What's On the Minds of Older South Dakotans?

When it comes to aging, South Dakotans are concerned about their Social Security benefits, as well as having enough income or savings to retire and being able to afford groceries or other household necessities.

Financial security is just one topic area of AARP's Vital Voices research, a survey project conducted every three years by AARP Research for AARP state offices. Vital Voices examines how adults age 45 and older feel about issues such as health care, financial security, energy costs, caregiving, livable communities and more. By understanding the needs and attitudes of older Americans, AARP can better develop programs, policies and resources to support them.
 
“There are currently about 119 million Americans who are 50 and older, and this number will grow to 157 million by 2050,” said Erik Gaikowski, AARP South Dakota State Director. “This population is, and will continue to be, an essential contributor to our society. Understanding their needs and opinions is critical to ensuring they live longer and healthier lives.”

The Vital Voices survey of South Dakota residents aged 45-plus found that:

• Priority health issues include staying mentally sharp, having adequate health insurance coverage and being able to afford health care expenses.
• One in five are currently providing unpaid care to an adult relative or a friend. An additional 41% have provided this type of care in the past. And, among those who are currently providing care to a loved one, or have in the past, nearly three-quarters (72%) have been employed either full- or part-time while providing care.
• Financial concerns include having adequate Social Security benefits, having enough income or savings to retire and being able to afford groceries or other household necessities.
• More than half of adults surveyed are concerned about their ability to afford property taxes on their primary residence in the next five years.
• The majority (83%) prioritize staying in their homes as they age and being able to get to places independently (81%).

The Vital Voices research also included a survey of American Indian or Alaskan Native residents in South Dakota age 45-plus. Results among those respondents were similar to the general survey, finding that:

• Priority health issues include having adequate health insurance coverage, staying mentally sharp and being able to afford health care expenses.
• One in five are currently providing unpaid care to an adult relative or a friend. An additional 45% have provided this type of care in the past. And, among those who are currently providing care to a loved one, or have in the past, nearly three-quarters (74%) have been employed either full- or part-time while providing care.
• Financial concerns include having enough income or savings to retire, being able to afford groceries or other household necessities and having adequate Social Security benefits.
• More than half of adults surveyed are concerned about their ability to afford property taxes on their primary residence in the next five years.
• The majority (85%) prioritize being able to get to places independently and staying in their homes as they age (81%).

“AARP’s new research gives older South Dakotans a much-needed voice at a moment when they may not feel heard,” said Gaikowski. “We will use the findings to inform our advocacy efforts and better serve our residents.”

This new data will once again be provided to local and state leaders, who will be able to use the data to:

• Predict the need for a specific program or interest in a particular issue.
• Enhance program and product innovation and development.
• Track issues and attitudes over time to assess shifts in public opinion.
• Take action on critical advocacy issues.

To learn more about this research, visit aarp.org/vitalvoices.