Calderdale Council’s Ageing Well Survey ran in October 2025. It asked people over 50 how connected they feel to their local area. The survey helps Calderdale understand whether older people:

• Feel they belong where they live
• Feel connected to their neighbours
• Are happy with their local area.

Who took part

• 523 people aged 50.
• 72% were women, 25% were men.
• 31% live alone. This is higher than the Calderdale average.
• 34% said their daily activities are limited by a health condition or disability.
• 28% said they care for or support someone else.

Main findings

Feelings of belonging

• 64% said they feel a strong sense of belonging in their neighbourhood.
• This is better than 2024 (53%).
• It is slightly higher than the England average for adults (61%).
• It is lower than the average for older adults (70%).

By area:

• A strong sense of belonging was higher in the Lower Valley and Upper Valley.
• A sense of belonging was lower in the North and Calder & Ryburn.

Talking to neighbours

• 83% talk to their neighbours more than just saying hello at least once a month.
• 61% talk to neighbours every week.

Neighbours working together

• 56% agree that people in their area work together to improve the neighbourhood.
• This is better than in 2024.
• Agreement that people in their area work together to improve the neighbourhood was lowest in Calder & Ryburn and North.

People from different backgrounds

• About 65% agree that locally people from different backgrounds get on well.
• This is lower than the national average for older people.
• The lowest scores were in North.

Satisfaction with the local area

• About 80% are happy with their area as a place to live.
• Only 7% said they are unhappy.

What helps people feel they belong?

People said they feel more connected when:

• Neighbours are friendly and supportive.
• They have casual chats in the street or local shops.
• There are local activities and places to meet.
• The area feels safe.
• Streets and public spaces are clean and well cared for.

What this tells us

Most older people in Calderdale:

• Feel connected to their neighbourhood.
• Are happy where they live.
• Some areas – especially North and Calder & Ryburn feel less connected.

If you want to find out more you can download a copy of the full report by clicking the link below.