a 50+ · onondaga county. the 50+ constitutes a powerful voting demographic. the 50+ constituency...

STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK

2014 STATE OF THE 50+ IN ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK 1

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

Acknowledgements

AARP staff from the New York State Office, State Advocacy and Strategy Integration (SASI) and State

Research contributed to the design, implementation and reporting of this study.

Contributors include:

Beth Finkel, Bill Ferris, David McNally, David Irwin, Erin Mitchell, and Laura Palmer from the New York

State office; Janee Briesemeister, Enzo Pastore, Coralette Hannon, Sarah Mysiewicz from SASI; Angela

Houghton, Eowna Young Harrison, Brittne Nelson, Kate Bridges, Joanne Binette, Jennifer Sauer,

Rachelle Cummins, Cassandra Cantave, Darlene Matthews, Cheryl Barnes, Wendy Pratt, Sibora

Gjecovi, Ed Evans and Laura Mehegan from AARP Research; and Doris Gilliam, Office of General

Counsel.

Special thanks to Universal Survey for their collaboration in the collection and tabulation of these data.

Copyright © 2014 AARP

AARP Research

601 E Street NW Washington, DC 20049

www.aarp.org/research

For more information contact:

Angela Houghton, Senior Research Advisor

AARP Research

Tel. (202) 434-2261

[email protected]

http://research.aarp.org/

mailto:[email protected]


Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................. 4

POPULATION GROWTH & POWER OF 50+ VOTERS ...................................................................................... 6

DETAILED SURVEY FINDINGS:

Caregiving .................................................................................................................................................. 9

50+ Workers ............................................................................................................................................ 12

Retirement Security ................................................................................................................................ 14

Age Friendly Community ......................................................................................................................... 17

Utilities .................................................................................................................................................... 20

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS ............................................................................................... 22

METHODOLOGY .......................................................................................................................................... 23

ANNOTATED QUESTIONNAIRE .................................................................................................................... 27


INTRODUCTION

The 50+ population in New York State numbers 6.8 million people with 168,000 in

Onondaga County. The 50+ constitutes a powerful voting demographic. The 50+

constituency is more likely to vote than their younger counterparts and in the 2010

gubernatorial election, 58 percent of all votes in New York State were cast by a 50+ voter.

AARP is a leading advocate for the 50+ population and a non-partisan membership

organization with 2.5 million members across New York State and more than 70,000

members in Onondaga County. AARP engages its members and the general public on key

issues for the 50+ by providing information, holding debates and sponsoring grassroots

activities. (It does not endorse candidates, have a PAC, or give money to campaigns or

political parties.)

In 2014, the last of the Baby Boomers will turn 50. As this baby boom ages, the number of

New Yorkers coming into traditional retirement age will continue to rise over the next

decade. Recognizing this demographic shift will present opportunities and challenges for

New York, AARP New York commissioned a statewide survey of 50+ voters with

oversamples in 6 geographic areas, including Onondaga County, to understand their

experiences and ask their opinions on issues of importance.1

Faced with age discrimination, caregiving for loved ones, affordability concerns and a lack

of retirement savings, many 50+ New Yorkers see a future where they will never be able to

retire. For those who can retire, a majority say they are likely to leave New York, taking

their retirement incomes with them.

We are pleased to present this State of the 50+ in Onondaga County, New York and hope

the data herein will be used to inform the work of elected officials, policy makers and

community leaders as they seek ways for Onondaga County to adapt to the needs of all its

residents, regardless of age.

1 This report discusses findings from a representative sample of 50+ voters in Onondaga County, New York. The county sample

was part of a larger survey of New York voters as described in more detail in the survey methodology section on page 23.


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

All across the U.S. and in New York State, the combination of increased life expectancy and

an aging baby boom generation is driving a very fast growing 65+ population. Based on an

AARP analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, over 500 New York State residents are

expected to turn 65 every day in the coming years. In 2010, one in seven people living in

Onondaga County were aged 65 and over; by 2035 it is projected to be nearly one in five.

This population shift brings both opportunities and challenges, including a more

experienced work force coupled with family caregiving needs, gaps in traditional retirement

security, and increased demand for age-friendly community services and supports.

As people age they almost universally want to stay in their homes and communities. But,

contrary to their preference, residents are often faced with the reality of securing for

themselves a future where affordable, independent living is possible. For some, this results

in a decision to relocate. Importantly, the extent to which New York can meet the needs of

its 50+ residents now, and as they age, will help reduce the likelihood that working

Boomers will leave the state in the future. Below are some of the key findings from a May

2014 survey of 50+ voters in Onondaga County, New York about their concerns:

Just over one in five (22%) of currently working Onondaga County voters age 50+ are

not confident they will ever be able to retire and one-fourth (25%) is just somewhat

confident they will ever retire. Just over half (53%) are extremely to very confident they

will retire.

Among those who are confident they will retire, half (50%) report they are at least

somewhat likely to leave New York State after retiring: 25 percent are extremely or

very likely to leave the state and another 25 percent are somewhat likely.

More than four in ten of 50+ voters in the labor force (44%) say their retirement will be

delayed for financial reasons, and one quarter (25%) do not have any access to a

retirement savings plan through their employer.

Over one third of all 50+ Onondaga County voters (37%) are extremely or very

concerned about being able to afford utility costs in the coming years. A similar

proportion of homeowners among 50+ Onondaga County voters are just as concerned

about affording property taxes into the future (39%).

More than half of 50+ Onondaga County voters (51%) have been family caregivers in the

past five years to an adult spouse or relative, a personal responsibility that impacts day-

to-day work schedules, and for some, reduces earning potential.

50+ voters also report experiencing or witnessing age discrimination in the workplace.

More than four in ten (44%) of Onondaga County 50+ voters in the labor force believe

they or someone they know has experienced some form of workplace age discrimination.

Being encouraged or forced to retire (28%) and not being hired for a job (22%) are the

most common forms.


A majority of 50+ Onondaga County voters say they would be more likely to stay in the

state as they age if improvements were made in the areas of health (68%),

transportation (63%) and housing (61%).

Voter Support for Proposed Legislation and Elected Officials

More than three quarters of Onondaga County 50+ voters (77%) support establishing a

state retirement plan to help New Yorkers that do not have access to a retirement

savings option at work. Features considered most important to such a plan are

portability (85%), low cost to taxpayers (75%), and accessibility (75%).

When making voting decisions for elected officials, Onondaga County 50+ voters are

likely to vote for a candidate that ensures New Yorkers can afford to stay in their homes

(72%), as well as one that helps New Yorkers have a financially secure retirement

(68%).

Onondaga County 50+ voters are ready for elected officials to protect them from high

and increasing utility costs. Three quarters (75%) do not believe the interests of

residential utility customers are represented and taken into consideration when utility

rate increases are proposed. Furthermore, nearly seven in ten (68%) do not believe their

elected officials are doing enough to help them when home energy costs increase. Eight

in ten (80%) support creating an independent utility consumer advocate office in New

York State.

A majority of 50+ voters in Onondaga County support legislative proposals to help

family caregivers, such as:

o Require family caregiver names to be entered on the patient’s medical record (91%

support).

o Require demonstration of medical or nursing tasks that caregivers will have to

perform (94% support).

o Establish a family leave insurance plan funded by the state in addition to employee

contributions (72% support).

Nearly three quarters (74%) of Onondaga County 50+ voters are extremely or very

likely to vote for a candidate who will work on supporting New Yorkers that provide

care at home for an adult loved one who is ill, frail, elderly or disabled.

Over six in ten (62%) of Onondaga County 50+ voters are extremely or very likely to

vote for a candidate that would maintain safe and independent mobility around town.

Three quarters (75%) of Onondaga County 50+ voters support legislation that would

require new homes built with county or state funds for low-income residents to use

Universal Design standards so they are accessible to people of all ages and abilities,

with half (51%) strongly supporting.


