic light timings that are safe
for pedestrian crossing (47%).
Having safe and independent mobility options within their communities is an issue that
influences the voting behavior of Onondaga County 50+ voters. When making voting
decisions for New York State elections, six in ten (62%) of Onondaga County 50+ voters say
they are extremely or very likely to vote for a candidate who will work on maintaining safe
and independent mobility around town for New Yorkers of all ages.
12%
19%
23%
25%
23%
27%
59%
35%
39%
36%
36%
43%
46%
25%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Traffic lights timed too fast for safe pedestriancrossing
Lack of affordable housing
Public transportation too far away, too limited,or too hard to navigate
Sidewalks too narrow, poorly lit, need repair,don't exist
Cars not yielding to pedestrians
Crime or personal safety
Streets that need repair
Is Each of the Following a Problem in Your Community? Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)
Major Problem Minor Problem
47%
84%
73%
61%
66%
58%
59%
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 19
Adults want to stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible as they age.
This preference for residents to “age in place” is easier to realize in a community that
includes housing options for varying life stages and all income levels.
“Universal Design” is a term that refers to the design of living and work spaces so that they
are accessible and usable by everyone, including people of all ages and people with
disabilities, without special or separate design. Examples of basic universal design features
in a private home would include a no-step entrance, 36 inch doorways, a bedroom or room
to convert into a bedroom on the main floor, and a full bath on the main floor.
Three quarters (75%) of Onondaga County 50+ voters countywide support legislation that
would require new homes built for low-income residents with county or state funds to use
such universal design standards, with half (51%) strongly supporting this measure.
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 20
Utilities
The prospect of rising and unaffordable utility costs in the coming years is a concern for
Onondaga County’s 50+ voters. Over one-third (37%) of voters age 50+ say they are
extremely or very concerned about their
ability to pay utility bills in the coming
years. This level of concern is only slightly
less than the proportion of homeowners
among Onondaga County 50+ voters who
are concerned about their ability to pay
property taxes in the coming years (39%).
Moreover, nearly three quarters (73%)
Onondaga County voters age 50+ say the
cost of heating their homes this past winter put a strain on their household finances. Over
one quarter (27%) of Onondaga County voters age 50+ say the cost of heating their homes
has been a major financial strain this past winter.
21%
16%
26%
17%
20%
37%
Not at all concerned
Not too concerned
Somewhat concerned
Very concerned
Extremely concerned
Extremely/Very (NET)
0% 20% 40% 60%
Level of Concern about Ability to Pay Utility Bills in Coming Years
Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)
26%
46%
27%
73%
No strain at all
A minor strain
A major strain
Any Strain (NET)
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Financial Impact of Cost of Heating on Household
Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)
Onondaga County voters age
50+ want protection against
high and increasing utility costs.
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 21
A majority of 50+ voters do not feel consumers are duly protected from ongoing rate hikes
and there is a perceived lack of action from elected officials. Three quarters (75%) of
Onondaga County voters age 50+ do not believe the interests of residential utility
customers are represented and taken into consideration when utility rate increases are
proposed for electricity and gas. A majority (68%) do not believe their elected officials are
doing enough to help them when home energy costs increase.
In 40 other states, a consumer advocate independently represents the interests of
residential utility consumers. New York State does not currently have an independent
utility consumer advocate. Eight in ten (80%) Onondaga County voters age 50 and over
support legislation to establish such an office that would represent residential customers
when utility companies request a rate increase before the New York State Public Service.
Six in ten (61%) supports it strongly.
SPOTLIGHT ON BOOMERS (50-64 year olds): UTILITIES
On the issue of utility affordability, 50 to 64 year old Boomer voters in Onondaga
County are more likely than 50+ voters overall to believe that consumer interests are
neither represented and considered when rate increases are proposed (78% say they
are not); nor that elected officials are doing enough to help them when home energy
costs increase (73% say they are not).
9%
4%
13%
20%
61%
80%
Strongly oppose
Somewhat oppose
Total Oppose (NET)
Somewhat support
Strongly support
Total Support (NET)
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Opinions on Creating an Independent Utility Consumer Advocate Office in New York
Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 22
DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS
63%
15%
10%
11%
49%
51%
5%
26%
15%
22%
14%
4%
14%
29%
27%
28%
11%
33%
30%
21%
14%
18%
17%
21%
12%
12%
21%
Married or living with a partner
Widowed
Divorced or separated
Never married
AARP Member
AARP Non-Member
0 to 12th grade, no diploma
High school graduate or equivalent
Post high school, no degree
2 year degree
4 year degree
Post graduate study, no degree
Graduate or professional degree
Democrat
Republican
Independent
Something else
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
None of these
<$30K
$30K-<$50K
$50K-<$75K
$75K-<$100K
$100,000+
Don't know/Refused
CIV
IL S
TA
TUS
MEM
BER
SHIP
EDU
CA
TIO
NP
AR
TYA
FFIL
IATI
ON
PO
LITI
CA
L V
IEW
SIN
CO
ME
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 23
METHODOLOGY
SUMMARY
On behalf of AARP, an independent survey firm, Universal Survey, Inc., conducted
telephone interviews with a sample of 2,926 registered voters aged 50+ who reside in New
York State. The sample was drawn at random from a list of registered voters in the state of
New York provided by Aristotle. Respondents were screened on age, state residency, and
voter registration for inclusion in the survey. Interviewing occurred from March 19 through
April 18, 2014.
