We surveyed the needs of older adults in our community. Here’s what they told us

For many older adults across LA’s Eastside, the local senior center is more than a place to pass the time; it’s where they go to stay active, find friendship and improve their quality of life.

But while those spaces offer connection, many of them say they still face challenges as they age in their communities — from accessing services to finding affordable housing. 

To better understand those needs, Boyle Heights Beat surveyed 84 residents from across Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno and East Los Angeles, and we visited several neighborhood senior centers. Most respondents were people who attended the centers themselves, while others were family members who know someone who either visits a senior center or would like to in the future. 

“Me siento muy bien venir al club,” said one anonymous survey respondent who visits the Lincoln Heights Senior Center. “Convivo con más personas. Me ayuda para mi salud.” “I feel great coming to the club, I get to socialize with more people. It’s good for my health.

The responses highlight the importance of resources for older adults and the gaps that still exist on the Eastside. 

Those needs will likely increase as aging adults are one of the fastest-growing demographics in the U.S. By 2040, LA County’s population over the age of 65 is projected to increase by 61%, from 1.44 million in 2020 to more than 2.32 million, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. Many of them rely on neighborhood senior centers for daily meals, social activities and help navigating resources.

Across the Eastside, eight neighborhood senior centers offer a variety of free and low-cost amenities for visitors from daily meal services to exercise and art classes, games and field trips. Many respondents said services for older adults, such as senior centers, are crucial for helping them stay connected and active. 

Affordable housing tops the list

More than half of respondents said that affordable housing or rent assistance would have the biggest impact on their lives. 

The concern reflects a broader challenge facing older adults in the area. In 2023, 34% of adults over the age of 65 in Los Angeles County did not have enough income to meet their basic needs, according to the California Elder Index, which measures how much older adults pay for necessities, including food, medical care, housing and transportation across the state. 

The annual cost of living for a single older adult renter in LA County in 2023 was $34,668 and $35,172 in the city. 

Housing instability also affects the region’s older adults. The 2025 LAHSA Homeless Count found 4,679 unhoused people over the age of 65 living in the city of LA and an additional 6,884 countywide. 

Older adults want more classes and activities

While many respondents said they value their local senior centers, several also said they would like to see expanded programming with more educational opportunities. 

Forty-five percent of respondents said fitness and wellness programs would make a difference in their lives, while 42% said they would like to see more social activities and community events. 

Some respondents who regularly visit senior centers said that field trips to nature centers, museums and movie theaters often have limited capacity, and visitors have to wait months before they are chosen to participate.

Many of them said they would like to see more technology classes, educational workshops and exercise programs. 

About 25% said they would like to see improved food assistance programs at their senior center. Currently, the Department of Aging offers hot meals at multiple senior centers throughout the city five days a week and delivers meals to homebound people through its Home-Delivered Meals program.

Safety and infrastructure concerns

Beyond programming, several respondents identified necessary improvements at their senior centers, including improved infrastructure like sidewalks and streetlights. 

“Sidewalks are not accessible with mobility aids,” said one respondent. 

Others asked for improved safety measures and security around the parks where most senior centers are located. 

City officials assess local senior center needs

As the city’s Recreation and Parks Department conducts a senior center needs assessment, many older adults hope their voices will be considered in the process.

The City Council approved the assessment in January, and it’s set to take place this year. 

Officials hope to determine what improvements are needed at senior centers across the district, including changes to each center’s facilities and programs.