10%

12%

14%

16%

18%

20%

22%

2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040

% o

f To

tal N

Y S

tate

Po

pu

lati

on

50-64 65+

28%

43%

52% 60%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

2010 2012

New York State Voter Participation by Age

18-49 50+

POPULATION GROWTH & POWER OF 50+ VOTERS

New York State has 6.8 million residents that are age 50+ and more than 168,000 in

Onondaga County. A larger share of the 50+ in Onondaga County is currently under age 65:

58 percent are 50 to 64; and 42 percent are 65 and over.2 With the baby boom generation

(those born 1946-1964) now aging into the older half of the 50+ cohort, New York State’s 65

and over population is growing at a rate of 500 people every day.3 Over the 25-year span from

2010 to 2035, New York State’s population age 65+ will go from 1 in every 7, to 1 in every 5

residents. In Onondaga County this is an increase from 14 percent to 19 percent of the total

population.4

New York State Population Projection4

The 50+ age cohort is also an

engaged voter bloc. In the 2010

gubernatorial election, 52 percent of

50+ New Yorkers turned up at the

polls - a rate nearly twice that of

their 18-49 year old counterparts.

In the 2012 presidential election,

50+ voters in New York State again

significantly outpaced younger

voters in voter participation. Sixty

percent of all 50+ residents voted

compared to 43 percent of those

under age 50. 5

2 Nielsen and AARP MUL 2014. Prepared by AARP Research. 3 U.S. Census Bureau. Analysis by AARP Research 4 Cornell University, Program on Applied Demographics. http://pad.human.cornell.edu/counties/projections.cfm

http://pad.human.cornell.edu/counties/projections.cfm


58% 52%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2010 2012

Percent of Total Votes Cast New York State by Age

18-49

50+

Stronger voter participation among 50+ voters results in an over representation among all

votes cast compared to their share of the population. In both the 2010 gubernatorial and the

2012 presidential elections, 50+ voters accounted for more than half of all votes in New

York State while representing just 43 to 44 percent of the total 18+ population.6

5 U.S. Census Bureau. Current Population Survey, 2010 and 2012 November Voter Supplement. Prepared by AARP Research. (Self-reported survey of voter behavior.) 6 U.S. Census Bureau. Current Population Survey, 2010 and 2012 November Voter Supplement. Prepared by AARP Research. (Self-reported survey of voter behavior.)


62%

68%

70%

72%

74%

77%

Maintain safe and independent mobilityaround town for all ages

Help New Yorkers have a financially secureretirement

Ensure work opportunities for New Yorkers asthey age

Ensure New Yorkers can afford to stay in theirhomes

Support family caregivers

Safeguard New Yorkers against consumerscams, identity theft or fraud

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Likelihood to Vote for Candidate that Will Work on the Following Issues

(% Extremely or Very Likely to Vote For) Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)

With such strong 50+ voter representation at the polls, it is their interests that will largely

determine the outcomes. A large majority of Onondaga County voters said they will vote

for a candidate who supports key issues pertinent to 50+ voters. More than three quarters

(77%) would vote for a candidate who supports protecting New Yorkers from consumer

fraud. Onondaga County 50+voters are particularly worried about identity theft and credit

card fraud among the types of consumer fraud.

A majority of Onondaga County 50+ voters are likely to vote for a candidate who supports

family caregivers (74%) and who will work to ensure New Yorkers can afford to stay in their

homes (72%). A majority of Onondaga County 50+ voters also want to elect a candidate

who will ensure work opportunities for New Yorkers as they age (70%), help New Yorkers

have a financially secure retirement (68%) and maintain safe and independent mobility

around town for all ages (62%).

In the following pages we take a closer look at Onondaga County’s 50+ voter needs and

opinions on these issues.


DETAILED SURVEY FINDINGS

Caregiving

A family caregiver is someone who provides

unpaid care for an adult relative, friend or

spouse who is ill, frail, elderly, or has a

disability. Care may include assisting with

medical or nursing tasks like giving

medications, wound care, special diets, or

communicating with doctors; as well as

helping with personal needs, household chores, transportation, or financial management.

Such care may be provided to someone who lives either in the same household as the

caregiver or somewhere else. As of 2009, 4.1 million family caregivers in New York State

were providing unpaid care at any given time to an adult with limitations in daily

activities.7

According to our survey of 50+ voters in Onondaga County, over half (51%) have been a

family caregiver to an adult loved one within the past 5 years or since 2009: 18 percent is

currently providing such care while 33 percent previously provided care.

Nationally, the incidence of adult children – mainly Baby Boomers - providing care for a

parent has more than tripled in the past 15 years8 and the demographic shift of the

population indicates the trend will continue. In fact, many Onondaga County 50+ voters see

themselves caregiving in the near future: 54 percent say it is extremely or very likely they

will need to provide care for an adult relative, friend or spouse within the next 5 years.

7 The AARP Public Policy Institute. Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update. The Growing Contributions and Costs of Family Caregiving. www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving/info-07-2011/valuing-the-invaluable.html 8 MetLife Mature Market Institute. The MetLife Study of Caregiving Costs to Working Caregivers; Double Jeopardy for Baby Boomers Caring for Their Parents, 2011. www.metlife.com/mmi/research/caregiving-cost-working-caregivers.html

Nearly two-thirds of working

caregivers have lost work time to

provide care for an adult loved one.

Has Provided Care to an Adult Relative, Friend, or Spouse in the Past 5 years Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)

Current Cargiver

18% No

48%

Don’t Know

1%

Former Caregiver

33%

http://www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving/info-07-2011/valuing-the-invaluable.html

http://www.metlife.com/mmi/research/caregiving-cost-working-caregivers.html


Family caregivers help fill the gap in long term care to allow loved ones to stay at home as

they age. The estimated economic value of the care provided by family caregivers in New

York State is approximately $32 billion, representing a significant cost savings for the

health care system.9

But providing this care often comes at a personal cost to the caregiver more than half (51%)

of 50+ voters in Onondaga County with family caregiving experience report the impact of

family caregiving is either “overwhelming” or places “a good deal” of strain on their quality

of life including financial hardship, emotional stress and stress at work.

One-third (33%) 50+ family caregivers in Onondaga County are in the labor force,

simultaneously juggling work responsibilities and caregiving. For working caregivers, the

demands of providing care can often interfere with their work schedules thereby resulting

in lost wages and reduced benefits from pensions and Social Security, detrimentally

impacting earnings and lifetime wealth.10

Nearly two-thirds (65%) of Onondaga County’s 50+ working family caregivers indicate that

providing care has impacted their day-to-day work hours, by going in late, leaving early or

taking time off to provide care. For some, caregiving responsibilities have more obviously

reduced their income from wages, with potential implications on longer-term economic

security: 20 percent have had to take a leave of absence, 20 percent reduced their hours to

part time, and 14 percent stopped working entirely.

9 The AARP Public Policy Institute. Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update. The Growing Contributions and Costs of Family Caregiving. www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving/info-07-2011/valuing-the-invaluable.html 10 MetLife Mature Market Institute. The MetLife Study of Caregiving Costs to Working Caregivers; Double Jeopardy for Baby Boomers Caring for Their Parents, 2011. www.metlife.com/mmi/research/caregiving-cost-working-caregivers.html

4%

11%

14%

20%

20%

65%

Feel treated unfairly at work

Lose any job benefits

Give up working or early retirement

Go from working full-time to part-time

Take a leave of absence

Go in late, leave early, take time off duringthe day to provide care

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Caregiving Impact on Work Schedule Onondaga County Voters 50+, Caregivers in the Labor Force

(n=75)

http://www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving/info-07-2011/valuing-the-invaluable.html

http://www.metlife.com/mmi/research/caregiving-cost-working-caregivers.html


Perhaps because so many are past, present or future caregivers, a majority of all 50+ voters

in Onondaga County support legislative proposals to help family caregivers. Over nine in

ten (91%) are in favor of requiring hospitals and care facilities to record a family caregiver’s

name on the medical record of the patient upon admission in order to keep that caregiver

informed of major decisions, like transferring or discharging the patient.

A slightly larger majority (94%) is in favor of requiring hospitals and rehabilitation

facilities to explain and demonstrate any medical or nursing tasks to caregivers that they

will need to perform after the patient returns home.

Over seven in ten (72%) support the establishment of a family leave insurance program, to

be funded by both state resources and a small employee payroll deduction, that would allow

family caregivers to receive a portion of their salary if they need to leave work for family

caregiving duties.

When making voting decisions for New York State elections, nearly three quarters (74%) of

50+ voters in Onondaga County say they are extremely or very likely to vote for a candidate

who will work on supporting New Yorkers who provide care at home for an adult loved one

who is ill, frail, elderly or disabled.

