Aging well is a right for all, not a privilege for a few.
Many older adults have faced real disparities throughout their lives that are now exacerbated as they age, and the gap between rich and poor continues to grow.
I work tirelessly to ensure that not just the district I represent, but all of Virginia is accessible and age-friendly.
Access to benefits
Low-income older adults continue to be at risk of premature death or having their life savings wiped out by a single unexpected expense or costly illness. We must work to ensure that older citizens have access to all the benefits needed to live a long, productive, and enjoyable life.
Health and Independence
Older adults must have access to quality health care services that meet their needs, including affordable home and community-based services (HCBS); dental, hearing, and vision care; mental health services; and family caregiver support. Many of these services can reduce or delay expensive hospital or nursing home admissions.
Income security and workforce supports
Income security plays a foundational role in equity and access over a person’s lifetime. Women retire with fewer savings and live longer than men, as they have earned less and often have left the workforce due to caregiving. For Black women, a loss of earnings over a lifetime contributes to the racial wealth gap. Hispanic/Latino individuals start from a place of financial scarcity due to discrimination, and LGBTQ+ individuals often are cut off from traditional sources of income and support. To achieve financial stability, many older adults must work beyond their anticipated retirement or return to work. Yet age discrimination is pervasive, creating barriers to employment and training assistance.
(Note: Some of the language used here is courtesy of the National Council on Aging.)