If candidates are wondering which issues are of the greatest concern to Maine’s most active voting demographic, a new AARP survey can help. AARP recently surveyed 2,000 registered voters in Maine, age 50 and older, to see what issues they find most important for candidates to focus on.

The results of the survey revealed that older Mainers will likely vote for a candidate who will work on creating age-friendly communities, work to ensure financial stability for seniors, support caregivers and fight against fraud in the state. Nearly 70 percent of those surveyed considered it a top or high priority for Maine elected officials to support age-friendly communities. One important message to the candidates from the survey: Older adults in Maine want to stay in their homes as they age. Help make that possible!

Another major issue of concern for older voters is financial security. People want to be able to retire and still have the security of knowing that they can afford to live their lives. This means having affordable homes, affordable prescription drugs, as well as protecting programs like Social Security and Medicare.

Voters age 50 and older make up the majority of people at the polls in Maine, so candidates might consider addressing the main issues identified in the survey. Working on these issues will make Maine a better place for everyone as we all continue aging.

Rich Livingston

AARP Maine volunteer state president, Aubur