74% 68%

46%

20% 23%

26%

3% 4%

12%

2% 4% 9%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Require demonstrationof medical/nursing tasks

Require caregiver nameto be on record

Establish family leaveinsurance program

Legislative Proposals to Support Family Caregivers Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)

Strongly Oppose

Somewhat Oppose

Somewhat Support

Strongly Support

SPOTLIGHT ON BOOMERS (50-64 year olds): CAREGIVING

Caregiving among Boomers has tripled in the past 15 years. Among Boomer-aged voters in

Onondaga County, 56 percent are either recent or current caregivers; or 50 percent see

themselves caregiving in the near future. The majority of 50+ working caregivers are Baby

Boomers. In Onondaga County, family caregiving has disrupted a steady day-to-day work

schedule for 69 percent of working Boomer caregivers.

Support

NET=

94%

Support

NET=

91%

Support

NET=

72%


16%

17%

17%

22%

28%

44%

0% 20% 40% 60%

Passed over for raise orpromotion

Unwelcome comments aboutage

Laid off, fired, or forced out

Not hired

Encouraged/forced to retire

Yes to Any (Net)

Do you Believe you, a Family Member or Friend Have Ever Experienced the Following at Work Because of Age

Since Turning 50? (% Yes) Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)

8%

59%

33%

Not in the labor force for otherreasons

Retired, not working at all

Labor Force Participation (NET)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Working Status Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)

50+ Workers

After a period of historic lows during the 1980s, the U.S. labor force participation rate for

the 65 and over population has been rising since the late 1990s and is currently around 20

percent. Within the 65 and over population, the 65 to 69 cohort has seen the largest

increase, reaching a labor participation rate of 31 percent in 2010.11 As the Boomers now

age into the 65-and-over ranks, the

working share of the older

population is expected to continue

to rise.12

In our survey, one-third (33%)

Onondaga County 50+ voters are in

the labor force. This equates to 53

percent among 50 to 64 year old

Onondaga County voters; and 12

percent among the 65+.

At the same time; however, age-

based employment discrimination is

a concern for many. Three in ten

(31%) of Onondaga County 50+

voters in the work force are

extremely or very concerned about

age discrimination and another 39

percent are somewhat concerned.

Concern or worry about age

discrimination at work may be

partly due to experiencing or

observing acts believed to be

discriminatory. Over four in ten

(44%) of Onondaga County 50+

voters believe they or someone they

know have experienced age-based

discrimination at work since

turning 50. The most common form

is forcing retirement before the employee is ready (28%) followed by not hiring a candidate

because of age (22%). Lay-offs, firings or ousting, pass overs, and verbal comments are each

experienced or observed by one in six.

11 U.S. Census Bureau, Labor Force Participation and Work Status of People 65 Years and Older, issued January 2013. www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/acsbr11-09.pdf 12 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Spotlight on Older Workers, June 2008. www.bls.gov/spotlight/2008/older_workers/

http://www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/acsbr11-09.pdf

http://www.bls.gov/spotlight/2008/older_workers/


Increasing labor force participation among 50+ adults will require workplace dynamics to

meet the needs of older workers, including protection from age discrimination and

adaptations for family caregiving responsibilities. Seventy percent of Onondaga County

voters 50+ are ready to support a candidate who works for ensuring opportunities for

workers as they age.

SPOTLIGHT ON BOOMERS (50-64 year olds): WORK

Over half (53%) of Boomer aged voters in Onondaga County report they are in

the labor force. Among all Boomer voters in Onondaga County, almost half

(48%) have experienced or witnessed work place acts believed to be

discriminatory because of age and worry about age discrimination in the work

place is widespread: 29 percent are extremely or very concerned about age

discrimination at work and another 39 percent are somewhat concerned.


10%

12%

25%

19%

33%

53%

Not at all confident

Not too confident

Somewhat confident

Very confident

Extremely confident

Extremely/Very (NET)

0% 20% 40% 60%

Confidence in Ability to Retire Onondaga County Voters 50+, in

Labor Force (n=143)

Retirement Security

Within the 33 percent of Onondaga County voters 50+ who are currently in the labor force,

82 percent are age 50 to 64 and

approximately 18 percent are age 65

and over.

Onondaga County 50+ voters who are

still in the labor force are moderately

confident that they will ever be able to

retire. While over half (53%) are

extremely or very confident they will ever retire, one-quarter (25%) is just somewhat

confident, and over one in five (22%) are not confident in ever being able to retire. More

than four in ten (44%) say that their retirement will be delayed for financial reasons.

Among the subset of 50+ Onondaga County voters who are confident they will be able to

retire, 50 percent of them report they are at least somewhat likely to leave New York State

after retirement. One-quarter (25%) are extremely or very likely to leave and one-quarter

(25%) is somewhat likely to leave.

18%

31%

25%

8%

17%

25%

Not at all likely

Not very likely

Somewhat likely

Very likely

Extremely likely


0% 20% 40% 60%

Likelihood of Leaving New York State after Retiring

Onondaga County Voters 50+, in Labor Force and Confident Will

Retire (n=109)

50+ working Onondaga County

voters face prospects of either

never retiring or leaving the state.

SPOTLIGHT ON BOOMERS (50-64 year olds): RETIREMENT FLIGHT

In the 50 to 64 year old Boomer cohort, 22 percent of Onondaga County workers

are not confident they will ever be able to retire. Of the 77 percent of

Onondaga County workers who are at least somewhat confident they will retire,

53 percent report likelihood to leave New York State after retirement.


39%

37%

26%

Property Taxes

Utilities

Monthly rent or mortgage

0% 20% 40% 60%

Level of Concern about Ability to Pay in the Coming Years

(% Extremely or Vey Concerned) Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)

At the same time, 50+ Americans overwhelmingly say they want to stay in their homes and

communities as they age.13 Further, majorities of 50+ voters consistently support

candidates and legislation that allows older New Yorkers to stay in their homes. The

question then is why does such a relatively large proportion of future retirees say they are

likely to leave New York? Looking at some basic affordability issues offers insight.

Nearly four in ten (39%) of 50+

Onondaga County voters indicate a

high level of concern for their

ability to afford property taxes and

utilities in the coming years. In

addition, one-quarter (26%) is

concerned about affording monthly

housing payments such as a

mortgage or rent.

Ongoing rises in these basic

housing costs coupled with

uncertain retirement income

suggest motives for future retirees

to leave New York and relocate in

exchange for an affordable

retirement.

Over the past few decades, the decrease in the percentage of all workers covered by defined

benefit (“payout”) plans and increase in defined contribution (“pay in”) plans means that

employees are bearing more risk in terms of steady retirement income.14

Countywide in Onondaga, one-quarter (25%) of 50+ voters in the labor force do not have

any option to save for retirement through their employer. Another 21 percent have only

defined contribution plans available, such as a 401k, where employers pay a specified

amount into the plan but there is no assurance on the final payout to the retiree. Relatively

fewer 50+ voters in Onondaga County (9%) are offered defined benefit or traditional

pensions as their only retirement plan. Defined benefit or pension plans are more likely to

be provided together with a defined contribution plan (44%) for current Onondaga county

workers age 50+.

13 The AARP Public Policy Institute. What Is Livable? Community Preferences of Older Adults, April 2014. www.aarp.org/research/ppi/liv-com2/policy/Other/articles/what-is-livable-AARP-ppi-liv-com.html 14 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Compensation Survey – Benefits. www.bls.gov/ncs/ebs/

(Homeowners Only)

(Homeowners only)

http://www.aarp.org/research/ppi/liv-com2/policy/Other/articles/what-is-livable-AARP-ppi-liv-com.html

http://www.aarp.org/research/ppi/liv-com2/policy/Other/articles/what-is-livable-AARP-ppi-liv-com.html

http://www.bls.gov/ncs/ebs/


To help close the gap in savings options, a large majority of 50+ Onondaga County voters

(77%) support the establishment of a state retirement plan that would grant plan access for

New Yorkers who have no retirement savings option through their employer. Over half of

50+ voters (53%) strongly support such a proposal.

When considering a state retirement plan in New York to help all workers have access to

retirement savings plans, portability is considered important by over eight in ten (85%) 50+

voters across Onondaga County, ranking first among plan features. A low cost to taxpayers

and accessibility to all workers rank second in voter importance. Features that affect

individual participants are important to relatively fewer but still a majority, such as low

cost to participants (62%), professional management (59%), and ease of use (55%).

