Social Connection Community Survey
We’re inviting adults aged 55 and older from across Chicago, Evanston, Skokie, and Wilmette to take part in a new study that explores how people are connected through family, friendships, work, neighborhoods, community groups, and shared spaces.
This study will create a snapshot of the diverse and dynamic social networks that help communities thrive. By hearing from people in every neighborhood, we’ll build a picture of how relationships and support systems shape everyday life in different neighborhoods.
Your responses will help city leaders, community organizations, and researchers better understand what people need to feel connected, supported, and included. The insights will guide efforts to improve community spaces, services, and programs, making neighborhoods stronger, and improving the well-being of Chicagoland residents.
The study is led by NORC at the University of Chicago, in partnership with the Mather Institute. Together, we’ll use the findings to create tools like an interactive digital map and a planning toolkit to support local initiatives, advocacy, and decision-making. By participating, you’ll help ensure these tools reflect the real needs and experiences of adults like yourself in our communities.
We want to hear from you. If you have already received an invitation and PIN to participate, please take the survey.
Have a PIN? Start the Survey
You will need the PIN you received in your invitation letter to start the survey. This survey is by invitation only.
Have a Question?
If you still have questions after reading the FAQ below, or if you have trouble initiating the survey, please contact us at ConnectChicago@norc.org.
Study Partnership & Sponsorship
This survey is fielded by NORC at the University of Chicago in partnership with the Mather Institute, who is also funding this study.
FAQ
NORC at the University of Chicago (NORC) is Mather's research partner in fielding this survey. NORC is an independent, nonpartisan research institution that helps federal agencies, decision-makers, and nonprofits make better decisions through data and analysis.
This survey is funded by the Mather Institute, which conducts research and disseminates findings and innovations to improve the aging services industry and promote well-being for older adults.
This survey is designed to be completed in 20 minutes. You may start the survey, pause, and resume where you left off using the link included in your invitation.
The survey is available in Spanish. If you prefer to complete the survey in Spanish, you will find an option to switch from English to Spanish upon entering the survey with the PIN.
La encuesta está disponible en español. Si prefiere completar la encuesta en español, al ingresar con su PIN, encontrará una opción para cambiar el idioma del inglés al español.
We are pleased to offer $10 in cash or virtual gift card to all survey respondents. Upon completing the survey, you will be directed to select either a gift card or cash. We are pleased to offer gift cards from many major retailers, as well as a prepaid Mastercard, which can be used anywhere debit or credit cards are accepted.
Participants have been randomly selected from across Chicago and neighboring communities to ensure a diverse and representative sample. No prior experience or specialized knowledge is required—just your honest responses.
Survey findings will contain no names or other identifying information. Your name, your address, or any identifying information connected to survey responses will never be released to the public.
Your data will never be sold, marketed, or used commercially. NORC will securely maintain the data solely for the purposes of this study. NORC has been a leader in data collection and security for more than 80 years.
In addition to receiving an invitation to complete the survey online, you may also complete the survey over the phone with a NORC interviewer using the phone number provided on your invitation letter. You may call them at any time.
After the survey closes, we’ll release both a longer report and a short research brief highlighting findings, key learnings, and takeaways about our findings. All survey data will be reported in aggregate, meaning no individual respondent will be identified.
Additionally, study findings will be available via an interactive website that will allow anyone to navigate the data and effectively use the information to advance the important work increasing social wellness across Chicago and surrounding areas.
