Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
1675573
label
Older Americans Issues - GRF Statements - Overview
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
1675573
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
Older Americans Issues - GRF Statements - Overview
citationUrl
collections
President Ford Committee Records
Older Americans Desk Subject Files
subjects
Speeches, addresses, etc.
Presidential campaign, 1976
Old age
thumbnailUrl
largeImageUrl
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
1675573
coverageEndDate
logicalDate
1976-12-31
year
1976
coverageStartDate
logicalDate
1976-01-01
year
1976
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
a2e455888547e51c
ocrText
The original documents are located in Box F54, folder "Older Americans Issues - GRF
Statements - Overview" of the President Ford Committee Campaign Records at the Gerald
R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the
United States of America her copyrights in all of her husband's unpublished writings in National
Archives collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official
duties are in the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or
organizations are presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed
in the PDF is subject to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential
Library.
3/5/76
Older Americans - 1
OLDER AMERICANS
--Overview--
In a recent special message to Congress, President Ford
reaffirmed his commitment to meeting the needs of older
Americans, and to draw on their strengths in resolving
the problems of America. He asked Congress to:
"
help our nation demonstrate by its deeds a
deep concern for the dignity and worth of our older
persons. By doing so, our nation will continue
to benefit from the contributions that older
persons can make to the strengthening of their
nation.
"
President Ford noted that the single greatest threat
to the quality of life of older Americans is inflation.
His first economic priority has been to fight inflation --
and his programs have cut nearly in half the double digit
inflation experienced in 1974. But, he said,
"
the retired, living on fixed incomes, have been
particularly hard hit, and the progress we have
made
has not benefitted them enough.
To meet this problem, the President included in his
budget request for fiscal year 1977, a full cost of
living increase in Social Security benefits, that will help
bolster the purchasing power of 32 million older Americans.
Because the President is determined that the Social
Security system must remain fiscally sound, he has also
requested legislation to increase payroll taxes by three-
tenths of one percent for employees and employers so
that payments will not exceed revenues.
In a major new program to alleviate the burden of
catastrophic illness, President Ford has proposed:
Extending Medicare benefits by providing coverage
for unlimited days of hospital and skilled nursing
facility care for beneficiaries, and
Limiting the out-of-pocket expenses of beneficiaries
for covered services, to $500 per year for hospital
and skilled nursing services, and $250 per year
for physical and other non-institutional medical
services.
GERALD
H.
FORD
LIBRARY
The President Ford Committee, Howard H. Callaway, Chairman, Robert Mosbacher, National Finance Chairman, Robert C. Moot, Treasurer. A copy of our
Report is filed with the Federal Election Commission and is available for purchase from the Federal Election Commission, Washington, D.C. 20463.
3/5/76
Older Americans - 2
Millions of older persons, he said, live in fear of
being stricken by an illness that will call for ex-
pensive hospital and medical care over a long period
of time.
"Most often they do not have the resources to
pay the bills
We have been talking about this
problem for many years. We have it within our
power to act now SO that today' older persons
will not be forced to live under this kind of a
shadow
These actions are only the most recent of many taken by
the Ford Administration to help older Americans. Over
the last year and a half -- from the first days of his
Administration, President Ford:
Signed a $22.8 billion anti-recession tax-cut
bill that included payment of $50 each to some
34 million individuals receiving Social Security,
Railroad Retirement, and Supplemental Security
Income benefits -- many older persons were also
benefited by extension of unemployment compensation
benefits, tax rebates, and 1975 tax reductions.
Families caring for elderly persons were benefitted
by a liberalization of the tax deduction rules.
Signed into law the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act, providing new protections and
guarantees to 35 million persons covered by
private employee benefit plans, including pro-
vision for greater equity in tax treatment of
private retirement savings, and insuring that
participants do not lose benefits because of
restrictive eligibility provisions or because the
plan did not accumulate sufficient funds to meet
its obligations.
Signed the Housing and Community Development Act
of 1974, which, among other things, provides for
subsidized housing for low-income renters and
authorizes direct, low-interest loans for housing
for the elderly.
GERALD
h.
FORD
LIBRARY
The President Ford Committee, Howard H. Callaway, Chairman, Robert Mosbacher, National Finance Chairman, Robert C. Moot, Treasurer. A copy of our
Report is filed with the Federal Election Commission and is available for purchase from the Federal Election Commission, Washington, D.C. 20463.
3/5/76
Older Americans - 3
Signed into law Title XX of the Social Security
Act which provides 2.5 billion dollars to the states
for social services.
Under Title XX older persons will receive increased
services, planned and implemented by state and local
governments -- needs and services determined not in
Washington but at the local level, with the partici-
pation of the older Americans who will receive the
services. And lastly, under President Ford's
new Title XX proposal, states would no longer be
required to give the federal government money in order
to obtain federal monies in return.
President Ford has supported the concept of the Older
Americans Act since its inception in 1965. This past
November the President strengthened the Act when he signed
into law amendments creating new services and goals.
Under President Ford's Administration -- $272 million --
almost seven times the amount available three years earlier-
went to this program. Through the Administration on Aging,
created by this Act, a national network on aging composed
of state, area and nutrition agencies has been established.
As an example. of what the Act does, nutrition agencies
serve older persons over 300,000 hot meals a day, five
days a week at 5,000 locations. This network helps older
people to:
Know what resources are available
Secure services enabling them to live in their own
homes.
Meet their needs for transportation
Provide for the weatherization of their homes.