Ensuring financial security for New Yorkers is a key voting issue for 50+ voters.

Candidates who will work on helping secure retirements and housing security for the 50+

are likely to win support from voters. When making voting decisions for New York State

elections, more than two-thirds (68%) Onondaga County 50+ voters say they are extremely

or very likely to vote for a candidate who will work on helping New Yorkers have a

financially secure retirement. Also, seven in ten (72%) say they are extremely or very likely

to vote for a candidate working to ensure New Yorkers can afford to stay in their homes.

6%

12%

5%

17%

24%

53%

77%

Neither/Don't know/Refused

Strongly oppose

Somewhat oppose

Total Oppose (NET)

Somewhat support

Strongly support

Total Support (NET)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Would you support or oppose establishing a state retirement plan to help New Yorkers that do not have

access to a retirement savings option at work? Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)


Age Friendly Community

In addition to affordability, improvements in supports and services for older residents offer

opportunities to make staying in New York likely for more retirees. Between 49 percent and

68 percent of 50+ Onondaga County voters say they would be more likely to stay in the

state as they age if improvements were made in the areas of health, housing, transportation

and jobs for older residents.

Nearly seven in ten (68%) of 50+ voters would be more likely to stay in New York as they

age if health services and community support were improved. Six in ten (61%) say

improvements in affordable and suitable housing for older residents would positively

influence their likelihood to stay in New York. Over six in ten (63%) would be positively

persuaded to stay with public and alternative transportation improvements for all mobility

levels. Better employment opportunities for 50+ residents would influence just under half

(49%) to consider staying in New York as they age.

49%

61%

63%

68%

Employment opportunities for older residents

Housing that is affordable and suitable for olderresidents

Public transportation and alternativetransportation services for older or ill residents,

that is affordable and accessible

Health services and community support

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

If New York State Were to Make Improvements in Onondaga County, Would It Make You More Likely to Stay in NY as You

Age? (% saying “yes”) Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)

SPOTLIGHT ON BOOMERS (50-64 year olds): AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY

The potential for age friendly improvements to sway the likelihood of staying in New York

State is similar, or somewhat less, among Boomers as it is for the entire 50+ cohort. 63%

of Boomer voters in Onondaga County would be influenced to stay in New York with

improvements in health services; 60% with improvements in housing; 60% with improved

public/alternative transportation services; and 53% with more or better employment

opportunities for older residents.


Concerning problematic features in the community, streets that are in need of repair are

considered a problem to the large majority of 50+ Onondaga County voters (84%); with six

in ten (59%) saying this is a major problem. Echoing concerns about future affordability of

housing costs, the lack of affordable housing again arises as a concern for a significant

portion of Onondaga County’s 50+ voters – 58 percent categorize the lack of affordable

housing as a problem in their community.

Among the pedestrian-friendly features asked about, cars not yielding to pedestrians is

ranked as a major problem by 50+ voters in the county: two-thirds (66%) overall recognize

this as a problem and over one in five (23%) say it is a major problem. Additional

community features that encourage walkability and decrease reliance on driving also

present opportunity to improve age friendliness of New York communities. Large portions

of county residents report problems in their community with sidewalk condition (61%),

close, accessible and easy public transportation (59%), and traffic light timings that are safe

for pedestrian crossing (47%).

Having safe and independent mobility options within their communities is an issue that

influences the voting behavior of Onondaga County 50+ voters. When making voting

decisions for New York State elections, six in ten (62%) of Onondaga County 50+ voters say

they are extremely or very likely to vote for a candidate who will work on maintaining safe

and independent mobility around town for New Yorkers of all ages.

12%

19%

23%

25%

23%

27%

59%

35%

39%

36%

36%

43%

46%

25%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Traffic lights timed too fast for safe pedestriancrossing

Lack of affordable housing

Public transportation too far away, too limited,or too hard to navigate

Sidewalks too narrow, poorly lit, need repair,don't exist

Cars not yielding to pedestrians

Crime or personal safety

Streets that need repair

Is Each of the Following a Problem in Your Community? Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)

Major Problem Minor Problem

47%

84%

73%

61%

66%

58%

59%


Adults want to stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible as they age.

This preference for residents to “age in place” is easier to realize in a community that

includes housing options for varying life stages and all income levels.

“Universal Design” is a term that refers to the design of living and work spaces so that they

are accessible and usable by everyone, including people of all ages and people with

disabilities, without special or separate design. Examples of basic universal design features

in a private home would include a no-step entrance, 36 inch doorways, a bedroom or room

to convert into a bedroom on the main floor, and a full bath on the main floor.

Three quarters (75%) of Onondaga County 50+ voters countywide support legislation that

would require new homes built for low-income residents with county or state funds to use

such universal design standards, with half (51%) strongly supporting this measure.


Utilities

The prospect of rising and unaffordable utility costs in the coming years is a concern for

Onondaga County’s 50+ voters. Over one-third (37%) of voters age 50+ say they are

extremely or very concerned about their

ability to pay utility bills in the coming

years. This level of concern is only slightly

less than the proportion of homeowners

among Onondaga County 50+ voters who

are concerned about their ability to pay

property taxes in the coming years (39%).

Moreover, nearly three quarters (73%)

Onondaga County voters age 50+ say the

cost of heating their homes this past winter put a strain on their household finances. Over

one quarter (27%) of Onondaga County voters age 50+ say the cost of heating their homes

has been a major financial strain this past winter.

21%

16%

26%

17%

20%

37%

Not at all concerned

Not too concerned

Somewhat concerned

Very concerned

Extremely concerned


0% 20% 40% 60%

Level of Concern about Ability to Pay Utility Bills in Coming Years

Onondaga County Voters 50+ (n=406)

26%

46%

27%

73%

No strain at all

A minor strain

A major strain

Any Strain (NET)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Financial Impact of Cost of Heating on Household


Onondaga County voters age

50+ want protection against

high and increasing utility costs.


A majority of 50+ voters do not feel consumers are duly protected from ongoing rate hikes

and there is a perceived lack of action from elected officials. Three quarters (75%) of

Onondaga County voters age 50+ do not believe the interests of residential utility

customers are represented and taken into consideration when utility rate increases are

proposed for electricity and gas. A majority (68%) do not believe their elected officials are

doing enough to help them when home energy costs increase.

In 40 other states, a consumer advocate independently represents the interests of

residential utility consumers. New York State does not currently have an independent

utility consumer advocate. Eight in ten (80%) Onondaga County voters age 50 and over

support legislation to establish such an office that would represent residential customers

when utility companies request a rate increase before the New York State Public Service.

Six in ten (61%) supports it strongly.

SPOTLIGHT ON BOOMERS (50-64 year olds): UTILITIES

On the issue of utility affordability, 50 to 64 year old Boomer voters in Onondaga

County are more likely than 50+ voters overall to believe that consumer interests are

neither represented and considered when rate increases are proposed (78% say they

are not); nor that elected officials are doing enough to help them when home energy

costs increase (73% say they are not).

9%

4%

13%

20%

61%

80%

Strongly oppose

Somewhat oppose

Total Oppose (NET)

Somewhat support

Strongly support

Total Support (NET)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Opinions on Creating an Independent Utility Consumer Advocate Office in New York



DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS

63%

15%

10%

11%

49%

51%

5%

26%

15%

22%

14%

4%

14%

29%

27%

28%

11%

33%

30%

21%

14%

18%

17%

21%

12%

12%

21%

Married or living with a partner

Widowed

Divorced or separated

Never married

AARP Member

AARP Non-Member

0 to 12th grade, no diploma

High school graduate or equivalent

Post high school, no degree

2 year degree

4 year degree

Post graduate study, no degree

Graduate or professional degree

Democrat

Republican

Independent

Something else

Conservative

Moderate

Liberal

None of these

<$30K

$30K-<$50K

$50K-<$75K

$75K-<$100K

$100,000+

Don't know/Refused

CIV

IL S

TA

TUS

MEM

BER

SHIP

EDU

CA

TIO

NP

AR

TYA

FFIL

IATI

ON

PO

LITI

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L V

IEW

SIN

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METHODOLOGY

SUMMARY

On behalf of AARP, an independent survey firm, Universal Survey, Inc., conducted

telephone interviews with a sample of 2,926 registered voters aged 50+ who reside in New

York State. The sample was drawn at random from a list of registered voters in the state of

New York provided by Aristotle. Respondents were screened on age, state residency, and

voter registration for inclusion in the survey. Interviewing occurred from March 19 through

April 18, 2014.