The total number of interviews was allocated across discrete sampling areas. There is a
statewide sample of 407 with oversamples in the following New York State geographies
for approximately 400 in each of the following areas:
Capital Area (4 counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady);
Erie County;
Dutchess County;
Monroe County;
Onondaga County;
Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties); and
New York City (5 counties of Bronx, King, New York, Queens, Richmond).
This survey is very similar to one conducted in New York City in June 2013. Repeated
survey questions were not asked this year in New York City oversample interviews. In
New York City only, interviewing was conducted in English and Spanish.
On a sample size of n=400, the margin of error is ±5.0 percent at the 95% confidence
interval. Data have been weighted by age, gender, education and county to reflect the 50+
voter population in each geography.
SAMPLE DESIGN
The sample of registered voters was drawn from a list of 5.5 million 50+ year old registered
voters. The table below shows counts and distribution of sample records in the sample
frame by target geographies.
COUNT %
Capital Area 265,390 5%
Erie County 299,232 5%
Onondaga County 140,637 3%
Monroe County 218,716 4%
Dutchess County 88,191 2%
Long Island 923,556 17%
NYC 2,020,427 37%
Rest of NY 1,548,955 27%
TOTAL 5,505,104 100%
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 24
The study was completed in two phases. Phase one consisted of 407 random interviews
across the state of New York. The distribution of the New York statewide sample is shown
below. Phase Two was a stratified random sample draw in each of the targeted geographies
to augment interviews that fell out of the statewide sample with a goal of achieving 400 in
each area.
NY Statewide
Sample n=407
Geographic Over-
samples
Total n
Capital Area 33 368 401
Erie County 23 377 400
Onondaga County 12 388 400
Monroe County 18 386 404
Dutchess County 5 401 406
Long Island 63 338 401
New York City 139 261 400
Rest of New York State 114 - 114
TOTAL 407 2,519 2,926
QUESTIONNAIRE
The questionnaire was developed by AARP staff.
WEIGHTING
The sample was weighted by education, age, gender and county to match the sampling
frame of registered voters, with an additional overlay from the 2012 Current Population
Survey November Voter Supplement (CPS). The weights were applied sequentially. The
order of application was education, gender, and age. These weights were applied first (in
sequence) based on the sample codes sourced from the list and weighted to the sample
frame. Next, a second stage of weighting on education was applied based on survey
responses and weighted to the population distribution according to the CPS. Last, for the
New York City sample only, a county weight was applied based on the CPS.
Following are the New York 50+ voter population distributions on education and county
(NYC only) according to the U.S. Current Population Survey 2012, November Voter
Supplement.
EDUCATION NY
State Capital
Area Erie Monroe
Onon-daga
Dutch-ess
Long Island
NYC
Less than 4 year degree 66% 68% 68% 68% 68% 68% 58% 68%
4 year degree or more 34% 32% 32% 32% 32% 32% 42% 32%
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 25
COUNTY NYC
Bronx 19%
Kings/Brooklyn 23%
New York/Manhattan 24%
Queens 26%
Richmond 8%
The table below contains information about the weighting result. The first table shows
distributions for New York registered voters aged 50+ according to the sample frame in the
column labeled “Population”. The column labeled “Sample” shows the distribution of the
sample. The column labeled “Weighted Sample” shows the distribution in the sample after
all the weights were applied.
Population* Sample
Weighted Sample
EDUCATION
NYS - No info 44.60% 31.40% 43.00%
NYS - Completed High School 24.00% 25.80% 24.60%
NYS - Completed College 19.70% 25.30% 20.30%
NYS - Completed Graduate School 11.50% 17.00% 11.90%
NYS - Attended Vocational/Technical 0.20% 0.50% 0.20%
Onondaga - No info 32.40% 21.70% 32.50%
Onondaga - Completed High School 29.30% 27.80% 29.40%
Onondaga - Completed College 22.90% 28.10% 22.90%
Onondaga - Completed Graduate School 15.10% 21.90% 15.10%
Onondaga - Attended Vocational/Technical 0.10% 0.50% 0.10%
GENDER
NYS - Male 48% 46% 48%
NYS - Female 52% 54% 52%
Onondaga - Male 47% 50% 47%
Onondaga - Female 53% 50% 53%
AGE
NYS - Age 50-64 50% 41% 49%
NYS - Age 65+ 50% 59% 51%
Onondaga - Age 50-64 51% 49% 51%
Onondaga - Age 65+ 49% 51% 49%
EDUCATION
NYS - Less than 4 year degree 66% 56% 65%
NYS - 4 year degree or more 34% 44% 35%
Onondaga - Less than 4 year degree 68% 50% 67%
Onondaga - 4 year degree or more 32% 50% 32%
* Source: Aristotle.
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 26
RESPONSE RATE/COOPERATION RATE/REFUSAL RATE
The response rate for this study was measured using AAPOR’s response rate 3 method. The
cooperation rate was measured using AAPOR’s cooperation rate 3 method. The refusal rate
was measured using AAPOR’s refusal rate 3 method.
Response Rate
Cooperation Rate
Refusal Rate
TOTAL 7% 48% 28%
Onondaga County 9% 52% 29%
Source: AAPOR Outcome Rate Calculator Version 2.1 May 2003
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 27
ANNOTATED QUESTIONNAIRE
2014 New York State Telephone Survey of Registered Voters 50+ Annotation of Survey Responses
English Questionnaire, Landline Sample Only
These data were collected by Universal Survey, Inc. on behalf of AARP through a telephone survey of New York State registered voters age 50 and older. There is a statewide sample of n=407 with oversamples in the following NY geographies for approximately n=400 each: the Capital Area (4 counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady); Erie County; Dutchess County; Monroe County; Onondaga County; Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties); and New York City (5 counties of Bronx, King, New York, Queens, Richmond). This survey is very similar to one conducted in NYC in June 2013. Repeated survey questions were not asked in NYC oversample interviews. Interviewing was conducted between March 19 and April 18, 2014. In New York City only, interviewing was conducted in English and Spanish. On a sample size of n=400 the margin of error is ±5.0 percent at the 95% confidence interval. Data have been weighted to reflect the 50+ voter population in each geography.
