Economy hitting the elderly especially hard

[RamboLiberal]

Source: MSNBC

-----
That could take some of the pressure off. Then again, it might not. Food prices and medical costs are still rising, tarnishing what are supposed to be the golden years for the elderly, perhaps the hardest-hit victims of the slumping economy.

Elderly Americans are filing for bankruptcy in record numbers, according to a study by AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons. At the same time, support is drying up from meal, transportation and other home assistance agencies that can’t pay their own bills.

“There's no question that the downturn in the economy is dramatically impacting those at the doorstep of retirement and those that have already decided to retire,” said Mark Kitchens, a senior vice president of AARP.

The numbers are stark. Of the more than 1 million Americans who filed for bankruptcy last year, nearly a quarter were 55 and up, AARP found. Bankruptcy filings among those ages 75 to 84 skyrocketed by 433 percent from 1991 to 2007.

Halfway into 2008, workers at agencies that serve the elderly say the problem is only getting worse.



Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25804814/

[Trillo]

1. When have things ever been good for the elderly as a whole?

During the Internet bubble, the Clinton years, I recall reading the same type of article: how the elderly were having to cut their prescription pills in half to stretch their budget.

I guess understating inflation has its significant long-term effects even in good times. So of course, in bad times, the problem is undoubtedly that much worse.

[rucognizant]

14. NO, NO,NO.NOT Clinton!

The damage was already done by then! CLinton years were only good for Boomers with 2 decent incomes per houseold allowing playing at stock investment! A VERY LARGE PORTION of the OVER 50 crowd was kicked out of the club booted into downsizing early retirement.......etc. Look in the rural areas, we 're getting by supplementing our SS incomes as Walmart Greeters in convenience stores. On my road trip to Fla. with the exception of the Pakistani motel owners, I didn't see a single person behind the counter of fast food, convenience/gas stations, welcome centers over 25 or under 55! a Great way to spend your "golden years" ringing up coffee & donuts at the BP off Rt#95!
etc. We were discriminated gainst,job wise..........only the big companies were EOE.
I went to the ACLU when I didn't get the job retail selling wallpaper and helping the customers decide what would look good.
( I came from a wallpaper dynasty, designed for another company for 33 years, and belonged to the National Home Fashions League for 8 years, being selected to sit on their Education Foundation Board for 2 years. ( I have been to a dinner party in Malibu at the home of the editor of Architectural Digest. But I am not the right person for selling wallpaper in Portland Maine!? The ACLU totld me that they had no jurisdiction over a small privately owned business partnership!
On the other hand...my Great Grandparents had a great life in their cute Dutch style cottage, in an oak grove living to be 94 & 96, without hospitalization, home care, or or medications! ( they DID have an "Icebox"{block of ice in a zinc lined wooden structure}, no dishwasher, clothes washer, garbage disposer................ They were the first recipients of FDR's SS income!
My Grandmother was a widow, from 1942..'till she died in '73?, 74? The last time I saw her,in her comfy Senior Citizens apt. she had pulled out all her heavy Victorian furniture and was vacuming. She sat down at the piano, and played the Maple Leaf Rag for me flawlessly!
MY Mother doesn't count! SHe is a little dimpled blonde who looked like Ingrid Bergman when she was younger. Every time she was widowed she found another guy to marry, accumulating a little extra each time! Fortunatley because shw will be 93 this fall, and can afford to live in a very nice ALF.
ME? I'm not stopping smoking!

[snooper2]

2. I've already decided...

I will probably work in some fashion till the day I die.....

[CountAllVotes]

3. very sad for those that can no longer work

my late mom's best friend is still alive (almost 90). She has survived cancer and many other things in her lifetime. She is slowly going blind and must rely upon her children now. She moved in with one of them recently and signed the house she owned over to said child.

Now she has nothing she tells me. She says, "I never thought I'd see the day where I'd outlive my money but I have!".

I call her about once a month just to see how she is doing. She really wanted an Obama sign for her window so I bought a few from the campaign and had them sent to her.

She is very lucky to have kids that haven't just dumped her. Many do when mom or dad (or both) become old and sick and costly. I cannot imagine how bad it might be in some cases. Elderly abuse is as common as child abuse IMO.

:kick: & recommend!!!

[FreeStateDemocrat]

4. Social Security's 2.3% cola is criminal & I haven't seen a word from BO's campaign about it.

Inform me if I'm wrong, but does the designated nominee have a position on screwing the elderly or is he part of the problem?

[Demobrat]

7. I've read that he wants to eliminate income taxes

on people over 65 who earn under $50,000/yr. That alone is reason enough to vote for him, IMO. Sorry, don't feel like searching for a link ...

[SammyWinstonJack]

9. delete

[LynnTheDem]

5. Can old people invade other nations and kill men, women & kids?

Can old people do manual labor for the Oil Giants?

No?

Then wtf are old people good for?

Let 'em rot!

It's The George W. bUsh American Way!

[nam78_two]

6. Sad-K&R.nt

[Stargleamer]

8. Please, let's check the ballot design in Florida. . .

No more repeats of the 2000 theft.

[defendandprotect]

10. We could see a new round of the elderly eating "cat" food . . .

They have so gimmicked the inflation figures that evidently the SS checks should be a

great deal more --- those missing dollars and increasing Medicare costs do impact the

elederly!!!

[taught_me_patience]

11. Bush won the 60+ age group 54-46 in 2004

You reap what you sow... that's how it goes...

[wishlist]

12. So far polls indicate McCain has significant lead in the over 50 voters n/t

[CountAllVotes]

15. don't forget the other 45% that did not vote for *

the woman I mention above has NEVER voted for a Republican in her life and she plans to vote for Obama!

Don't throw all old people/people over the age of 50 years of age in the same basket!

[damntexdem]

13. And funding for services is still being cut.

Around here, meals on wheels and congregate meals are getting really tight.