The total number of interviews was allocated across discrete sampling areas. There is a

statewide sample of 407 with oversamples in the following New York State geographies

for approximately 400 in each of the following areas:

Capital Area (4 counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady);

Erie County;

Dutchess County;

Monroe County;

Onondaga County;

Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties); and

New York City (5 counties of Bronx, King, New York, Queens, Richmond).

This survey is very similar to one conducted in New York City in June 2013. Repeated

survey questions were not asked this year in New York City oversample interviews. In

New York City only, interviewing was conducted in English and Spanish.

On a sample size of n=400, the margin of error is ±5.0 percent at the 95% confidence

interval. Data have been weighted by age, gender, education and county to reflect the 50+

voter population in each geography.

SAMPLE DESIGN

The sample of registered voters was drawn from a list of 5.5 million 50+ year old registered

voters. The table below shows counts and distribution of sample records in the sample

frame by target geographies.

COUNT %

Capital Area 265,390 5%

Erie County 299,232 5%

Onondaga County 140,637 3%

Monroe County 218,716 4%

Dutchess County 88,191 2%

Long Island 923,556 17%

NYC 2,020,427 37%

Rest of NY 1,548,955 27%

TOTAL 5,505,104 100%


The study was completed in two phases. Phase one consisted of 407 random interviews

across the state of New York. The distribution of the New York statewide sample is shown

below. Phase Two was a stratified random sample draw in each of the targeted geographies

to augment interviews that fell out of the statewide sample with a goal of achieving 400 in

each area.

NY Statewide

Sample n=407

Geographic Over-

samples

Total n

Capital Area 33 368 401

Erie County 23 377 400

Onondaga County 12 388 400

Monroe County 18 386 404

Dutchess County 5 401 406

Long Island 63 338 401

New York City 139 261 400

Rest of New York State 114 - 114

TOTAL 407 2,519 2,926

QUESTIONNAIRE

The questionnaire was developed by AARP staff.

WEIGHTING

The sample was weighted by education, age, gender and county to match the sampling

frame of registered voters, with an additional overlay from the 2012 Current Population

Survey November Voter Supplement (CPS). The weights were applied sequentially. The

order of application was education, gender, and age. These weights were applied first (in

sequence) based on the sample codes sourced from the list and weighted to the sample

frame. Next, a second stage of weighting on education was applied based on survey

responses and weighted to the population distribution according to the CPS. Last, for the

New York City sample only, a county weight was applied based on the CPS.

Following are the New York 50+ voter population distributions on education and county

(NYC only) according to the U.S. Current Population Survey 2012, November Voter

Supplement.

EDUCATION NY

State Capital

Area Erie Monroe

Onon-daga

Dutch-ess

Long Island

NYC

Less than 4 year degree 66% 68% 68% 68% 68% 68% 58% 68%

4 year degree or more 34% 32% 32% 32% 32% 32% 42% 32%


COUNTY NYC

Bronx 19%

Kings/Brooklyn 23%

New York/Manhattan 24%

Queens 26%

Richmond 8%

The table below contains information about the weighting result. The first table shows

distributions for New York registered voters aged 50+ according to the sample frame in the

column labeled “Population”. The column labeled “Sample” shows the distribution of the

sample. The column labeled “Weighted Sample” shows the distribution in the sample after

all the weights were applied.

Population* Sample

Weighted Sample

EDUCATION

NYS - No info 44.60% 31.40% 43.00%

NYS - Completed High School 24.00% 25.80% 24.60%

NYS - Completed College 19.70% 25.30% 20.30%

NYS - Completed Graduate School 11.50% 17.00% 11.90%

NYS - Attended Vocational/Technical 0.20% 0.50% 0.20%

Onondaga - No info 32.40% 21.70% 32.50%

Onondaga - Completed High School 29.30% 27.80% 29.40%

Onondaga - Completed College 22.90% 28.10% 22.90%

Onondaga - Completed Graduate School 15.10% 21.90% 15.10%

Onondaga - Attended Vocational/Technical 0.10% 0.50% 0.10%

GENDER

NYS - Male 48% 46% 48%

NYS - Female 52% 54% 52%

Onondaga - Male 47% 50% 47%

Onondaga - Female 53% 50% 53%

AGE

NYS - Age 50-64 50% 41% 49%

NYS - Age 65+ 50% 59% 51%

Onondaga - Age 50-64 51% 49% 51%

Onondaga - Age 65+ 49% 51% 49%

EDUCATION

NYS - Less than 4 year degree 66% 56% 65%

NYS - 4 year degree or more 34% 44% 35%

Onondaga - Less than 4 year degree 68% 50% 67%

Onondaga - 4 year degree or more 32% 50% 32%

* Source: Aristotle.


RESPONSE RATE/COOPERATION RATE/REFUSAL RATE

The response rate for this study was measured using AAPOR’s response rate 3 method. The

cooperation rate was measured using AAPOR’s cooperation rate 3 method. The refusal rate

was measured using AAPOR’s refusal rate 3 method.

Response Rate

Cooperation Rate

Refusal Rate

TOTAL 7% 48% 28%

Onondaga County 9% 52% 29%

Source: AAPOR Outcome Rate Calculator Version 2.1 May 2003


ANNOTATED QUESTIONNAIRE

2014 New York State Telephone Survey of Registered Voters 50+ Annotation of Survey Responses

English Questionnaire, Landline Sample Only

These data were collected by Universal Survey, Inc. on behalf of AARP through a telephone survey of New York State registered voters age 50 and older. There is a statewide sample of n=407 with oversamples in the following NY geographies for approximately n=400 each: the Capital Area (4 counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady); Erie County; Dutchess County; Monroe County; Onondaga County; Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties); and New York City (5 counties of Bronx, King, New York, Queens, Richmond). This survey is very similar to one conducted in NYC in June 2013. Repeated survey questions were not asked in NYC oversample interviews. Interviewing was conducted between March 19 and April 18, 2014. In New York City only, interviewing was conducted in English and Spanish. On a sample size of n=400 the margin of error is ±5.0 percent at the 95% confidence interval. Data have been weighted to reflect the 50+ voter population in each geography.

* Survey sections in blue highlight were skipped for NYC oversample only.

INTRODUCTION Hello, this is ______ calling from _________, a national opinion research firm. We are not telemarketers and are not trying to sell you anything. We are calling New Yorkers to ask about their opinions on some issues that may affect them and their families and would like to include your views in our study. We would greatly appreciate your participation and all of your responses will be kept entirely confidential.

SCREENER QS1. First, to ensure that we interview a wide variety of people, I have a few questions about you. Can you please tell me your age as of your last birthday? [CAPTURE ACTUAL AGE. DON’T READ LIST UNLESS NECESSARY. USE THE AGE GROUPS BELOW TO KEEP TRACK OF HOW MANY RESPONDENTS WE ARE GETTING IN EACH GROUP.]

New York State Onondaga County

Base: Total Respondents 407 406

50-64 NET 49% 51%

65+ NET 51% 49%

QS2. And, are you registered to vote in New York?



Yes 100% 100%

No - -

QS3. Which New York County do you live in? (DO NOT READ)



CAPITAL AREA 8% -



Albany County 4% -

Rensselaer County 2% -

Saratoga County 1% -

Schenectady County 1% -

ERIE COUNTY 5% -

DUTCHESS COUNTY 1% -

MONROE COUNTY 4% -

ONONDAGA COUNTY 3% 100%

LONG ISLAND 15% -

Nassau County 6% -

Suffolk County 8% -

NYC 36% -

Bronx County 5% -

Kings County 5% -

New York County 11% -

Queens County 11% -

Richmond County 4% -

REST OF NY 29% -

Allegany County 0 -

Broome County 0 -

Cattaraugus County 1% -

Cayuga County 1% -

Chautauqua County 2% -

Chemung County 1% -

Chenango County 0 -

Clinton County 0 -

Columbia County 0 -

Delaware County 1% -

Essex County 0 -

Franklin County 2% -

Fulton County 0 -

Genesee County 0 -

Herkimer County 1% -

Livingston County 1% -

Madison County 0 -

Montgomery County 1% -

Niagara County 1% -

Oneida County 1% -

Ontario County 1% -

Orange County 1% -

Oswego County 1% -

Otsego County 1% -

Putnam County 1% -

Rockland County 1% -

St. Lawrence County 1% -

Schoharie County 0 -

Schuyler County 0 -

Seneca County 1% -

Steuben County 1% -



Sullivan County 0 -

Tioga County 1% -

Tompkins County 1% -

Ulster County 1% -

Warren County 1% -

Washington County 1% -

Wayne County 0 -

Westchester County 3% -

Wyoming County 0 -

Yates County 0 -

QS4. RECORD RESPONDENT’S GENDER. ASK ONLY IF ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY: “To ensure it is recorded accurately, could you please state your gender?”