* Survey sections in blue highlight were skipped for NYC oversample only.
INTRODUCTION Hello, this is ______ calling from _________, a national opinion research firm. We are not telemarketers and are not trying to sell you anything. We are calling New Yorkers to ask about their opinions on some issues that may affect them and their families and would like to include your views in our study. We would greatly appreciate your participation and all of your responses will be kept entirely confidential.
SCREENER QS1. First, to ensure that we interview a wide variety of people, I have a few questions about you. Can you please tell me your age as of your last birthday? [CAPTURE ACTUAL AGE. DON’T READ LIST UNLESS NECESSARY. USE THE AGE GROUPS BELOW TO KEEP TRACK OF HOW MANY RESPONDENTS WE ARE GETTING IN EACH GROUP.]
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
50-64 NET 49% 51%
65+ NET 51% 49%
QS2. And, are you registered to vote in New York?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Yes 100% 100%
No - -
QS3. Which New York County do you live in? (DO NOT READ)
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
CAPITAL AREA 8% -
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 28
New York State Onondaga County
Albany County 4% -
Rensselaer County 2% -
Saratoga County 1% -
Schenectady County 1% -
ERIE COUNTY 5% -
DUTCHESS COUNTY 1% -
MONROE COUNTY 4% -
ONONDAGA COUNTY 3% 100%
LONG ISLAND 15% -
Nassau County 6% -
Suffolk County 8% -
NYC 36% -
Bronx County 5% -
Kings County 5% -
New York County 11% -
Queens County 11% -
Richmond County 4% -
REST OF NY 29% -
Allegany County 0 -
Broome County 0 -
Cattaraugus County 1% -
Cayuga County 1% -
Chautauqua County 2% -
Chemung County 1% -
Chenango County 0 -
Clinton County 0 -
Columbia County 0 -
Delaware County 1% -
Essex County 0 -
Franklin County 2% -
Fulton County 0 -
Genesee County 0 -
Herkimer County 1% -
Livingston County 1% -
Madison County 0 -
Montgomery County 1% -
Niagara County 1% -
Oneida County 1% -
Ontario County 1% -
Orange County 1% -
Oswego County 1% -
Otsego County 1% -
Putnam County 1% -
Rockland County 1% -
St. Lawrence County 1% -
Schoharie County 0 -
Schuyler County 0 -
Seneca County 1% -
Steuben County 1% -
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 29
New York State Onondaga County
Sullivan County 0 -
Tioga County 1% -
Tompkins County 1% -
Ulster County 1% -
Warren County 1% -
Washington County 1% -
Wayne County 0 -
Westchester County 3% -
Wyoming County 0 -
Yates County 0 -
QS4. RECORD RESPONDENT’S GENDER. ASK ONLY IF ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY: “To ensure it is recorded accurately, could you please state your gender?”
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Male 48% 47%
Female 52% 53%
QS5. We want to ensure that we interview people from a wide variety of racial and ethnic groups. Can you please tell me if you are of Hispanic, Spanish, or Latino origin or descent?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Yes 10% 1%
No 90% 99%
Don't know 1% 1%
QS6. And what is your race? [ACCEPT ONLY ONE. IF NECESSARY: WHICH ONE RACE DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?]
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
White or Caucasian 81% 91%
Black or African American 8% 4%
Native American or Alaskan Native 0 1%
Asian 1% 0
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 0 0
Other 7% 2%
Don't know 1% 0
Refused 2% 1%
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 30
QS7. Which of the following best describes your current employment status? Are you… [READ LIST, ACCEPT ONE.]
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Labor Force Participation (NET) 39% 33%
Self-employed full-time 5% 4%
Self-employed part-time 3% 2%
Employed full-time 19% 20%
Employed part-time 7% 4%
Unemployed and looking for work 5% 2%
Retired and not working at all 53% 59%
Not in the labor force for other reasons 7% 8%
Don't know 1% 0
Refused 1% -
IF LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION AT QS7, ASK QS8. OTHERWISE GO TO Q3. QS8. Have you ever retired from a previous career?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Labor Force Participation 148 143
Yes 14% 16%
No 86% 83%
Don't know 0 1%
Refused - -
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 31
MAIN QUESTIONNAIRE
Q1. & Q2. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY
[*NYC OVERSAMPLE SKIP Q3, GO TO CAREGIVING SECTION, QC-A.]
Q3. When making your voting decisions for New York State elections, how likely are you to vote for a candidate who will work on [INSERT B-H]? Are you extremely likely, very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely or not at all likely to vote for someone who will work on it? [RANDOMIZE ORDER. RECORD ONE ANSWER FOR EACH. REPEAT RESPONSE SCALE FOR FIRST FEW ONLY.]
