The mid-term elections are FINALLY over. And once again, (according to research conducted by SSRS) Adults 65+ comprised more than one-third of the entire electorate—with their votes split evenly between Democrats and Republicans.
Regardless of whether Tuesday night’s outcome has you jumping for joy—or wringing your hands—the truth is our job as voters in not done.
In fact, it’s only just begun. Now the real work begins.
Because a great deal is at stake in the coming months and years for older adults.
The future of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
The availability—and accessibility—of affordable housing, healthcare, public transportation, the internet, and long-term services and supports.
Protections against ageism in the workplace—and ample opportunities for older workers to continue to work (for pay) as long as they choose.
Re-authorization of the Older Americans Act—and increased funding for the Administration for Community Living (which supports programs like Meals on Wheels and 600 Area Agencies on Aging located across the country).
As our newly-elected officials begin addressing the issues important to the various factions they serve, it is vital that older adults remain vigilant about the issues that will have a direct effect on our lives—and the lives of our children and grandchildren.
We must continue to advocate for policies that ensure we are able to live longer and in better health—and that we have the resources we need to approach older age with purpose, community, independence, and dignity.
To that end, we can reach out to our elected officials—as the saying goes, “Early and often”—and begin to build relationships with their staff members.
We can do our homework and educate ourselves about the matters at-hand so that when we communicate our points of view, we do so armed with the facts—and, even better, able to propose viable solutions that merit legitimate consideration.
We can write letters and emails and make phone calls reminding them about our concerns—and share third-party articles and reports on various, relevant topics in order to help educate them about the challenges older adults are experiencing throughout our society.
We can share our stories and present ourselves as subject matter experts on the causes and concerns most pertinent to us:
Age discrimination in the workplace. The difficulties related to navigating today’s increasingly costly and complex healthcare environment. The challenges of serving as a family caregiver—especially to multiple generations at the same time.
The list goes on and on.
And, we can serve as role models for younger voters by inviting them to get involved alongside us.
Ask them to attend a town hall or listening session with you. Solicit their feedback on how you can work together to achieve common goals. Encourage them to use their skills and talents in collaboration with yours. Suggest they become a poll worker with you during the next election cycle. Invite them to a rally or phone bank session for a candidate or cause you both support.
And when you find yourselves on opposite sides of an issue or race you both care about, ask them to explain their perspective to you—and then listen to learn, rather than to rebut or respond.
Tuesday night was a watershed moment for voters—and elected officials—across this country. The decisions these people will make in the coming months will likely affect people of ALL ages for years to come.
Here’s hoping they embrace the opportunity they’ve been given to truly listen to—and meet—the needs of those they serve.
Including the older adults of today—and tomorrow.