Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 22 : Fall 2014 | Page 17

At AARP Maine, we work hard to listen to the needs
and desires of our members and their families. In fact,
AARP Maine recently released the results of our 2014
Survey of Maine Registered Voters age 50 and older.
This survey collected the opinions of 2,000 Mainers,
both AARP members and non-members, regarding a
broad range of issues that impact people 50+ and their
families. The results reveal that Mainers 50+ are deeply
concerned about financial security and maintaining their
independence as they age. An overwhelming majority of
survey respondents indicated their intention to vote for
candidates in 2014 who pledge to address these issues.

finances, complex medical tasks like wound care and
injections, and more. The annual value of this unpaid
care totals approximately 2.3 billion dollars.

It is important to recognize that Maine women are
particularly impacted by caregiving. Women surveyed
were more likely than men to say they are currently or
have been a caregiver (65% vs. 53%). This is significant
as nationally, women have on average 12 fewer years
in the paid workforce over their lifetimes in large part
due to caregiving responsibilities. The time out of the
workforce not only lowers women’s lifetime earnings and
savings, but also lowers their ultimate Social Security
The survey also reveals deep concerns for lower income and pension benefits. The subsequent retirement savings
individuals. Nearly half (49%) of respondents earning loss substantially increases women’s risk of long-term
less than $20,000 annually have no confidence of ever economic insecurity.
being able to retire. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of this
same group reported being extremely or very worried From caregiving to financial security, to the need for ageabout having unaffordable health or medical expenses. friendly communities and consumer protections against
These statistics offer valuable insight into the mindset fraud, AARP Maine’s 2014 survey lays the groundwork
of Maine’s more vulnerable populations. It is worth for prioritizing fruitful discussions among the 2014
noting that even if they do retire, one third of Mainers candidates on these issues which are clearly of paramount
65+ who collect Social Security receive a monthly benefit importance to the well-being of Maine residents. Maine’s
of just over $1,000 per month and have no other source most active voting block insists that candidates represent
of income.
their needs and desires, demonstrate concern for issues
pertinent to those 50+ and exhibit a commitment to
Another issue raised through the survey is the desire of finding solutions.
Mainers to remain in their own communities as they
age (85%). Nearly three-quarters of survey respondents One final thought from another Maine voter: AARP’s
believe funding services that enable seniors to remain Volunteer State President, Rich Livingston of Auburn,
in their homes for as long as possible should be a top who says he couldn’t wait to start voting as soon as he
or high priority for elected officials in the state. Nearly was old enough. He instilled this sense of deep civic
seven out of ten think it should be a top or high duty in his children. He said “I don’t know who was
priority for Maine’s elected officials to support age- more proud, me or my oldest son, when he came out of
friendly communities by funding services, programs, or the voting booth for the first time. What an incredible
infrastructure changes that enable residents to “age in moment.”
place.” As AARP prepares to engage the new legislature
in 2015, the information gathered in this survey points Every voice does matter and we all have the opportunity
to the importance of building a strong policy platform to make it count. Let’s make it count on November 4th.
to address these issues.
Caregiving is also a theme that resonated with survey
respondents. Most registered Maine voters age 50 and
older have been family caregivers (59%) or expect to be
in the future (48%). Today, unpaid family caregivers
provide the bulk of care for older Mainers, in part
because the cost of long-term care remains unaffordable
for most middle income families. In Maine each year,
more than 191,000 residents help their aging parents,
spouses and other loved ones stay at home by providing
assistance with bathing and dressing, transportation,
FALL 2014

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