The image of aging is certainly changing along with the health and activity level of people as they age. Part of being active and healthy is a desire for opportunities to meet with others and to exercise and be outdoors. Small resort communities in Idaho are “magnets,” attracting many people age 50 and older who either are retired or are nearing retirement. They move to Idaho resort areas for the scenic beauty, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and the high quality and slow pace of life. One newcomer explained, “The small-town atmosphere is just excellent, and that was the big drawing card for me.” Another newcomer said enthusiastically, “The scenery is gorgeous; it’s great for hiking, and if you like skiing, you’ve got a mountain close by. And there’s a beautiful lake here.”

Above: from Sandpoint to McCall and Hailey, rural Idaho communities have become attractive destinations for retirees who want an array of services in small-town packages. From left: Hailey, Sandpoint, Sandpoint’s Coldwater Creek mall. Photos provided by author.

According to the 2000 census, more than 20 percent of Idahoans are age 55 or older. Once older people move to Idaho, how do they develop a sense of place or feeling of belonging in their new community? Where do they gather to socialize? How often do they get together socially with friends and relatives? What will they contribute to their community? In which community activities are they involved, and how often? Which community organizations do they join? In which types of outdoor activities do they participate? How do longtime residents feel about the impact of newcomers? How satisfied are people age 50 and older with their community?

A recent National Research Initiatives grant project, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and conducted by UI professor Virginia Junk, sought answers to these questions.
In the spring and summer of 2000, focus groups were formed in non-metropolitan Idaho counties that have experienced a higher-than-average growth in their age 65-and-older population since 1990. These counties all include at least one small resort community. More than 80 people participated in nine focus groups in Sandpoint, McCall, and Hailey. Commenting on the benefits of living in a small town, one person explained, “The part I enjoy most about life here is that you can pay your bills, do your shopping and anything else you want by walking around town—a short trip in great weather.” Some concerns emerging from the focus groups were a desire for ambulances staffed by paramedics rather than emergency medical technicians, more sidewalks, and crosswalk lights that allow sufficient time for an older person to cross the street if he or she is not “fleet of foot,” as one person remarked.
Some bemoaned the loss of a centrally located downtown post office because they previously walked to their post office box each day to pick up mail and to visit. When the post office was moved to the edge of town, it disrupted some of the socializing. In one town where the post office had been moved, a longtime resident lamented, “It’s really sad because we used to be able to do everything—people would ride their bikes or walk downtown and do all their errands and see one another. But that changed when the post office was pulled away.”

Above from left: McCall, and Ketchum. Photos provided by author.

Based on literature about retirees in communities, and on issues raised in focus groups, project leaders then developed a mail survey to ask people about life in their community. In 32 communities in Blaine, Boise, Bonner, Custer, and Valley counties, more than 750 out of 1,100 people (68%) completed the survey that asked their opinions about community life. Included were older people who had lived in their community either a short or long time, and stakeholders of all ages who owned a business or provided a service that people age 50 and older would use. The average person who completed the survey was married, 62 years of age, and had lived in the community 15 years. Overall, people are very happy with their community and state, and do not plan to move.

“The difference is everybody’s attitude: How calm. How friendly. It’s perfect,” one person responded enthusiastically. Favorite local gathering places include coffee houses and restaurants, churches, schools, the golf course, the library, and the post office. While the survey did not ask about it, many commented that they socialize at the grocery store. Half meet with friends once a week or more, and a third meet with relatives once a week or more.
Seventy-five percent are involved in volunteer activities, and half are active in service organizations. Organizations with the highest levels of participation are historical societies or museums, hospital auxiliaries, the Humane Society or animal shelter, scouting, 4-H, and Rotary. A majority of the respondents use the local library, and most participate in cultural events or the arts. One-quarter attend church weekly.

Since the questionnaire surveyed those age 50 and older, and exercise is increasingly emphasized as part of healthy aging, it is not surprising that 15 percent are involved in sports club activities and another 17 percent exercise at a fitness facility. More than half of them bike, boat, swim, and/or fish, and nearly half are downhill or cross-county skiers. Many responded that they snowshoe, while one-quarter snowmobile. Half walk frequently, and all but 30 percent hike frequently. Since many were attracted by scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation, this group appears to be taking advantage of the outdoor amenities. There were some variations by county, depending on which outdoor activities were available.
Longtime residents are mixed in their opinions about how an influx of new older residents is affecting their community.

“People move in and want to change the place so it ends up being just like the place they left. Keep things as they are, rather than working to change the place.”

Some want to pull up the gangplank because of problems with growth.

“People move in and want to change the place so it ends up being just like the place they left,” observed one respondent. “Keep things as they are, rather than working to change the place.” Another wrote, “This area is changing rapidly from an agricultural existence to a recreation area, with the infrastructure trying to keep up.”

Since housing in tourist/recreation areas tends to be more expensive, business operators are concerned about availability of affordable housing for their employees. Some business leaders are frustrated by what they call a “loss of civility,” such as customers who want things done “right now” and those who do not understand that a business may close during slow times and leave a “gone fishing or skiing” sign on the door.

Other responents want to leave the welcome mat out.

One person who had lived in the community less than 10 years commented, “I feel needed and appreciated in all of my volunteer activities.” Another wrote, “This is the place I chose, and I am a part of it.”

Some longtime residents also expressed positive reactions to the changing demographics. “Newcomers bring new energy, enthusiasm, and talents to our town,” said one person. Many business operators also recognize new opportunities to provide services to the growing number of older residents.

Overall, people are happy in their community and want to remain there.

One proud community member likes to point out its virtues when talking with other people. He tells them, “[When] I drive down Main Street to go to work in the morning, I pass by and wave at the man who built my house, and then I wave at my insurance man, and the lady who fills my prescriptions… In bigger areas those are all anonymous positions. There is a definite sense of community here.”
 

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