New AARP Vital Voices Survey Highlights Concerns of Older West Virginians
AARP West Virginia has released new research that examines how likely West Virginia voters age 45 and older feel about issues such as health care, financial security, caregiving, livable communities and more.
This is part of an ongoing effort by AARP in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to better understand the needs and attitudes of older Americans and assist in the development of programs, policies and resources to support them.
In West Virginia, AARP surveyed more than 700 West Virginians and found that, among likely voters 45-plus:
Financial Security and Retirement:
· Three-quarters (77%) of West Virginians agree that the West Virginia income tax on Social Security should be repealed or eliminated
· Four out of five (84%) of West Virginians are currently relying on (or plan to rely on) Social Security as a source of income as they get older
Financial Fraud and Scams:
· Nearly half (48%) of West Virginia adults know a family member or close friend who may have been a victim of a scam or fraud
· A majority of West Virginians 45+ are concerned about losing money due to unfair or fraudulent financial practices (68%), becoming the target or victim of a scam or fraud on the Internet (67%), or becoming the target or victim of a scam or fraud over the phone (63%)
Prescription Drug Costs:
· In the last two years, one out of three (37%) West Virginians 45+ either considered not filling, or decided not to fill, a prescription because of its cost
Caregiving and Long-Term Care:
· Aging in place (91%) remains extremely or very important to nine in ten West Virginians
· Two-thirds (66%) of West Virginia residents age 45+ are either currently providing care or have provided care in the past to an adult relative or friend
· Among current or past caregivers in West Virginia, eight in ten (83%) have incurred expenses to transport their loved ones where they need to go, among a variety of expenses.
“This latest AARP research gives older West Virginians a much-needed voice at a moment when they may not feel heard. We are using these findings to inform our advocacy efforts and better serve our residents.”
AARP, which counts 230,000 West Virginians among its members, is focused on bipartisan solutions that improve the quality of life for all as they age. The Mountain State survey, conducted by ANR Market Research Consultants, surveyed 707 West Virginia residents age 45-plus between November 27 and December 3, 2023, and has a margin of error of +/- 3.7 percentage points. View the full AARP West Virginia Vital Voices Chartbook here.
AARP Vital Voices Research enables AARP state offices to gauge local opinions on a range of topics through regular surveys. Offered every three years, the surveys are a collaborative effort between AARP researchers and state office staff. The timing of the online phone surveys, along with the content, is customized to reflect the needs of each state. Learn more at www.aarp.org/vitalvoices.
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AARP WV Media Contact: Tom Hunter, Associate State Director, Communications, tphunter@aarp.org, 304-340-4605