Male 48% 47%

Female 52% 53%

QS5. We want to ensure that we interview people from a wide variety of racial and ethnic groups. Can you please tell me if you are of Hispanic, Spanish, or Latino origin or descent?



Yes 10% 1%

No 90% 99%

Don't know 1% 1%

QS6. And what is your race? [ACCEPT ONLY ONE. IF NECESSARY: WHICH ONE RACE DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?]



White or Caucasian 81% 91%

Black or African American 8% 4%

Native American or Alaskan Native 0 1%

Asian 1% 0

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 0 0

Other 7% 2%

Don't know 1% 0

Refused 2% 1%


QS7. Which of the following best describes your current employment status? Are you… [READ LIST, ACCEPT ONE.]



Labor Force Participation (NET) 39% 33%

Self-employed full-time 5% 4%

Self-employed part-time 3% 2%

Employed full-time 19% 20%

Employed part-time 7% 4%

Unemployed and looking for work 5% 2%

Retired and not working at all 53% 59%

Not in the labor force for other reasons 7% 8%

Don't know 1% 0

Refused 1% -

IF LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION AT QS7, ASK QS8. OTHERWISE GO TO Q3. QS8. Have you ever retired from a previous career?


Base: Labor Force Participation 148 143

Yes 14% 16%

No 86% 83%

Don't know 0 1%

Refused - -


MAIN QUESTIONNAIRE

Q1. & Q2. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY

[*NYC OVERSAMPLE SKIP Q3, GO TO CAREGIVING SECTION, QC-A.]

Q3. When making your voting decisions for New York State elections, how likely are you to vote for a candidate who will work on [INSERT B-H]? Are you extremely likely, very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely or not at all likely to vote for someone who will work on it? [RANDOMIZE ORDER. RECORD ONE ANSWER FOR EACH. REPEAT RESPONSE SCALE FOR FIRST FEW ONLY.]

NOTE: ITEMS A & G IN LIST BELOW NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY

b. Supporting New Yorkers who provide care at home for an adult loved one who is ill, frail, elderly or disabled


Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample) 407 406

Top 2 Box (NET) 75% 74%

Extremely likely 34% 34%

Very likely 42% 40%

Somewhat likely 20% 21%

Bottom 2 Box (NET) 2% 3%

Not very likely 2% 2%

Not at all likely 1% 1%

Don't know 2% 1%

Refused 0 0

c. Safeguarding New Yorkers against consumer scams, identify theft or fraud



Top 2 Box (NET) 76% 77%


Very likely 39% 45%





Don't know 1% 1%

Refused 0 1%


d. Helping New Yorkers have enough money for a financially secure retirement



Top 2 Box (NET) 72% 68%


Very likely 38% 40%





Don't know 4% 1%

Refused 1% 1%

e. Ensuring work opportunities for New Yorkers as they age



Top 2 Box (NET) 70% 70%


Very likely 43% 44%





Don't know 2% 0

Refused 1% 2%

f. Maintaining safe and independent mobility around town for New Yorkers of all ages



Top 2 Box (NET) 67% 62%


Very likely 38% 38%





Don't know 4% 1%

Refused 0 1%


h. Ensuring New Yorkers can afford to stay in their homes



Top 2 Box (NET) 79% 72%


Very likely 40% 42%





Don't know 1% 2%

Refused 1% 1%

Caregiving

QC-A. The next few questions are about caregiving. A family caregiver is someone who provides care for an adult relative, friend or spouse who is ill, frail, elderly, or has a disability. Care may include assisting with medical or nursing tasks like giving medications, wound care, special diets, or communicating with doctors; also helping with personal needs, household chores, transportation, financial management or a variety of other tasks. Such care may be provided to someone who lives either in the same household or somewhere else.

How likely is it that you will provide this sort care to an adult relative, friend or spouse (18 years or older) to help them take care of themselves in the next five years?



Top 2 Box (NET) 53% 54%


Very likely 28% 27%





Don't know 4% 2%

Refused 0 -


QC-1. In the past 5 years, since 2009, have you yourself provided this sort of care to an adult relative, friend or spouse 18 years or older who is ill, frail, elderly or has a disability? [IF RESPONDENT SAYS “YES” CLARIFY IF THEY ARE STILL CURRENTLY PROVIDING CARE OR PREVIOUSLY BUT NOT CURRENTLY.]



Caregiver (NET) 50% 51%

Yes, I am currently providing care 20% 18%

Yes, I previously provided care but not currently 30% 33%

No 49% 48%

Don't know 1% 1%

Refused 1% -

QC-2. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY

[*NYC OVERSAMPLE SKIP QC-3. GO TO INSTRUCTION BEFORE QC-4.1]

QC-3. To what extent [INSERT “does” IF CURRENTLY AT QC-1. INSERT “did” IF PREVIOUSLY AT QC-1 AND NOT CURRENTLY] your caregiving put a strain on the quality of life for you and your family, including financial hardship, emotional stress and stress at work? Would you say … READ LIST. ACCEPT ONE


Base: Current and previous caregivers (excluding NYC oversample) 201 208

Overwhelming strain 14% 12%

A good deal of strain 41% 39%

Minor strain 30% 34%

No strain at all 14% 14%

Don't know 0 1%

Refused 0 -

ASK QC-4.1 IF Q.S7=1-4 OR 6 “LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION” OR QS8=YES “RETIRED FROM A PREVIOUS CAREER”. OTHERWISE SKIP TO QC-6.] QC-4. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY

QC-4.1. In your experience as both a worker and a caregiver, did you ever…… [INSERT FROM BELOW. RANDOMIZE LIST]

a) Feel treated unfairly at work


Base: Caregivers and Labor Force Participation 82 75

Yes 14% 4%

No 85% 95%

Was not working at the time I was caregiving - -

Don't know - -

Refused 1% 1%


b) Have to go in late, leave early, or take time off during the day to provide care



Yes 74% 65%

No 25% 34%

Was not working at the time I was caregiving - 1%

Don't know - -

Refused 1% -

c) Have to take a leave of absence



Yes 27% 20%

No 71% 80%


Don't know - -

Refused 1% -

d) Have to go from working full-time to part-time



Yes 17% 20%

No 81% 77%

Was not working at the time I was caregiving 1% 3%

Don't know - -

Refused 1% -

e) Lose any of your job benefits



Yes 11% 11%

No 85% 87%

Was not working at the time I was caregiving - 1%

Don't know 3% -

Refused 2% 1%


f) Have to give up working entirely or choose early retirement



Yes 13% 14%

No 85% 86%


Don't know 1% -

Refused 1% -

QC-5. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY

QC-6. There are currently a number of legislative proposals to help provide support for family caregivers. For each of the following proposals that I read, please tell me if you would support or oppose it: [INSERT ITEM A-C FROM LIST BELOW AND RANDOMIZE ORDER OF ITEMS]

a) Require hospitals and care facilities to record the name of a patient’s caregiver in the patient’s medical record upon admission and keep that caregiver informed of major decisions, like transferring or discharging the patient.



Support (NET) 87% 90%

Strongly support 65% 68%

Somewhat support 22% 23%

Neither support nor oppose 2% 1%

Oppose (NET) 7% 8%

Somewhat oppose 4% 4%

Strongly oppose 3% 4%

Don't know 4% 1%

Refused 1% -

b) Require hospitals and rehab facilities to explain and demonstrate any medical or nursing tasks caregivers will need to perform after the patient returns home.







