Progress Indicators
We want to understand whether Seattle is becoming more or less age-friendly over time. This information helps us know if our efforts are having their desired impact and where more work needs to be done.
To this end, we have selected a set of indicators that give us insight into how older adults are faring in the three areas we focus on: economic security, social connectivity, and health and well-being.
These indicators have been selected based on their correlation with our desired goals, as well as quality and availability of data. Many can be viewed as both Seattle and King County datasets. Initially compiled in 2024, we aim to review and update these regularly and to make historical data available so that we (and you!) can chart our city’s progress over time.
This is not a summary of our work or actions. You can find that in our annual highlights reports.
Indicators: How are older adults experiencing economic security?
- Percentage of older adults experiencing poverty (source: American Community Survey)
- Percentage of older adults who are housing cost burdened (source: American Community Survey)
- Percentage and number of older adults using emergency shelter (source: King County Homeless Management Information System)
Indicators: How are older adults experiencing health and well-being?
- Older adult fall hospitalization rates (source: Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System)
- Older adult motor vehicle death rates (source: WA State DOH Center for Health Statistics)
- Percentage of older adults reporting good to excellent health (source: WA State Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System)
- Percentage of older adults meeting CDC’s physical activity recommendations (source: WA State Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System)
Indicators: How are older adults experiencing social connectivity?
- Percentage of older adults with computer and internet connection (source: City of Seattle IT Technology Access and Adoption Survey)
- Percentage of older adults with digital skills (source: City of Seattle IT Technology Access and Adoption Survey)
- Number of older adult victims in felony cases referred to KC Prosecutor’s Office (source: Prosecuting Attorney’s Office – King County, WA)
- Coming soon: Age Friendly Seattle successfully advocated for social isolation data to be collected in future WA State Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System questionnaires. We look forward to sharing this data once received!
Indicators: How are older adults experiencing “Livability” in Seattle overall? (source: AARP Index)
Basic Demographic Information
- Number and percentage of older adults by race