The results from the 2026 Best Times Magazine Online Readership Survey are in.

Online respondents provided ample food for thought. We appreciate the insights, feedback and suggestions! The data indicates The Best Times remains popular in Johnson County’s senior population with general support for its editorial diversity, including:

• 97% rate the quality of The Best Times as excellent or good
• 96% read every or most issues
• 95% rate the variety of content at excellent or good
• 88% read all or most of each issue

Information on public events in Johnson County tops the list of interests at 98% followed by information on Johnson County Park and Recreation, 96%; elections-voting, 96%; aging trends and senior advice, 93%; Board of County Commission activities, 91%; JoCo Library and public and mental health, both 88%; and cooking, nutrition and gardening, 85%.

Johnson County news, programs, activities and events were rated the most valuable information followed by the 50 Plus insert, Johnson County Area on Aging pages and a tie between the calendar and cover story in the Best Times sections.

Submitted comments showed a desire for content on senior and health issues, community events, options for senior living and affordable housing sites, opportunities to meet other seniors, downsizing/decluttering hints, part-time job opportunities for seniors, day trips info for seniors to easily visit independently, local available discounts for eligible seniors, and senior walking or biking groups.

Another helpful hint? Each issue should include a “Suggestion Box” with email link for readers to submit possible topics of interest to the magazine or county departments.

There were a wide range of comments, including:

• “Everything in it is useful to me. The articles are concise and well written. I almost always to read it cover to cover as soon as it comes, and I hang onto the issues and refer back to them.”
• “I look forward (to) each issue. It’s one of the few magazines that make older people feel seen.”
• “It relates to seniors only so most everything is relevant.”
• “Staying current on issues that affect my age group.”
• “Easy read. Good information, stories.”
• “A magazine dedicated to older adults in Johnson County.”

The input reflects survey respondents still prefer reading The Best Times in print vs. online or digital. One reader “like(s) it is mailed to our home. It’s not likely I would visit a website.” Another added: “I can hold it in my hands! It’s not a phone app!”

Another urged more reader emphasis to “go digital. No more paper … to save county money and reduce landfill waste.” (The digital Best Times option is available at jocogov.org/best-times, and The Best Times has always encouraged recycling the magazine after use.)

We remain committed to providing a free print publication that continues to engage seniors, direct them to the digital option and the Best Times e-newsletter (jocogov.org/newsletters-and-alerts) and continually address increased printing and mailing costs.

In closing, congrats to Marsha Ratzel and Steve Anderson, who won the drawing for a $25 gift card from the Johnson County Park and Recreation District for participating in the online survey. We appreciate the feedback from in the 2026 online survey.

We’ll consider these suggestions and others as well in our purpose of informing and supporting Johnson County’s 60-plus residents with the hope of the best times ahead for all. Thanks.