Oppose (NET) 3% 5%



Don't know 2% 0

Refused 0 -


c) Establish a family leave insurance program that provides workers with a portion of their pay if they need to leave work for family caregiving duties. This program would be funded by both state resources and a very small employee payroll deduction.







Oppose (NET) 20% 20%



Don't know 5% 3%

Refused 1% 1%

Older Worker [*NYC OVERSAMPLE, SKIP QW-1 THROUGH QR-3. GO TO INSTRUCTION BEFORE QR-4.] QW-1.Next, I have some questions related to work and age. Do you believe you yourself, a family member or a friend have ever….[INSERT ITEM A-E FROM LIST BELOW AND RANDOMIZE ORDER OF ITEMS]

a. Not been hired for a job because of age since turning 50?



Yes 23% 22%

No 72% 74%

Don't know 5% 4%

Refused - -

b. Been passed over for a raise or promotion because of age since turning 50?



Yes 18% 16%

No 77% 81%

Don't know 4% 3%

Refused 1% -


c. Been laid off, fired, or forced out of a job because of age since turning 50?



Yes 19% 17%

No 79% 82%

Don't know 2% 1%

Refused 1% -

d. Been encouraged or forced to retire before you or they preferred to retire?



Yes 26% 28%

No 71% 71%

Don't know 3% 1%

Refused - -

e. Received or been exposed to unwelcome comments about age in the workplace?



Yes 16% 17%

No 83% 81%

Don't know 1% 1%

Refused - -

[ASK QW-2 IF CODES 1-4 OR 6 AT Q.S7. OTHERWISE SKIP TO INSTRUCTION BEFORE QR-1. ]

QW-2.How concerned are you about age discrimination in the workplace? [READ LIST.]


Base: Labor Force Participation (excluding NYC oversample) 148 143

Top 2 Box (NET) 34% 31%

Extremely concerned 18% 19%

Very concerned 15% 13%

Somewhat concerned 30% 39%


Not too concerned 17% 20%

Not at all concerned 19% 10%

Don't know - -

Refused - -

QW-3 & QW-4 MOVED. QW-5 & QW-6 OMITTED


Retirement Security [TRANSITION TEXT READ TO ALL] Thinking now about retirement security … [IF QS7=1-4 OR 6 “LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION” CONTINUE. OTHERWISE, GO TO QR-4] QR-1 (OLD QW-3.) Overall how confident are you that you will be able to retire at some point? Are you… [READ LIST. ACCEPT ONE]



Top 2 Box (NET) 39% 53%

Extremely confident 22% 33%

Very confident 18% 19%

Somewhat confident 33% 25%


Not too confident 13% 12%

Not at all confident 14% 10%

Don't know 0 0

Refused - 0

QR-2 (OLD QW-4.) Will your retirement be delayed for financial reasons?



Yes 56% 44%

No 40% 51%

Don't know 3% 5%

Refused - -


[IF QS7=1-4 OR 6 “LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION” AND EXTREMELY, VERY OR SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT TO RETIRE AT QR-1 ASK QR-3. ALL OTHERS GO TO INSTRUCTION BEFORE QR-4] QR-3 (OLD QLV-5.1) How likely are you to leave New York State and live somewhere else once you retire? Are

you … READ LIST?


Base: Labor Force Participation and Extremely, Very or Somewhat Confident will be able to retire (excluding NYC oversample) 106 109

Top 2 Box (NET) 27% 25%


Very likely 14% 8%





Don't know 1% 1%

Refused - -

[ASK QR-4 IF QS7=1-4 OR 6 “LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION”. ALL OTHERS GO TO QR-5] QR-4. [IF CODE 1-4 AT S7 “Does your employer” IF CODE 6, “Did your most recent employer”] provide any of the following ways to save for retirement? Do they provide …. [INSERT A-B. ROTATE.]

a. A traditional pension plan or defined benefit plan? (IF ASKED, MAY CLARIFY: a traditional pension or defined benefit plan supplies retirees with a monthly income, typically based on a formula of salary and years of service. It is not a 401(k) plan.)



Yes 51% 54%

No 41% 44%

My employer doesn’t/didn’t offer a way to save for retirement. 2% 1%

Don't know/Not Sure 3% 2%

Refused 3% 0

b. An IRA, 401k or 403b defined contribution plan (IF ASKED, MAY CLARIFY: a defined contribution plan allows you to make contributions from your salary to an individual account set up in your name.)



Yes 58% 65%

No 31% 31%

My employer doesn’t/didn’t offer a way to save for retirement. 2% 1%

Don't know/Not Sure 6% 2%

Refused 3% 1%


[ASK ALL] QR-5. One way to help New York workers without access to a retirement savings option at work would be for the State to set up its own retirement savings plan. The plan would work very similar to a state college savings plan, where people contribute into a retirement account that is professionally managed. It would be voluntary and open to any worker choosing to enroll in the plan. The plan would be self-funded, and would not cost taxpayer dollars. Would you support or oppose this type of plan?










Don't know 4% 4%

Refused 1% -

[IF “Don’t Know” OR “Refused” AT QR-5, SKIP TO QU-1.]

QR-6. If New York State were to institute such a plan, how important would each of the following features be to you? Would you say extremely important, very important, somewhat important, not very important or not at all important? How important is… [INSERT A-F, RANDOMIZE]

a) Portability, so you can take the money and account with you from one job to the next


Base: Total Answering 392 389

Top 2 Box (NET) 83% 85%

Extremely important 47% 51%

Very important 37% 34%

Somewhat important 9% 9%


Not very important 2% 1%

Not at all important 4% 4%

Don't know 2% 1%

Refused 1% 0


b) A low cost to taxpayers



Top 2 Box (NET) 69% 75%







Don't know 2% 2%

Refused 1% 1%

c) A low cost to participants



Top 2 Box (NET) 63% 62%







Don't know 5% 3%

Refused 1% 1%

d) Professional money management



Top 2 Box (NET) 55% 59%







Don't know 3% 4%

Refused 1% 0


e) Accessibility so it is open to all workers in the state



Top 2 Box (NET) 70% 75%







Don't know 2% 0

Refused 1% 1%

f) Ease of use so contributions are taken directly from employee paychecks



Top 2 Box (NET) 52% 55%







Don't know 4% 6%

Refused 2% 1%

Utilities [TRANSITION TEXT READ TO ALL] I’d like to ask you a few questions now about home utility services. [*NYC OVERSAMPLE SKIP QU-1 AND QU-2. GO TO QU-2.1] QU-1. (OLD QLV-1.) Thinking about where you live, do you rent or own your residence?



Rent 28% 14%

Own 70% 84%

Other 2% 1%

Don't know - -

Refused 0 -


QU-2. (OLD QLV-4.) For some people, having affordable housing as they age is a concern. How concerned are you about your [INSERT A-C]? Would you say you are extremely concerned, very concerned, somewhat concerned, not very concerned or not at all concerned? [RANDOMIZE AND ACCEPT ONE RESPONSE FOR EACH.]

a. Ability to pay monthly rent or mortgage payments in the coming years



Top 2 Box (NET) 35% 26%







Don't know 1% 1%

Refused 1% -

b. Ability to pay property taxes in the coming years (IF OWN IN Q.U-1)


Base: Own Residence (excluding NYC oversample) 301 359

Top 2 Box (NET) 52% 39%







Don't know 1% -

Refused - -


c. Ability to pay utility bills in the coming years



Top 2 Box (NET) 49% 37%







Don't know 0 0

Refused 0 -

QU-2.1 How much of a financial strain would you say the cost of heating has put on your household this winter? Would you say… [READ LIST. ACCEPT ONE RESPONSE.]



A major strain 38% 27%

A minor strain 36% 46%

No strain at all 23% 26%

Don't know 1% 0

Refused 1% 1%

QU-3. When rate increases are proposed for electricity and gas, do you believe the interests of residential utility customers are sufficiently represented and taken into consideration?



Yes 17% 18%

No 72% 75%

Don't know 10% 8%

Refused 1% -


QU-4 In 40 other states, a consumer advocate independently represents the interests of residential utility consumers. New York State does not currently have an independent utility consumer advocate. Would you support or oppose legislation to establish such an office that would represent residential customers when utility companies request a rate increase before the New York State Public Service Commission in Albany?










Don't know 2% 3%

Refused 2% 1%

QU-5. Do you believe your elected officials are doing enough to help people when home energy costs increase?