NOTE: ITEMS A & G IN LIST BELOW NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY
b. Supporting New Yorkers who provide care at home for an adult loved one who is ill, frail, elderly or disabled
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 75% 74%
Extremely likely 34% 34%
Very likely 42% 40%
Somewhat likely 20% 21%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 2% 3%
Not very likely 2% 2%
Not at all likely 1% 1%
Don't know 2% 1%
Refused 0 0
c. Safeguarding New Yorkers against consumer scams, identify theft or fraud
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 76% 77%
Extremely likely 37% 33%
Very likely 39% 45%
Somewhat likely 18% 18%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 5% 3%
Not very likely 4% 2%
Not at all likely 1% 1%
Don't know 1% 1%
Refused 0 1%
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 32
d. Helping New Yorkers have enough money for a financially secure retirement
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 72% 68%
Extremely likely 33% 28%
Very likely 38% 40%
Somewhat likely 17% 20%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 6% 9%
Not very likely 3% 6%
Not at all likely 3% 4%
Don't know 4% 1%
Refused 1% 1%
e. Ensuring work opportunities for New Yorkers as they age
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 70% 70%
Extremely likely 27% 26%
Very likely 43% 44%
Somewhat likely 20% 24%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 7% 4%
Not very likely 5% 2%
Not at all likely 2% 2%
Don't know 2% 0
Refused 1% 2%
f. Maintaining safe and independent mobility around town for New Yorkers of all ages
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 67% 62%
Extremely likely 29% 24%
Very likely 38% 38%
Somewhat likely 22% 29%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 6% 6%
Not very likely 5% 4%
Not at all likely 2% 2%
Don't know 4% 1%
Refused 0 1%
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 33
h. Ensuring New Yorkers can afford to stay in their homes
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 79% 72%
Extremely likely 39% 30%
Very likely 40% 42%
Somewhat likely 14% 21%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 6% 5%
Not very likely 3% 3%
Not at all likely 2% 1%
Don't know 1% 2%
Refused 1% 1%
Caregiving
QC-A. The next few questions are about caregiving. A family caregiver is someone who provides care for an adult relative, friend or spouse who is ill, frail, elderly, or has a disability. Care may include assisting with medical or nursing tasks like giving medications, wound care, special diets, or communicating with doctors; also helping with personal needs, household chores, transportation, financial management or a variety of other tasks. Such care may be provided to someone who lives either in the same household or somewhere else.
How likely is it that you will provide this sort care to an adult relative, friend or spouse (18 years or older) to help them take care of themselves in the next five years?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 53% 54%
Extremely likely 25% 28%
Very likely 28% 27%
Somewhat likely 14% 16%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 29% 28%
Not very likely 16% 14%
Not at all likely 13% 14%
Don't know 4% 2%
Refused 0 -
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 34
QC-1. In the past 5 years, since 2009, have you yourself provided this sort of care to an adult relative, friend or spouse 18 years or older who is ill, frail, elderly or has a disability? [IF RESPONDENT SAYS “YES” CLARIFY IF THEY ARE STILL CURRENTLY PROVIDING CARE OR PREVIOUSLY BUT NOT CURRENTLY.]
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Caregiver (NET) 50% 51%
Yes, I am currently providing care 20% 18%
Yes, I previously provided care but not currently 30% 33%
No 49% 48%
Don't know 1% 1%
Refused 1% -
QC-2. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY
[*NYC OVERSAMPLE SKIP QC-3. GO TO INSTRUCTION BEFORE QC-4.1]
QC-3. To what extent [INSERT “does” IF CURRENTLY AT QC-1. INSERT “did” IF PREVIOUSLY AT QC-1 AND NOT CURRENTLY] your caregiving put a strain on the quality of life for you and your family, including financial hardship, emotional stress and stress at work? Would you say … READ LIST. ACCEPT ONE
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Current and previous caregivers (excluding NYC oversample) 201 208
Overwhelming strain 14% 12%
A good deal of strain 41% 39%
Minor strain 30% 34%
No strain at all 14% 14%
Don't know 0 1%
Refused 0 -
ASK QC-4.1 IF Q.S7=1-4 OR 6 “LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION” OR QS8=YES “RETIRED FROM A PREVIOUS CAREER”. OTHERWISE SKIP TO QC-6.] QC-4. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY
QC-4.1. In your experience as both a worker and a caregiver, did you ever…… [INSERT FROM BELOW. RANDOMIZE LIST]
a) Feel treated unfairly at work
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Caregivers and Labor Force Participation 82 75
Yes 14% 4%
No 85% 95%
Was not working at the time I was caregiving - -
Don't know - -
Refused 1% 1%
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 35
b) Have to go in late, leave early, or take time off during the day to provide care
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Caregivers and Labor Force Participation 82 75
Yes 74% 65%
No 25% 34%
Was not working at the time I was caregiving - 1%
Don't know - -
Refused 1% -
c) Have to take a leave of absence
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Caregivers and Labor Force Participation 82 75
Yes 27% 20%
No 71% 80%
Was not working at the time I was caregiving - -
Don't know - -
Refused 1% -
d) Have to go from working full-time to part-time
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Caregivers and Labor Force Participation 82 75
Yes 17% 20%
No 81% 77%
Was not working at the time I was caregiving 1% 3%
Don't know - -
Refused 1% -
e) Lose any of your job benefits
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Caregivers and Labor Force Participation 82 75
Yes 11% 11%
No 85% 87%
Was not working at the time I was caregiving - 1%
Don't know 3% -
Refused 2% 1%
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 36
f) Have to give up working entirely or choose early retirement
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Caregivers and Labor Force Participation 82 75
Yes 13% 14%
No 85% 86%
Was not working at the time I was caregiving - -
Don't know 1% -
Refused 1% -
QC-5. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY
QC-6. There are currently a number of legislative proposals to help provide support for family caregivers. For each of the following proposals that I read, please tell me if you would support or oppose it: [INSERT ITEM A-C FROM LIST BELOW AND RANDOMIZE ORDER OF ITEMS]
a) Require hospitals and care facilities to record the name of a patient’s caregiver in the patient’s medical record upon admission and keep that caregiver informed of major decisions, like transferring or discharging the patient.
