Westfield launches Age-Friendly Community Survey

Submitted by City of Westfield

Westfield city officials ask residents to share their experiences and priorities through a new Age-Friendly Community Survey. The survey is open now through Dec. 31, 2026.

The survey will help the city better understand how well Westfield supports residents as they age and identify opportunities to improve the community’s overall livability. Residents of all ages are encouraged to participate, especially older adults, caregivers and family members who help make decisions on behalf of an older resident.

Willis

“Westfield is growing, and the needs of our residents are changing along with it,” Mayor Scott Willis said. “This survey gives residents an opportunity to tell us what is working well, where challenges remain and how we can continue building a community where people can live, stay connected and succeed at every stage of life.”

According to Westfield’s recently completed special census, the percentage of residents aged 55 and older has continued to increase. Residents aged 55 and older represented 19.5 percent of the city’s population in 2010 and has grown to 28.6 percent based on the 2025 Special Census.

The Age-Friendly Community Survey asks residents to provide feedback on several areas that affect quality of life, including:

• Housing options and accessibility
• Parks, sidewalks, public spaces, and community buildings
• Transportation, walkability, and parking
• Health care, wellness programs, and community support services
• Social activities, volunteer opportunities, and civic participation
• Access to local news, programs, and community information

Survey results will help the city establish a baseline for how well Westfield currently meets the needs of older residents. The information will also help identify service gaps, prioritize future programs and investments, support funding decisions, and measure progress over time.

The survey is based on principles developed through the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, which encourages communities to plan for residents of all ages and abilities. Age-friendly planning can include improvements such as safer crossings, accessible public spaces, housing choices, transportation options, health and wellness resources, and opportunities for residents to remain active and connected. Individual responses will remain anonymous, and survey results will be reviewed in summary form.

Residents can complete the survey online at westfieldin.gov/aarpsurvey.

The deadline to complete the survey is Dec. 31, 2026.