Yes 20% 22%

No 70% 68%

Don't know 10% 9%

Refused 1% 1%

Consumer Fraud/Protections [*NYC OVERSAMPLE, SKIP QF-1 THROUGH QLV-6. GO TO QLV-9.]

QF-1.Thinking now about all of the experiences you have had as a consumer, has there been a time in the past

five years, since 2009, where you or someone you know encountered a fraud or “scam” that intentionally tried to

mislead or defraud you or the person you know?



Yes (NET) 43% 36%

Yes, myself 25% 23%

Yes, someone I know 18% 13%

No 55% 62%

Don't know 2% 2%

Refused - -

QF-2. & QF-3. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY


QF-4. How worried are you about potentially fraudulent, unfair or deceptive practices around [INSERT ITEM A-H]? Are you extremely worried, very worried, somewhat worried, not very worried or not at all worried? [RANDOMIZE AND ACCEPT ONE RESPONSE FOR EACH.]

a. Check-cashing outlets



Top 2 Box (NET) 21% 25%

Extremely worried 10% 11%

Very worried 11% 14%

Somewhat worried 21% 21%


Not too worried 15% 17%

Not at all worried 35% 29%

Don't know 7% 7%

Refused 1% 0

b. Internet loans;



Top 2 Box (NET) 30% 29%







Don't know 8% 4%

Refused 1% 1%


c. Home financing and home equity loans;



Top 2 Box (NET) 23% 18%


Very worried 14% 9%





Don't know 3% 3%

Refused 1% 1%

d. Home repairs and home repair financing;



Top 2 Box (NET) 26% 28%







Don't know 2% 0

Refused 0 0

e. Sweepstakes;



Top 2 Box (NET) 17% 20%


Very worried 9% 9%





Don't know 5% 3%

Refused 0 1%


f. Identity theft;



Top 2 Box (NET) 56% 53%







Don't know 1% 0

Refused 0 -

g. Debt collection


Base: Total Respondents (excluding NYC oversample)) 407 406

Top 2 Box (NET) 31% 24%







Don't know 4% 5%

Refused 0 -

h. Credit cards



Top 2 Box (NET) 39% 40%







Don't know 1% 1%

Refused 0 -


QF-5. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY

Age Friendly Community [TRANSITION TEXT READ TO ALL] Next I have just a couple of questions to ask about the community where you live. QLV-1, QLV-4 & QLV-5 MOVED. QLV-2. & QLV-3. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY [*NYC OVERSAMPLE SKIP QLV-6. GO TO QLV-9] QLV-6.For each of the following items, please tell me if you think it is a major problem, minor problem or not a

problem at all in your community. [INSERT A-H, RECORD RESPONSE FOR EACH. RANDOMIZE ORDER] Is it a … READ LIST?

a. Lack of affordable housing



Not a problem 27% 38%

Minor problem 28% 39%

Major problem 40% 19%

Don't know 5% 3%

Refused 1% -

b. OMITTED

c. Streets that need repair






Don't know 1% 0

Refused 0 -

d. Sidewalks that are too narrow, poorly lit, need repair or don’t exist






Don't know 2% 1%

Refused 1% 1%


e. Public transportation that is too far away, too limited, or too hard to navigate






Don't know 3% 3%

Refused 0 0

f. Crime or personal safety






Don't know 1% 1%

Refused 1% -

g. Traffic lights that are timed too fast for safe pedestrian crossing






Don't know 2% 2%

Refused 1% -

h. Cars not yielding to pedestrians






Don't know 0 1%

Refused 0 -

QLV-6.1. There are several things that cities and states can do in the communities where we live to enhance the health and quality of life of older residents. If the State were to make improvements in [INSERT, RANDOMIZE], would it make you more likely to stay in New York as you age?


How about improvements in [INSERT]…?

a. Public transportation and alternative transportation services for older or ill residents, that is affordable and accessible?



Yes 66% 63%

No 31% 35%

Don't know 3% 2%

Refused 1% 0

b. Housing that is affordable and suitable for older residents?



Yes 70% 61%

No 29% 35%

Don't know 1% 3%

Refused 1% 1%

c. Employment opportunities for older residents?



Yes 61% 49%

No 35% 48%

Don't know 3% 3%

Refused 1% 0

d. Health services and community support?



Yes 76% 68%

No 22% 30%

Don't know 1% 1%

Refused 1% 0

QLV-7 & QLV-8. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY QLV-9. “Universal Design” is a term that refers to the design of living and work spaces so that they are

accessible and usable by everyone, including people of all ages and people with disabilities, without special or separate design.

Basic Universal Design features in a private home would include a no step entrance, 36 inch doorways, a bedroom or room to convert into a bedroom on the main floor, and a full bath on the main floor.


Would you support or oppose legislation requiring that new homes built with county or state funds for low-income residents use Universal Design standards?










Don't know 4% 3%

Refused 0 0

Technology Adoption QT-1. Turning to our final topic, how confident are you about being able to keep up with changes in technology

[INSERT A-B. ROTATE, IF APPLIES]. Are you extremely confident, very confident, somewhat confident, not very confident, or not at all confident?

a) To stay in touch with friends and family?



Top 2 Box (NET) 57% 57%







Does not apply 0 1%

Don't know 0 0

Refused 0 -


b) [ASK IF QS7=1-4 OR 6 “LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION”] To stay current at work, in your job or for new employment opportunities?



Top 2 Box (NET) 53% 51%







Does not apply 2% 2%

Don't know 0 -

Refused - 0

Demographics & Classification Our last questions are used for grouping purposes and will be kept entirely confidential.

DA. What is your current marital status? (READ IF NEEDED)



Married or living with a partner 57% 63%

Widowed 14% 15%

Divorced or separated 13% 10%

Never married 14% 11%

Don't know 1% -

Refused 1% 1%

D1. Are you [IF MARRIED: or your spouse or partner] currently a member of A-A-R-P?



Yes 51% 49%

No 48% 51%

Don't know 1% 1%

Refused - -


D2. What is the highest level of education that you completed? [ONLY READ LIST IF NEEDED]



High School or Less (NET) 34% 31%

0 to 12th grade, but with no diploma 7% 5%

High school graduate or equivalent 27% 26%

Some College or More (NET) 65% 68%

Post high school education, but with no degree 12% 15%

2 year degree 19% 22%

4 year degree 12% 14%

Post graduate study, but with no degree 8% 4%

Graduate or professional degree 15% 14%

Don't know 0 0

Refused 0 0

D3-D5. NOT ASKED IN THIS SURVEY

D6. Do you consider yourself to be a(n) ….….[INSERT A-C, ROTATE ORDER]..or something else?



Democrat 42% 29%

Republican 21% 27%

Independent 26% 28%

Something else 8% 11%

None of above 2% 1%

Don't know 1% 2%

Refused 1% 2%

D7. How would you characterize your political views? Would you say you are….[INSERT A-C, ROTATE ORDER]…or

none of these?



Conservative 29% 33%

Moderate 32% 30%

Liberal 22% 21%

None of these 14% 14%

Don't know 2% 3%

Refused 1% 0


D8. NEW Which of the following best describes your total annual household income before taxes in 2013? First, is your household income below or above $50,000?



<$50K (NET) 38% 34%

<$30K (SUB-NET) 22% 18%

Less than $10,000 5% 4%

At least $10,000 and < $20,000 7% 6%

At least $20,000 and < $30,000 10% 8%

$30K-<$50K (SUB-NET) 16% 17%

At least $30,000 and < $40,000 9% 7%

At least $40,000 and < $50,000 7% 10%

$50K+ (NET) 36% 44%

$50K-<$100K (SUB-NET) 25% 33%

$50,000 but < $75,000 13% 21%

$75,000 but < $100,000 11% 12%

$100,000 or more 12% 12%

Don't know/Refused 26% 21%

That was our last question for tonight. Thank you very much for taking the time to help us out. Have a great day/night!


AARP New York

780 Third Ave., 33rd Floor

New York, NY 10017

Phone: (866) 227-7442

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.aarp.org/ny

AARP Research

601 E Street NW

Washington, DC 20049

www.aarp.org/research

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.aarp.org/ny

a 50+ · onondaga county. the 50+ constitutes a powerful voting demographic. the 50+ constituency...

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