Return to top of page

Seniors Decide Event Spotlights Issues Affecting Older Adults

February 19, 2016   |   Alliance for Aging Research Team   |   Other Policy Priorities
Panelists at 2016 Seniors Decide Event.

On Wednesday, February 17, the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations hosted the Seniors Decide 2016 forum to discuss the policies and issues that matter most to older adults. It was held at George Mason University, Arlington Campus, in Arlington, Va., and broadcast nationally to more than 200 watch parties.

The event provided a chance for older adults to learn more about the views
of presidential candidates on key issues. Organizers had invited
all Republican and Democratic presidential candidates to participate. Two accepted: Democrat Sen. Bernie Sanders appeared via web chat and former Virginia congressman Tom Davis served as a proxy for Republican Gov. John Kasich. Both Sanders and Davis fielded audience questions.

The event also featured a discussion about the results of a January 2016 online survey of 3,400 Next Avenue readers between LCAO Chair Max Richtman and pollsters Jonathan Voss from Lake Research Partners and Bob Carpenter from Chesapeake Beach Consulting.

Here are some of the results of the survey:

  • 98 percent of respondents plan to vote
  • 67 percent say that issues related to aging, caregiving and long-term care will be a factor in their voting decisions
  • 84 percent support expanding Medicare to cover more long-term care
  • 62 percent oppose mandating the purchase of private long-term care insurance

We hope that this forum helped educate our presidential candidates about what matters most to older adults. As one of our most important and influential voting blocs, their voice will most certainly be heard in November.

To get another take on the forum, see this Next Avenue article.

Platinum Transparency 2024 logo

The Alliance for Aging Research is a proud recipient of Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency.

Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating Badge

The Alliance for Aging Research is proud to be rated a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator.

Living Longer and Loving It

Sign up for our monthly e-mail newsletter for the latest information on
scientific research on aging and health.