Elders Living on the Edge: The Impact of Public Support Programs in Pennsylvania When Income Falls Short in Retirement

Abstract:

How much income do the states elders need to meet the rising costs of living? What is the true impact of public support programs, such as medical assistance, utility assistance, or housing assistance on elders expenses and income needs? To accurately answer these questions, policymakers, advocates and social service providers require an accurate measure of elders' economic security. The national Elder Economic Security Initiative program, a multi-year, research-driven initiative to raise awareness and promote policy change for older adults, offers such a benchmark: the Elder Economic Security Standard Index (Elder Index).