Economic issues are a top priority for older voters

Economic concerns are taking center stage for older voters in the upcoming November election. In this discussion, Republican voter Mark Giles and Democrat voter Jim Ryan explain why the economy is a top priority for them. From rising inflation to financial security in retirement, they share what economic policies will drive them to the polls and influence their voting decisions.

Both voters on this panel agreed the economy is a major issue for them. This lines up with polling data from the majority of America, with the economy and inflation being the top issues in this election cycle, according to the Pew Research Center.

“It’s big [the economy as an issue]. I think it needs to be elevated so that it’s an economy for the middle-class and lower-class, instead of more of what it’s turned into which is an upper-class and institutional economy,” Ryan said.

The cost of living is also a major concern for Americans, especially with older voters who are looking towards retirement. Both panelists agreed this was a major issue for them as the 2024 election approaches.

“I think there are lots of people out there that have been struggling, and they need help and support, and the cost of living needs to be fixed. We’ve seen inflation go through the roof. And now, we need to see that it’s under control, and if it’s not under control, what are we going to do to fix that? So, for me, that’s a big issue,” Giles said.

Giles said the issue for him also lies within his own personal investments.

“For me personally, I’m at the point where I’m more worried about my own investments. We’re at the point where we’ve seen the markets ride really well, and if that were to keep on going, then I’d have enough money to live through the rest of my lifetime in retirement,” Giles said.

Ryan, who uses both Social Security and Medicare, acknowledged the effect those have on the economy.

“I use them both. I think Social Security will take care of itself if people try tampering with it. As for Medicare, that definitely needs to be expanded,” Ryan said.

Giles, on the other hand, said he doesn’t believe people of the upper-class should lose the ability to pull from Social Security.

Both sides of the aisle might disagree on the policies involved, but the economy is a core issue for older voters in the 2024 election.