Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS), a grassroots service and support group, is seeking input from all Newtown residents age 55 and over. An online survey (link below) is open now and will be available through November 24.

The group’s president, John S. Boccuzzi, Sr, recently reminded The Newtown Bee that Newtown joined the AARP’s network of Livable Communities in 2017 and since then has been actively involved in various initiatives related to developing an Age Friendly Livable Community.

“As part of that program we are staging a survey on transportation needs,” Boccuzzi said. “We would like to hear from as many 55 and over citizens of Newtown as possible. Please take some time to complete the survey.”

The survey is being conducted by FONS in collaboration with Newtown Human Services, Newtown Commission on Aging, Hart Bus, the transportation coordinator for Western CT Area Agency on Aging, and the regional council of governments (COG).

Newtown Human Services Director Natalie Jackson commented, “We are very excited to get this survey out and are hoping for a great response rate so we can really tackle the transportation needs of our seniors. This is a priority for Human Services.”

One of the AARP Network of Age Friendly Communities “8 Domains of Livability” involving transportation states: “Driving shouldn’t be the only way to get around. Public transit options can be as expansive as a train system or as targeted as a taxi service that provides nondrivers with rides to and from a doctor’s office.”

The AARP Network of Friendly States and Communities seeks to connect communities that are actively working on being age-friendly. Sharing ideas, solutions, and plans, membership in the AARP Network means that a community’s elected leadership has made a commitment to actively work with residents and local advocates to make their town, city, county, or state an age-friendly place to live.

The AARP’s definition of livability is: “Affordable and appropriate housing, supportive community services, and adequate mobility options, which facilitate personal independence and the engagement of residents in civic and social life.”

That initiative is enhanced by promoting and supporting:

*Aging in Place — The vast majority of older adults want to remain in their homes and community-at-large rather than move to another area and housing situation.

*Accessible Things to Do — Active Life: Golf, tennis, biking, pickleball. Arts and Culture: social life, good dining options, volunteer options, and part-time work options

*Avoidance of Isolation.

To go directly to the survey, visit surveymonkey.com/r/LV9J7HL or link to the survey on the FONS website at friendsofnewtownseniors.org.

Hard copies are available at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street; and Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street. People are encouraged to pick them up for friends who do not use the internet or choose not to complete the survey online.

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Editor John Voket can be reached at john@thebee.com.