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Support (NET) 87% 90%
Strongly support 65% 68%
Somewhat support 22% 23%
Neither support nor oppose 2% 1%
Oppose (NET) 7% 8%
Somewhat oppose 4% 4%
Strongly oppose 3% 4%
Don't know 4% 1%
Refused 1% -
b) Require hospitals and rehab facilities to explain and demonstrate any medical or nursing tasks caregivers will need to perform after the patient returns home.
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Support (NET) 93% 94%
Strongly support 69% 74%
Somewhat support 23% 20%
Neither support nor oppose 2% 1%
Oppose (NET) 3% 5%
Somewhat oppose 2% 3%
Strongly oppose 1% 2%
Don't know 2% 0
Refused 0 -
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 37
c) Establish a family leave insurance program that provides workers with a portion of their pay if they need to leave work for family caregiving duties. This program would be funded by both state resources and a very small employee payroll deduction.
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Support (NET) 72% 72%
Strongly support 45% 46%
Somewhat support 28% 26%
Neither support nor oppose 2% 4%
Oppose (NET) 20% 20%
Somewhat oppose 10% 12%
Strongly oppose 10% 9%
Don't know 5% 3%
Refused 1% 1%
Older Worker [*NYC OVERSAMPLE, SKIP QW-1 THROUGH QR-3. GO TO INSTRUCTION BEFORE QR-4.] QW-1.Next, I have some questions related to work and age. Do you believe you yourself, a family member or a friend have ever….[INSERT ITEM A-E FROM LIST BELOW AND RANDOMIZE ORDER OF ITEMS]
a. Not been hired for a job because of age since turning 50?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Yes 23% 22%
No 72% 74%
Don't know 5% 4%
Refused - -
b. Been passed over for a raise or promotion because of age since turning 50?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Yes 18% 16%
No 77% 81%
Don't know 4% 3%
Refused 1% -
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 38
c. Been laid off, fired, or forced out of a job because of age since turning 50?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Yes 19% 17%
No 79% 82%
Don't know 2% 1%
Refused 1% -
d. Been encouraged or forced to retire before you or they preferred to retire?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Yes 26% 28%
No 71% 71%
Don't know 3% 1%
Refused - -
e. Received or been exposed to unwelcome comments about age in the workplace?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Yes 16% 17%
No 83% 81%
Don't know 1% 1%
Refused - -
[ASK QW-2 IF CODES 1-4 OR 6 AT Q.S7. OTHERWISE SKIP TO INSTRUCTION BEFORE QR-1. ]
QW-2.How concerned are you about age discrimination in the workplace? [READ LIST.]
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Labor Force Participation (excluding NYC oversample) 148 143
Top 2 Box (NET) 34% 31%
Extremely concerned 18% 19%
Very concerned 15% 13%
Somewhat concerned 30% 39%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 36% 29%
Not too concerned 17% 20%
Not at all concerned 19% 10%
Don't know - -
Refused - -
QW-3 & QW-4 MOVED. QW-5 & QW-6 OMITTED
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 39
Retirement Security [TRANSITION TEXT READ TO ALL] Thinking now about retirement security … [IF QS7=1-4 OR 6 “LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION” CONTINUE. OTHERWISE, GO TO QR-4] QR-1 (OLD QW-3.) Overall how confident are you that you will be able to retire at some point? Are you… [READ LIST. ACCEPT ONE]
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Labor Force Participation (excluding NYC oversample) 148 143
Top 2 Box (NET) 39% 53%
Extremely confident 22% 33%
Very confident 18% 19%
Somewhat confident 33% 25%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 27% 22%
Not too confident 13% 12%
Not at all confident 14% 10%
Don't know 0 0
Refused - 0
QR-2 (OLD QW-4.) Will your retirement be delayed for financial reasons?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Labor Force Participation (excluding NYC oversample) 148 143
Yes 56% 44%
No 40% 51%
Don't know 3% 5%
Refused - -
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 40
[IF QS7=1-4 OR 6 “LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION” AND EXTREMELY, VERY OR SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT TO RETIRE AT QR-1 ASK QR-3. ALL OTHERS GO TO INSTRUCTION BEFORE QR-4] QR-3 (OLD QLV-5.1) How likely are you to leave New York State and live somewhere else once you retire? Are
you … READ LIST?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Labor Force Participation and Extremely, Very or Somewhat Confident will be able to retire (excluding NYC oversample) 106 109
Top 2 Box (NET) 27% 25%
Extremely likely 13% 17%
Very likely 14% 8%
Somewhat likely 33% 25%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 39% 49%
Not very likely 17% 31%
Not at all likely 22% 18%
Don't know 1% 1%
Refused - -
[ASK QR-4 IF QS7=1-4 OR 6 “LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION”. ALL OTHERS GO TO QR-5] QR-4. [IF CODE 1-4 AT S7 “Does your employer” IF CODE 6, “Did your most recent employer”] provide any of the following ways to save for retirement? Do they provide …. [INSERT A-B. ROTATE.]
a. A traditional pension plan or defined benefit plan? (IF ASKED, MAY CLARIFY: a traditional pension or defined benefit plan supplies retirees with a monthly income, typically based on a formula of salary and years of service. It is not a 401(k) plan.)
