Wharton: AARP releases Vital Voices survey

AARP Delaware uses these findings when meeting with legislators and delivering public testimony. The agency also will use the report to advocate for legislation creating a statewide caregiver tax credit.”

Kimberly Wharton is the communications director for AARP Delaware.

On Monday, AARP Delaware released new research that examines how Delawareans ages 45 and older feel about issues such as health care, financial security, caregiving and livable communities. This is part of an ongoing effort by AARP in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to better understand the needs and attitudes of older Americans and assist in the development of programs, policies and resources to support them.

In Delaware, AARP surveyed 702 people ages 45-plus and found that:

• 19% say they are currently providing unpaid caregiving to a relative or friend, and 42% have provided unpaid care in the past. Eighty-five percent support a tax credit to caregivers who incur expenses for the care of a family member.
• 85% say they hope to stay in their own homes and communities as they age. Thirty-six percent say it is very important. Yet, 29% responded that affordable housing options within walking distances to downtowns or village centers are poor. Thirty percent say that, if they were no longer able to drive, it would be very difficult to continue living in their current neighborhoods. Many respondents report that better sidewalks and lighting, safer intersections, more crosswalks and longer crosswalk times would make them more likely to walk in their areas.
• Half of all respondents replied that they are extremely concerned about having their identities stolen. Forty-four percent are extremely concerned about hackers getting access to their personal information.

“AARP’s new research gives Delawareans age 45 and older a much-needed voice at a moment when they may not feel heard,” said Wendell Alfred, AARP Delaware’s president. “We will use the findings to inform our advocacy efforts and better serve our residents. This type of data gives older Delawareans the power to advocate for policies that give (them) more choices as they age.”

This is the second round of Vital Voices Research that AARP has conducted. AARP Delaware uses these findings when meeting with legislators and delivering public testimony. The agency also will use the report to advocate for legislation creating a statewide caregiver tax credit. Additionally, the survey demonstrates a strong need to continue to educate Delawareans about fraud and scams. And the findings will be utilized to push for more livable communities in terms of housing, transportation and healthy lifestyles.

This data will once again be provided to local and state leaders, who can use it to:

• Predict the need for a specific program or interest in a particular issue
• Enhance program and product innovation and development
• Track issues and attitudes over time to assess shifts in public opinion
• Take action on critical advocacy issues

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.