AARP Eye Center
The Takeaway: Older Voters In Florida Wanted More From GOP Candidates On Social Security, Medicare
By Elizabeth Nolan Brown, January 31, 2012 09:50 AM
Most older voters say they don't know what distinguishes the GOP contenders from each other when it comes to the future of the two programs," notes the Boston Globe.
The GOP candidates-who have previously voiced approval for things like privatizing Social Security for younger workers (Gingrich) or raising the Medicare eligibility age (Romney)-might fear that real talk about their plans for these programs will put senior voters off. But a Kaiser Family Foundation poll found among Republicans 65 or older-whose Medicare status is secure-60 percent favor raising the Medicare eligibility age for future retirees. And even if older voters don't agree with aspects of the candidates' plans, they still wish the candidates would be honest about them. As AARP Florida director Jeff Johnson told NPR, whoever is elected president will have to deal with the issues of Social Security and Medicare and their long-term future.
"To not know before the election what the candidates think of those issues is really troubling."
For more on where the Republican presidential candidates stand in regard to Social Security, Medicare and other issues important to boomers and seniors, check out AARP's Video Voters' Guide.
Tuesday Quick Hits:
- Builders and remodelers are seeing more demand for so-called 'in-law apartments' or 'mother-in-law suites'-home add-ons designed for aging parents.
- Retirees in West Virginia are 'occupying' Century Aluminum, which has canceled promised retirement health coverage for about 540 former employees.
- It may be harder for men to find beds in nursing homes than women.
- And car-dependent environments foster obesity, poor health, social isolation, stress and depression. But can the suburbs be saved?
Photo: Linda Davidson/Washington Post/Getty Images