By Steven V. Dubin
It’s not necessarily the economy, stupid. There are numerous issues that concern seniors
Similar to any voting bloc – blacks, Jews, women, men – there is not one key issue or opinion. Most groups have a range of concerns and opinion leaders.
That being said, I urge all to vote.
Thought I’d take a moment and outline some of the major issues that seniors have weighed in on.
When seniors consider a presidential candidate, their concerns often focus on issues that directly affect their quality of life, financial security, and healthcare. Key concerns include:
Healthcare
Medicare: Seniors want to ensure that Medicare remains well-funded and accessible. Any proposed changes to Medicare, such as privatization or changes to coverage, are watched closely.
Prescription drug prices: Rising drug prices are a significant issue. Seniors often prioritize candidates who propose policies to lower drug costs or allow for negotiations to reduce prices.
Long-term care: Policies addressing nursing home standards, home care options, and affordable long-term care are also key concerns.
Social Security
Preservation of benefits: Social Security is a crucial lifeline for many seniors. Candidates who advocate for protecting or expanding Social Security benefits often gain support from this demographic.
Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA): Seniors are particularly interested in policies that ensure Social Security keeps pace with inflation through adequate COLA increases.
Economic stability
Retirement savings and pensions: Seniors look for candidates who support policies that protect retirement accounts (401(k)s, pensions) from excessive taxation or market volatility.
Inflation and cost of living: With inflation affecting housing, food, and utilities, seniors are concerned about candidates’ economic policies, especially those aimed at curbing inflation and keeping costs manageable.
Medicaid and supplemental support
Assistance for low-income seniors: Many seniors rely on Medicaid and other support services. Candidates who propose expanding or improving access to such services often resonate with older voters.
Tax policies
Tax breaks for seniors: Seniors favor candidates who support tax policies that provide relief for those on fixed incomes, including property-tax relief or tax credits for medical expenses.
Estate taxes: Candidates’ positions on estate or inheritance taxes can influence senior voters who are concerned about passing on assets to their heirs.
Age-related issues
Age discrimination: Seniors want protection against age discrimination in the workforce and appreciate candidates who push for strong protections in this area.
Elder abuse: Concerns about elder abuse, including physical, financial, and emotional exploitation, lead seniors to support candidates with plans to strengthen safeguards.
Housing and affordable living
Affordable senior housing: Many seniors are concerned about the availability of affordable housing or living communities that cater to the elderly.
Property taxes and housing costs: Seniors, particularly those on fixed incomes, are sensitive to property-tax increases and the rising cost of home ownership or renting.
Healthcare access in rural areas
Access to care: Seniors in rural areas are particularly concerned about the availability of healthcare services, especially as hospitals in some rural areas have closed or are understaffed.
Public safety and security
Crime and safety: Seniors often prioritize candidates who support policies that make neighborhoods safer and protect vulnerable populations.
Identity theft and scams: With the rise in scams targeting the elderly, seniors are concerned about candidates’ positions on cybersecurity and fraud prevention.
Veterans’ issues
Support for veterans: For seniors who are veterans or have veteran family members, candidates’ positions on veterans’ healthcare, benefits, and pensions are critically important.
What concerns you? What motivates you to vote?
If you know of a senior who is doing something interesting with their retirement, I look forward to hearing from you! Please email me at SDubin@PRWorkZone.com
Steven V. Dubin is the founder of PR Works, a lightly used public relations firm based in Plymouth which helps small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies navigate the overwhelming options of advertising. Steve lives in Plymouth with his wife, Wendy. He is a contributing author to “Get Slightly Famous” and “Tricks of the Trade,” the complete guide to succeeding in the advice business. He recently authored “PR 101,” an E-book.
