Aging in Indiana: CASOA Survey Highlights & Opportunities for Improvement

The voices of older adults in Central Indiana have been heard, and the results are in. The 2024 Community Assessment Survey of Older Adults (CASOA) is now complete, providing valuable insights into the strengths and needs of our aging population. This survey, conducted by the State of Indiana in partnership with Area Agencies on Aging, including CICOA, and research firm Polco, aimed to understand how older residents perceive their communities and the resources available to them.

In 2024, 11,000 households across Central Indiana, along with numerous online participants, shared their experiences across a range of vital areas. From community design and health to employment, finances and more, the CASOA survey captures a comprehensive picture of life for those aged 60 and older. The findings of this survey are crucial for community-based organizations like CICOA, local governments, and other stakeholders, as they inform the development of policies, programs, and services designed to ensure a high quality of life for our older adults.

Key findings on Central Indiana seniors’ quality of life

The 2024 CASOA survey offers a clear picture of the experiences of older adults in Central Indiana. Participants not only rated their overall quality of life but also evaluated their communities across seven crucial dimensions. Here are some key highlights:

• Overall Quality of Life: 78% of older residents rated their overall quality of life as excellent or good.
• Community Design: Only 33% rated the availability of affordable quality housing positively.
• Employment and Finances: Employment opportunities for older adults received low ratings, with only 29% rating the quality of opportunities positively.
• Equity and Inclusivity: 59% rated the sense of community positively.
• Health and Wellness: Health care availability received lower ratings, particularly mental health care, which only 38% rated positively.
• Information and Assistance: Half of older adults felt informed about services and activities available to them.
• Productive Activities: 56% felt they had good opportunities to volunteer.

These findings provide valuable insights into both the strengths and challenges faced by older adults in our region, highlighting areas where we can focus our efforts to improve their quality of life.

Comparison to benchmarks and trends

When compared to national benchmarks, Central Indiana demonstrates notable strengths in key areas. Our region surpasses national averages in the availability of accessible housing and long-term care options, highlighting our commitment to providing essential resources for older adults. However, it’s also important to acknowledge areas where we see evolving trends.

Looking back at past surveys, we see some good changes. It’s now easier to find chances to learn new job skills, which is a plus. But the rising cost of living is getting harder for people. Also, it’s getting tougher to find classes to learn new skills. More older adults are also saying they don’t know what help is out there for them, and they’re worried about scams. These trends show us targeted areas we can improve to address the evolving needs of our older adult population.

The 2024 CASOA survey has illuminated both the strengths and the evolving needs of our older adults, providing a clear roadmap for us to refine our services and shape policies that foster a vibrant and supportive future for all.

Central Indiana CASOA report to be presented March 13

Join us on March 13 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions (8440 Woodfield Crossing Blvd. Indianapolis, IN 46240) for a presentation of the 2024 CASOA Report: Older Adults and Their Communities. Our Interim CEO, Lisa Schneekloth, will share key findings from the survey, followed by a Q&A discussion.  

This event is designed for professionals who work with older adults in Central Indiana, older adults themselves, caregivers, advocates, and representatives from local governments and community-based organizations.  

This event is free, but please RSVP to help us plan for attendance. We look forward to seeing you there!

Lisa Schneekloth

Lisa Schneekloth currently serves as the Interim CEO at CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, where she is dedicated to empowering seniors, Hoosiers with disabilities, and family caregivers. In her 16 years with CICOA, she has been instrumental in ensuring access to essential services that help older adults flourish in their homes and communities. She became the organization’s first chief compliance officer, demonstrating her commitment to responsible practices and quality assurance. Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from IUPUI and a master’s degree in public administration nonprofit leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is certified in healthcare compliance and healthcare privacy compliance.