We Are Still Right Here: Older Adult & Senior Residents of Dayton, MN 2018 Needs Assessment Report

Abstract

In 2018, the City of Dayton, MN, contracted with the University of Minnesota's Resilient Communities Project to conduct a needs assessment to describe the current landscape of its seniors and older adult (55+) residents. While there is no formal senior services unit in Dayton, the City’s administrative leadership and Council members sought to enhance program development, maximize its service utilization, and broadly identify needs. Areas of inquiry included: demographics, differences in age groups, life satisfaction, problems facing older adults, aging in place issues, delete financial security, health and health care, social connections, housing, supportive services, transportation, and safety issues. The needs assessment employed a mixed-methods design, including key-informant interviews and focus groups with senior and older-adult residents of Dayton. Results from the research are summarized in a final report and presentation.