AARP: Study highlights needs of older residents

AARP North Dakota released research today that examines how North Dakotans age 45 and older feel about issues such as health care, financial security, energy costs, care giving, 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 North Dakota, AARP surveyed 703 people and found that, among residents 45-plus:

Retirement is on their minds.

• Nine in ten believe having enough income or savings to retire is extremely or very important.

• 87% say having adequate Social Security benefits is important – a four-point increase since 2020.

• 65% are concerned they won’t have enough to retire; and

• One-third of respondents feel they are behind in saving for retirement

Affordable healthcare and the cost of prescription

drugs is important to them.

• 91% of respondents said that having adequate health insurance is important to them.

• The importance of being able to afford healthcare expenses (89%) and being able to pay for prescription drugs (83%) have both increased by eight points since 2020.

They want to remain independent and age in place.

• Over half of respondents rated their communities as good or very good places to live.

• Seven in ten would prefer to receive care for themselves or a loved one at home.

• 65% are either currently providing or have provided care in the past to an adult relative or friend.

• 79% want to have services available to age in place

• 78% want to stay in their home as they age

• 81% noted that getting places independently is important

“AARP’s new research highlights older North Dakotans voices at a moment when they may not feel heard,” said Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director. “AARP is listening, and we’ll use these findings to inform our work and help North Dakota have the information they need as they age.”

This is the second round of Vital Voices research that AARP has conducted. From 2019-2021, AARP North Dakota used findings from Vital Voices when meeting with legislators and delivering public testimony. Based on the findings, AARP ND advocates for lower prescription drug prices, fights for enhanced community- services to age in place, works with local officials and volunteers to create more options for aging in place, and provides education on retirement planning and fraud prevention.

This new data will once again be provided to community, 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.