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Labor Force Participation 148 143
Yes 51% 54%
No 41% 44%
My employer doesn’t/didn’t offer a way to save for retirement. 2% 1%
Don't know/Not Sure 3% 2%
Refused 3% 0
b. An IRA, 401k or 403b defined contribution plan (IF ASKED, MAY CLARIFY: a defined contribution plan allows you to make contributions from your salary to an individual account set up in your name.)
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Labor Force Participation 148 143
Yes 58% 65%
No 31% 31%
My employer doesn’t/didn’t offer a way to save for retirement. 2% 1%
Don't know/Not Sure 6% 2%
Refused 3% 1%
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 41
[ASK ALL] QR-5. One way to help New York workers without access to a retirement savings option at work would be for the State to set up its own retirement savings plan. The plan would work very similar to a state college savings plan, where people contribute into a retirement account that is professionally managed. It would be voluntary and open to any worker choosing to enroll in the plan. The plan would be self-funded, and would not cost taxpayer dollars. Would you support or oppose this type of plan?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Support (NET) 77% 77%
Strongly support 52% 53%
Somewhat support 25% 24%
Neither support nor oppose 2% 2%
Oppose (NET) 16% 17%
Somewhat oppose 6% 5%
Strongly oppose 10% 12%
Don't know 4% 4%
Refused 1% -
[IF “Don’t Know” OR “Refused” AT QR-5, SKIP TO QU-1.]
QR-6. If New York State were to institute such a plan, how important would each of the following features be to you? Would you say extremely important, very important, somewhat important, not very important or not at all important? How important is… [INSERT A-F, RANDOMIZE]
a) Portability, so you can take the money and account with you from one job to the next
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Answering 392 389
Top 2 Box (NET) 83% 85%
Extremely important 47% 51%
Very important 37% 34%
Somewhat important 9% 9%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 5% 5%
Not very important 2% 1%
Not at all important 4% 4%
Don't know 2% 1%
Refused 1% 0
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 42
b) A low cost to taxpayers
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Answering 392 389
Top 2 Box (NET) 69% 75%
Extremely important 39% 42%
Very important 29% 33%
Somewhat important 15% 14%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 12% 9%
Not very important 4% 3%
Not at all important 8% 6%
Don't know 2% 2%
Refused 1% 1%
c) A low cost to participants
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Answering 392 389
Top 2 Box (NET) 63% 62%
Extremely important 32% 32%
Very important 31% 30%
Somewhat important 22% 22%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 10% 12%
Not very important 4% 4%
Not at all important 5% 8%
Don't know 5% 3%
Refused 1% 1%
d) Professional money management
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Answering 392 389
Top 2 Box (NET) 55% 59%
Extremely important 25% 32%
Very important 30% 27%
Somewhat important 27% 24%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 14% 13%
Not very important 6% 6%
Not at all important 8% 7%
Don't know 3% 4%
Refused 1% 0
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 43
e) Accessibility so it is open to all workers in the state
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Answering 392 389
Top 2 Box (NET) 70% 75%
Extremely important 38% 44%
Very important 32% 31%
Somewhat important 20% 15%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 8% 8%
Not very important 3% 4%
Not at all important 5% 4%
Don't know 2% 0
Refused 1% 1%
f) Ease of use so contributions are taken directly from employee paychecks
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Answering 392 389
Top 2 Box (NET) 52% 55%
Extremely important 29% 29%
Very important 23% 26%
Somewhat important 27% 25%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 15% 13%
Not very important 6% 5%
Not at all important 9% 8%
Don't know 4% 6%
Refused 2% 1%
Utilities [TRANSITION TEXT READ TO ALL] I’d like to ask you a few questions now about home utility services. [*NYC OVERSAMPLE SKIP QU-1 AND QU-2. GO TO QU-2.1] QU-1. (OLD QLV-1.) Thinking about where you live, do you rent or own your residence?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Rent 28% 14%
Own 70% 84%
Other 2% 1%
Don't know - -
Refused 0 -
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 44
QU-2. (OLD QLV-4.) For some people, having affordable housing as they age is a concern. How concerned are you about your [INSERT A-C]? Would you say you are extremely concerned, very concerned, somewhat concerned, not very concerned or not at all concerned? [RANDOMIZE AND ACCEPT ONE RESPONSE FOR EACH.]
a. Ability to pay monthly rent or mortgage payments in the coming years
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 35% 26%
Extremely concerned 19% 14%
Very concerned 16% 12%
Somewhat concerned 19% 19%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 45% 54%
Not too concerned 18% 15%
Not at all concerned 27% 40%
Don't know 1% 1%
Refused 1% -
b. Ability to pay property taxes in the coming years (IF OWN IN Q.U-1)
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Own Residence (excluding NYC oversample) 301 359
Top 2 Box (NET) 52% 39%
Extremely concerned 31% 16%
Very concerned 21% 23%
Somewhat concerned 24% 27%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 23% 35%
Not too concerned 9% 16%
Not at all concerned 13% 18%
Don't know 1% -
Refused - -
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 45
c. Ability to pay utility bills in the coming years
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 49% 37%
Extremely concerned 26% 20%
Very concerned 23% 17%
Somewhat concerned 20% 26%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 30% 37%
Not too concerned 14% 16%
Not at all concerned 17% 21%
Don't know 0 0
Refused 0 -
QU-2.1 How much of a financial strain would you say the cost of heating has put on your household this winter? Would you say… [READ LIST. ACCEPT ONE RESPONSE.]
