GUSTINE—During its April 15 meeting, the Gustine City Council received a presentation on the findings from a community focus group held on Feb. 12, at the Goman Center, highlighting some of the needs and services that area seniors and those with disabilities would like to see in the community.
Led by Pear Street Consulting, the focus group was part of Merced County’s Local Aging and Disability-Friendly Action Plan, a five-year initiative aimed at transforming infrastructure, expanding culturally relevant services, and ensuring equitable access to resources for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
The development of this action plan comes at a crucial moment for Merced County, as local officials work to address the growing needs of aging populations. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2034, older adults will outnumber children in the United States, and by 2060, nearly one in four Americans—approximately 24% of the population—will be over 65. This demographic shift presents both challenges and opportunities for communities looking to foster inclusivity, promote accessibility, and enhance the quality of life for their residents.
Merced County was selected for a Local Aging & Disability-Friendly Action Plan (LADAP) state grant in January 2024, allowing officials to develop a strategic framework to improve the county’s livability. The plan aligns with California’s Master Plan for Aging and AARP’s Eight Domains of Livability, addressing concerns such as transportation, housing, health services, and social participation. As part of the county-wide planning effort, nine focus groups were held across Merced County, with 300 total participants—primarily women (79%), individuals over the age of 50 (69%), and residents with household incomes under $50,000 (78%).
At Gustine’s February 12 focus group, 16 residents participated, including 14 women and 13 Hispanic individuals. Notably, 13 attendees were under the age of 50, reflecting a broad interest in preparing the community for future needs. Transportation emerged as the top priority, with all 16 participants (100%) citing the need for better access to community events, parks, and social spaces. Housing accessibility was another major concern, with 14 attendees (87.5%) supporting more assistance with home repairs and accessibility modifications.
Language access was also a key issue, with 13 residents (81.3%) advocating for translation and interpretation services to engage non-English-speaking households and communities of color. Additionally, eight attendees (50%) voiced interest in establishing a PACE Center in Gustine—a program providing comprehensive health and social services for older adults. Other concerns included improving pedestrian infrastructure with safer sidewalks and crossings (37.5%), assistance with locating and applying for housing (37.5%), expanded funeral and end-of-life planning support (25%), access to affordable legal services (25%), more affordable and accessible housing units (25%), and the development of befriending programs to connect isolated adults with volunteers offering companionship and support (25%).
Recognizing the significance of these concerns, Pear Street Consulting has recommended several local actions to be included in the broader county-wide plan. One of the key suggestions involves collaborating with the City of Gustine Parks and Recreation Department to create new or expanded senior activities and gathering spaces, ensuring residents have more opportunities for social engagement and community participation.
County-wide initiatives also address broader concerns expressed by residents throughout Merced County. Housing remains a top priority, with 148 county participants (50.3%) emphasizing the need for more affordable and accessible units, and 75 participants (25.5%) calling for greater support with home repairs and accessibility modifications. Transportation improvements, including door-to-door ride-sharing, taxi services, and volunteer-driver programs, were supported by 72 participants (24.5%). Expanding caregiving and aging-in-place support services, such as meal delivery, home maintenance, and wellness checks, was identified as a need by 71 participants (24.1%).
The next opportunity for Gustine residents to contribute to the action plan will be at a second focus group session scheduled for May 29, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Al Goman Community Center. Attendees will learn more about aging, disability, and caregiver resources in Gustine and Merced County, brainstorm solutions, and vote on priorities for implementation.
Officials encourage all residents to participate, as their feedback will directly influence local strategies for creating a more inclusive and accessible community. For more information or to join the discussion, residents can email mk.pearstreeconsulting@gmail.com or text (860) 690-9783.
With continued engagement from residents and local leaders, Gustine and Merced County are working toward building a community where older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers have the support they need to age well and live independently.
