"I gave a 3 rating because of the [MBTA] transportation difficulties or unreliability at times. I work in healthcare and I give a higher rating for healthcare." A. G. HB

"I give a 4 rating because I'm a student and I came to Boston to earn my undergraduate degree. I don't think older people will feel other than welcomed in Boston. If I was over 50 I wouldn't feel that Boston is not friendly." Dahlia HB

"I have family members experiencing transportation difficulties to and from the hospital. Healthcare is lacking for non-basic treatment or serious illness like sickle cell, AIDS, cancers. Healthcare needs to change or vastly improve in Boston." Nikki HB

"The employment is not easy once we reach a certain age because we have such a large population of young students. A lot of the younger groups are money hungry and their schedules allow them to compete on a level that over 50 year olds can't compete on. Employers don't want to hire over 50 year olds. Younger workers are cheaper and a better investment. I have quite a few friends and family members who are capable and willing to work, but getting a job for them is hard. That's the main factor—employment—which affects everything else. I rate everything else in Boston for over 50 years a 5." Zunilda Roman HB

"Bostonians are awful! I've traveled the world and I'm speaking from experience. They really are! They can learn a thing or two from other cities about being friendly in general, much less being age friendly, which isn't really the case for this city, especially in the areas of [MBTA] transportation " GG HB

"Boston has great educational opportunities for everyone, regardless of age. That's about it for people over 50 who haven't already established themselves economically." KL HB

"I don't think the citizens of Boston are friendly. Over 50 year olds get written off and treated unfairly, with some exceptions. For example, in transportation services like The Ride. Otherwise, they are overlooked, for example, in employment because of their age, meaning they experience age discrimination." HB

For healthcare we got St. Elizabeth's right near here, then also getting to Mass General is no problem. People here always feel safe which is very important. I've been living here about 60 years and I haven't had any problems getting access to the care I needed, and haven't dealt with any crimes. I like it because people of very friendly, it's not too crowded. There's a lot of good food and grocery stores that I like and it's not too expensive to live here.

Brighton is good and I think the people who live here enjoy it. It's one of the safest places in the Boston area, and people are friendly and helpful. We got good public transportation with the T stops of Washington street or over in Allston if you live closer to there. I still drive most places and at least around here it is easier than most parts of Boston-less traffic, less crowded. There's a senior center where people can take classes, and also gives people volunteer opportunities I think. Definitely takes care of the people here.

I would say the biggest thing about Dorchester older people would be concerned with is the safety. I've been here my whole life so I am used to it so I know which areas to avoid. It's been getting safer recently definitely and that is probably what they should focus on to keep improving the neighborhood. There's a bunch of new shops opening which is good for me too. Healthcare is easy to get to in Boston if you need it. Transportation is good with trains and buses.