In their continued efforts to be a voice for all South Dakotans and especially those ages 50 and older, AARP in South Dakota commissioned a survey to learn more about the experiences of those 50+ residents living in Sioux Falls.  The survey gauges the experience and opinions of these residents about their communities, caregiving, grandparenting, local discount offerings, volunteering,  Internet usage, and certain legislative issues that AARP may be able to address in the year ahead on behalf of older South Dakotans.  

Key findings  included:

• Most South Dakotans ages 50 and older who live in Sioux Falls say it is extremely (39%) or very (36%) important to them to remain in their community or area for as long as possible, and most rate it highly as a place for people to live as they age.
• One-quarter (25%) of all respondents have provided unpaid assistance or care in the past two years to a relative, friend, spouse, partner or companion. Additionally, nearly one in ten (9%) are currently receiving care or help from a friend, relative, or neighbor.
• Two-thirds (66%) of all respondents to this survey say they have grandchildren, great grandchildren, or step-grandchildren and over one-quarter (26%) of them help with the day-to-day responsibilities of these children.  Also notable, over one in ten (12%) of all respondents say they provide care or baby-sit the children or grandchildren of their friends and neighbors.
• Almost half (47%) of all respondents say they have volunteered in the 12 months prior to receiving this survey and half (50%) of them say they volunteer on an occasional basis.
• One in five Sioux Falls residents age 50 and older are aware of a local group of AARP members or a local group of retired teachers who meet regularly to socialize or work on projects of interest to the group.
• Most (75%) South Dakotans ages 50 and older living in Sioux Falls have at least one working phone in their home that is not a cell phone and most (91%) have a working cell phone in the household.
• When asked to consider their view of how South Dakota should balance the state Budget, nearly four in ten (37%) prefer cuts to spending with no tax increases, over four in ten (42%) prefer the state do both - cut spending and raise taxes.  
  
  

The survey was conducted by Questar among 1,506 individuals age 50+ living in Sioux Falls. For more information, please contact Jennifer H. Sauer at 202-434-6207.