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
A major strain 38% 27%
A minor strain 36% 46%
No strain at all 23% 26%
Don't know 1% 0
Refused 1% 1%
QU-3. When rate increases are proposed for electricity and gas, do you believe the interests of residential utility customers are sufficiently represented and taken into consideration?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Yes 17% 18%
No 72% 75%
Don't know 10% 8%
Refused 1% -
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 46
QU-4 In 40 other states, a consumer advocate independently represents the interests of residential utility consumers. New York State does not currently have an independent utility consumer advocate. Would you support or oppose legislation to establish such an office that would represent residential customers when utility companies request a rate increase before the New York State Public Service Commission in Albany?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Support (NET) 79% 80%
Strongly support 59% 61%
Somewhat support 20% 20%
Neither support nor oppose 2% 2%
Oppose (NET) 15% 13%
Somewhat oppose 8% 4%
Strongly oppose 6% 9%
Don't know 2% 3%
Refused 2% 1%
QU-5. Do you believe your elected officials are doing enough to help people when home energy costs increase?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Yes 20% 22%
No 70% 68%
Don't know 10% 9%
Refused 1% 1%
Consumer Fraud/Protections [*NYC OVERSAMPLE, SKIP QF-1 THROUGH QLV-6. GO TO QLV-9.]
QF-1.Thinking now about all of the experiences you have had as a consumer, has there been a time in the past
five years, since 2009, where you or someone you know encountered a fraud or “scam” that intentionally tried to
mislead or defraud you or the person you know?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Yes (NET) 43% 36%
Yes, myself 25% 23%
Yes, someone I know 18% 13%
No 55% 62%
Don't know 2% 2%
Refused - -
QF-2. & QF-3. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 47
QF-4. How worried are you about potentially fraudulent, unfair or deceptive practices around [INSERT ITEM A-H]? Are you extremely worried, very worried, somewhat worried, not very worried or not at all worried? [RANDOMIZE AND ACCEPT ONE RESPONSE FOR EACH.]
a. Check-cashing outlets
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 21% 25%
Extremely worried 10% 11%
Very worried 11% 14%
Somewhat worried 21% 21%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 50% 47%
Not too worried 15% 17%
Not at all worried 35% 29%
Don't know 7% 7%
Refused 1% 0
b. Internet loans;
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 30% 29%
Extremely worried 15% 15%
Very worried 15% 14%
Somewhat worried 16% 14%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 46% 52%
Not too worried 12% 15%
Not at all worried 34% 37%
Don't know 8% 4%
Refused 1% 1%
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 48
c. Home financing and home equity loans;
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 23% 18%
Extremely worried 10% 10%
Very worried 14% 9%
Somewhat worried 24% 26%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 49% 53%
Not too worried 20% 22%
Not at all worried 29% 31%
Don't know 3% 3%
Refused 1% 1%
d. Home repairs and home repair financing;
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 26% 28%
Extremely worried 10% 14%
Very worried 16% 14%
Somewhat worried 31% 32%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 40% 39%
Not too worried 15% 16%
Not at all worried 25% 24%
Don't know 2% 0
Refused 0 0
e. Sweepstakes;
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 17% 20%
Extremely worried 8% 11%
Very worried 9% 9%
Somewhat worried 22% 20%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 55% 56%
Not too worried 17% 19%
Not at all worried 39% 37%
Don't know 5% 3%
Refused 0 1%
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 49
f. Identity theft;
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 56% 53%
Extremely worried 29% 30%
Very worried 27% 23%
Somewhat worried 27% 34%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 17% 13%
Not too worried 7% 7%
Not at all worried 10% 6%
Don't know 1% 0
Refused 0 -
g. Debt collection
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample)) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 31% 24%
Extremely worried 13% 12%
Very worried 18% 12%
Somewhat worried 22% 24%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 44% 48%
Not too worried 17% 21%
Not at all worried 27% 26%
Don't know 4% 5%
Refused 0 -
h. Credit cards
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 39% 40%
Extremely worried 18% 21%
Very worried 21% 19%
Somewhat worried 27% 31%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 33% 28%
Not too worried 12% 12%
Not at all worried 20% 16%
Don't know 1% 1%
Refused 0 -
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 50
QF-5. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY
Age Friendly Community [TRANSITION TEXT READ TO ALL] Next I have just a couple of questions to ask about the community where you live. QLV-1, QLV-4 & QLV-5 MOVED. QLV-2. & QLV-3. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY [*NYC OVERSAMPLE SKIP QLV-6. GO TO QLV-9] QLV-6.For each of the following items, please tell me if you think it is a major problem, minor problem or not a
problem at all in your community. [INSERT A-H, RECORD RESPONSE FOR EACH. RANDOMIZE ORDER] Is it a … READ LIST?
a. Lack of affordable housing
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Not a problem 27% 38%
Minor problem 28% 39%
Major problem 40% 19%
Don't know 5% 3%
Refused 1% -
b. OMITTED
c. Streets that need repair
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Not a problem 19% 15%
Minor problem 34% 25%
Major problem 46% 59%
Don't know 1% 0
Refused 0 -
d. Sidewalks that are too narrow, poorly lit, need repair or don’t exist
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Not a problem 36% 37%
Minor problem 35% 36%
Major problem 27% 25%
Don't know 2% 1%
Refused 1% 1%
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 51
e. Public transportation that is too far away, too limited, or too hard to navigate
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Not a problem 44% 39%
Minor problem 29% 36%
Major problem 23% 23%
Don't know 3% 3%
Refused 0 0
f. Crime or personal safety
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Not a problem 33% 26%
Minor problem 44% 46%
Major problem 21% 27%
Don't know 1% 1%
Refused 1% -
g. Traffic lights that are timed too fast for safe pedestrian crossing
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Not a problem 50% 51%
Minor problem 25% 35%
Major problem 22% 12%
Don't know 2% 2%
Refused 1% -
h. Cars not yielding to pedestrians
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406
Not a problem 33% 33%
Minor problem 36% 43%
Major problem 31% 23%
Don't know 0 1%
Refused 0 -
QLV-6.1. There are several things that cities and states can do in the communities where we live to enhance the health and quality of life of older residents. If the State were to make improvements in [INSERT, RANDOMIZE], would it make you more likely to stay in New York as you age?
