Online survey seeks islanders’ retirement needs

Organised by the campaign group Ageing Well in the Bailiwick, the Transition to Retirement Survey asks islanders of all ages to provide important information about what they need locally as they grow older.

The survey asks questions regarding, income, housing and thoughts on retirement, and is designed for anyone over the age of 18 to complete.

‘The thought of growing older is not necessarily in the forefront of people’s minds,’ said Ageing Well chairman David Inglis, pictured right.

‘Especially among the under-50s and those experiencing the pressures of daily life and demands on our time and finances. As we start a new year, this survey is an opportunity to take a few minutes to think about our own circumstances.

'It includes questions that will enable us to understand how younger age groups are preparing for the years to come and eventually for a good retirement.’

A report on the community’s views about the transition to retirement will then be compiled and will help inform policy decisions and service opportunities, and Ageing Well has also been working with representatives from the States.

‘A key part of supporting an ageing population will be to ensure relevant local information is collected,’ said Mr Inglis.

‘It needs to include views from all age groups and be available to inform good decisions about housing, services and support for islanders as we transition into retirement.

'We hope this survey will go a long way towards doing that.

'There is also a chance it will identify issues people are facing now and that need to be fully understood.’

The survey, designed by consultants Island Global Research with help from the Ageing Well Group, Age Concern Guernsey and other local charities, is totally anonymous and will be available for at least the next three weeks.

• The survey can be found here.