OPINION: Do politicians (regardless of party) truly care one bit about an aging population? Recent trends make me question our America
Hello KIRC family!
Is anyone else out there a bit nervous about the upcoming 2022 midterm elections?
That wasn’t a question to stoke partisan divide, but a question to spark a conversation and maybe – just maybe – make those of us who otherwise might not agree on various issues, find some more common ground. I offer this viewpoint: some of the political maneuvering by politicians is hurting an aging population.
As you know, I travel a great deal for work, so not only do I get my fair share of political posturing from California, but I also see the hot-button races in communities in other states.
Julia Yarbough/Keeping It REAL Caregiving/recent trip to Tennessee
One pattern holding steady across the board, is the amount of anger, divisiveness and vitriol being spewed by already elected officials and many of those seeking office.
There are constant and not-so-subtle messages of ‘us against them’ with no clear explanation of who ‘us’ or ‘them’ are. There are however images implying who ‘them’ refers to.
What I don’t hear politicians (of either party) talking about, are the day-to-day realities and challenges many of us live with as caregivers. Which according to AARP is more than 43.5 million Americans of all backgrounds.
Anger and hate running high
There are no easy ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions to any of the most pressing societal issues facing our nation. Yet, politicians frame everything in that ‘us against them’ viewpoint. Folks, that hurts all of us!
On both the national and local fronts, there is messaging around abortion rights (in most states I have visited recently, Tennessee, Ohio, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas the legislation is all about restrictions), gun rights, immigration, the economy, homelessness, and push-back against equity for all regardless of sex, color, race or religion.
However, where are the REAL efforts to address what you could say is the ‘elephant in the room?’
Our population is aging and every sector of our world is being impacted by that fact, yet it doesn’t seem to be a talking point. I’m not hearing this discussion as part of campaign slogans.
As family caregivers, we know and understand that we may have to make a choice between caring for a loved one or continuing to work. What does that mean for our futures? Where is the political outrage?
Many of us have experienced the angst of trying to navigate health care, transportation, and housing needs. Where is the political outrage?
We know how tough it can be finding well-trained and affordable care-help and getting the resources we need. Where is the political outrage to change this?
And there’s another ‘connect the dots’ part about this election season we should all be thinking about: increased efforts to restrict and curtail voting rights for American citizens. Sadly such efforts are as American as apple pie.
Related article:
A history of voter suppression
This new wave of suppression and restriction angers me, and it also scares the Hell out of me. I question, do elected officials have any real empathy for their constituents – especially those who are aging? Not to mention, those of us of color and women? Most every political ad I have seen this season would indicate the answer is no.
Every American citizen’s voice should be heard whether you agree with their position or not.
Voting suppression
UNITED STATES – AUGUST 28: From right, Reps. Al Green, D-Texas, Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Martin Luther King III, participate in the March On for Washington and Voting Rights to call on the Senate to pass voting rights legislation in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, August 28, 2021. The event was held on the 58th anniversary of the March On Washington. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
In many states, most notably Florida, Texas, Arizona and Georgia, redistricting and voter suppression efforts have gone to entirely new heights.
Let’s take Texas for instance. Senate Bill 1 which took effect in 2021 placed extensive restrictions on voting.
Related articles:
It may be easy for politicians to characterize these moves in not-so-subtle messaging to appease a base of electorates, by insinuating such laws are to protect ‘the integrity’ of elections but, protect them from who? Are the ‘others’ politicians increasingly refer to Black and Brown people, women, homosexuals, and/or immigrants? The statistics pretty much answer that question and it is infuriating.
But let’s also consider this. How many of these politicians and state legislative bodies (regardless of party) enacting laws which restrict voting take into consideration how many older Americans are being impacted? In many cases the very voters these politicians hope are voting for them, are being disenfranchised right along with ‘the others and them.’
Courtesy: Adobe Stock
Texas limited the number of polling locations in each county, meaning individuals in many cases have a much farther distance to travel in order to vote. New ID restrictions are also in place, as well as restricted rules for mail-in ballots. Who does this hurt? Everyone. Not just that ill-defined ‘them.’
One voter who sued the state over the order, 82-year-old Ralph Edelbach, said in court documents that closing the site nearest his Cypress home will mean he adds an extra 20 miles each way to his trip to deliver his ballot, forcing him to spend nearly 90 minutes round trip.
That inconvenience will only be greater, advocates say, for voters with disabilities or those without reliable access to transportation. – Texas Tribune, 2020
Consider those who are immobile, older and frail, medically challenged, or may not have adequate transportation to get to a polling place? Those Americans (regardless of party) may rely on mailing in a ballot to have their voices heard.
What about those who may no longer drive and rely on public/regional transportation or loved ones to get them from place to place?
In essence, such restrictions are making it harder and perhaps hurting, the very segment of any electorate (regardless of party) politicians should be paying attention to and caring more about: our aging and elder population.
*Note: To its credit, Texas does have a strategic plan to address aging*
Courtesy: Adobe Stock
Regardless of party, these trends should anger and concern you, because it isn’t a matter of ‘us’ and ‘them’ when it comes to getting older.
Father Time doesn’t care about the color of your skin, your party affiliation, your sex, religion, race or sexual orientation. If you age and eventually need services, assistance, support and additional medical care, it is adequate policies and resources which will help you and your family.
Elected officials (regardless of party) should be working to help improve the lives of citizens, not making it harder for those who may face the many challenges which often come with aging.
Related resources:
Until next time~
Julia
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