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 52
How about improvements in [INSERT]…?
a. Public transportation and alternative transportation services for older or ill residents, that is affordable and accessible?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Yes 66% 63%
No 31% 35%
Don't know 3% 2%
Refused 1% 0
b. Housing that is affordable and suitable for older residents?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Yes 70% 61%
No 29% 35%
Don't know 1% 3%
Refused 1% 1%
c. Employment opportunities for older residents?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Yes 61% 49%
No 35% 48%
Don't know 3% 3%
Refused 1% 0
d. Health services and community support?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Yes 76% 68%
No 22% 30%
Don't know 1% 1%
Refused 1% 0
QLV-7 & QLV-8. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY QLV-9. “Universal Design” is a term that refers to the design of living and work spaces so that they are
accessible and usable by everyone, including people of all ages and people with disabilities, without special or separate design.
Basic Universal Design features in a private home would include a no step entrance, 36 inch doorways, a bedroom or room to convert into a bedroom on the main floor, and a full bath on the main floor.
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 53
Would you support or oppose legislation requiring that new homes built with county or state funds for low-income residents use Universal Design standards?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Support (NET) 77% 75%
Strongly support 52% 51%
Somewhat support 24% 24%
Neither support nor oppose 2% 1%
Oppose (NET) 18% 21%
Somewhat oppose 9% 8%
Strongly oppose 9% 12%
Don't know 4% 3%
Refused 0 0
Technology Adoption QT-1. Turning to our final topic, how confident are you about being able to keep up with changes in technology
[INSERT A-B. ROTATE, IF APPLIES]. Are you extremely confident, very confident, somewhat confident, not very confident, or not at all confident?
a) To stay in touch with friends and family?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Top 2 Box (NET) 57% 57%
Extremely confident 28% 28%
Very confident 30% 29%
Somewhat confident 28% 30%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 14% 12%
Not too confident 8% 6%
Not at all confident 6% 5%
Does not apply 0 1%
Don't know 0 0
Refused 0 -
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 54
b) [ASK IF QS7=1-4 OR 6 “LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION”] To stay current at work, in your job or for new employment opportunities?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Labor Force Participation 148 143
Top 2 Box (NET) 53% 51%
Extremely confident 21% 21%
Very confident 32% 30%
Somewhat confident 26% 37%
Bottom 2 Box (NET) 19% 9%
Not too confident 12% 8%
Not at all confident 7% 2%
Does not apply 2% 2%
Don't know 0 -
Refused - 0
Demographics & Classification Our last questions are used for grouping purposes and will be kept entirely confidential.
DA. What is your current marital status? (READ IF NEEDED)
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Married or living with a partner 57% 63%
Widowed 14% 15%
Divorced or separated 13% 10%
Never married 14% 11%
Don't know 1% -
Refused 1% 1%
D1. Are you [IF MARRIED: or your spouse or partner] currently a member of A-A-R-P?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Yes 51% 49%
No 48% 51%
Don't know 1% 1%
Refused - -
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 55
D2. What is the highest level of education that you completed? [ONLY READ LIST IF NEEDED]
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
High School or Less (NET) 34% 31%
0 to 12th grade, but with no diploma 7% 5%
High school graduate or equivalent 27% 26%
Some College or More (NET) 65% 68%
Post high school education, but with no degree 12% 15%
2 year degree 19% 22%
4 year degree 12% 14%
Post graduate study, but with no degree 8% 4%
Graduate or professional degree 15% 14%
Don't know 0 0
Refused 0 0
D3-D5. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY
D6. Do you consider yourself to be a(n) ….….[INSERT A-C, ROTATE ORDER]..or something else?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Democrat 42% 29%
Republican 21% 27%
Independent 26% 28%
Something else 8% 11%
None of above 2% 1%
Don't know 1% 2%
Refused 1% 2%
D7. How would you characterize your political views? Would you say you are….[INSERT A-C, ROTATE ORDER]…or
none of these?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
Conservative 29% 33%
Moderate 32% 30%
Liberal 22% 21%
None of these 14% 14%
Don't know 2% 3%
Refused 1% 0
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 56
D8. NEW Which of the following best describes your total annual household income before taxes in 2013? First, is your household income below or above $50,000?
New York State Onondaga County
Base: Total Respondents 407 406
<$50K (NET) 38% 34%
<$30K (SUB-NET) 22% 18%
Less than $10,000 5% 4%
At least $10,000 and < $20,000 7% 6%
At least $20,000 and < $30,000 10% 8%
$30K-<$50K (SUB-NET) 16% 17%
At least $30,000 and < $40,000 9% 7%
At least $40,000 and < $50,000 7% 10%
$50K+ (NET) 36% 44%
$50K-<$100K (SUB-NET) 25% 33%
$50,000 but < $75,000 13% 21%
$75,000 but < $100,000 11% 12%
$100,000 or more 12% 12%
Don't know/Refused 26% 21%
That was our last question for tonight. Thank you very much for taking the time to help us out. Have a great day/night!
2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 57
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