Obtain legal services
Continue to be involved by serving in full-time,
part-time and volunteer positions serving the
community.
Cope with housing problems
Have a meaningful voice in setting priori ties
for meeting their needs at the local level.
FORD
The President Ford Committee, Howard H. Callaway, Chairman, Robert Mosbacher, National Finance Chairman, Robert C. Moot, Treasurer. A copy of our
Report is filed with the Federal Election Commission and is available for purchase from the Federal Election Commission, Washington, D.C. 20463.
3/5/76
Older Americans - 4
And, in developing health care for elderly Americans,
the President has directed his Administration to develop
programs that will lead to better use of present and
potential resources for delivery of services to the
elderly with the goal of improving health and quality
of life. Actions in this area include:
Research at the National Institute on Aging into
the physical effects of aging and into the
effects of the physical and social environment
on the aging process.
Collection of information on nursing homes
nationally to recommend sound policies to improve
and rate quality of long-term care for the elderly.
Development of a national rating system for
nursing homes receiving Medicaid and Medicare funds.
President Ford's commitment both to resolving the problems
of older Americans -- and in using their talents -- is
great. A statement from his February 9, 1976 message to
Congress reflects his beliefs:
"Today's older persons have made invaluable con-
tributions to the strengthening of our nation. They
have provided the nation with a vision and strength
that has resulted in unprecedented advancements in
all of the areas of our life. Our national moral
strength is due in no small part to the significance
of their contributions."
GERALD H. mord
The President Ford Committee, Howard H. Callaway, Chairman, Robert Mosbacher, National Finance Chairman. Robert C. Moot, Treasurer. A copy of our
Report is filed with the Federal Election Commission and is available for purchase from the Federal Election Commission, Washington, D.C. 20463.
THE ISSUES OF AGING AND OPINIONS HELD BY OLDER VOTERS
Like the electorate in general, the Senior Citizen is primarily
concerned about that which directly affects his daily life.
But in addition to these "gut issues", most of which involve money,
the Senior Citizen is concerned about his state of being. While the
average middle-age black is likely to feel somewhat alienated, his
state of being tends to be on the upswing. For him, "things are better
today than they used to be". The Older American, on the other hand,
has been there. The good life, the invovlement he knew and the
attention he received has, to some degree, faded away. Unlike the
middle-age black, the Senior Citizen is likely to feel alienated be-
cause what he once had is now gone or going.
Much has been written about the psychology of aging, but it is suffi-
cient for our purposes at this time to merely note that a "he cares
about me" reaction by the voter to the candidate is more important with
Senior Citizens than any other constituency.
The Issues of Aging.
1. Income security -- With less than half of his income derived from
earnings and assets, the Senior Citizen is heavily dependent on matters
he cannot directly control. Actions which affect social security bene-
fits, public assistance payments, and pension income significantly
influence the older voter's existence and his political behavior.
2. Health care -- With 86% of the Older Americans experiencing one
or more forms of physical impairment, the availability, quality, and
financing of health care is of major concern to all older voters.
3. Housing -- The less mobile Older American, with his high propensity
for home ownership and fixed income, is particularly conscious of pro-
perty tax increases and the sky rocketing cost of home maintenance.
Those who rent are equally conscious of increased costs and of availa-
bility problems.
4. Transportation problems -- The fear of driving, cost of automobile
ownership, and physical impairments require many Older Americans to
rely heavily on public transportation systems which are, almost without
exception, expensive, inconvenient, and often unpleasant.
5. Nutrition -- Rapidly increasing food prices, marketing difficulties,
and often the lack of nutritional education all cause serious problems
for the elderly.
6. Community service opportunities -- Paradoxically, those with the
greatest experience to offer and the most time to give often are not
able to participate in and contribute to the needs of the community.
workable opportunities are far too limited.
Many older people want to be involved and to give of GERALS, themselves but
FUND
- 2 -
7. Recreation, employment and education opportunities -- The special
restriction of being old greatly impairs the Senior Citizen's opportu-
nity to work, play, and learn.
Beneath the Surface.
As is apparent from the above, the issues of aging basically trace back
to personal economics for the older voter. While we use the phrase
"fixed income" almost with abandon and we note the pressures of infla-
tion, we probably fail to fully appreciate either the real money prob-
lems this causes or the desperation and despair felt by those Older
Americans who are caught in the squeeze and are powerless to act on their
own behalf.
Most of us also have difficulty grasping the full impact of the cons-
tant fear of illness and disease which haunts the minds of most of our
older voters. Only the soldier in active combat is more exposed to and
conscious of personal injury and death.
To effectively reach the emotions and the mind of the older voter we
must use income security and health issues to produce the "he cares
about me" response from the Senior Citizen to the President.
Opinions and Attitudes on Other Issues.
The Senior Citizen is also influenced by issues other than those direc-
tly involving aging. From the University of Michigan's Survey Research
Center, we note: (1)
"
people of retirement age are consistently less likely to
express interest in foreign affairs than younger people and are some-
what more isolationist in their outlook It would
appear
either
that
some older people, growing up in a period when foreign affairs were not
as important in the nation's life as they are now, have never developed
a strong interest in international problems or that retirement age leads
some people to a contraction of their concerns to national and local
issues, especially those that affect them directly
"
"
The sensitivity of older people to civil disorder is seen
in
a
series of questions regarding public dissent, civil disobedience,
and disruptive behaviour as forms of protest. Very few white people of
retirement age approve of any of these actions; approval increases in
the younger decades. Black people are more tolerant of protest actions
of all kinds but with them also older people are the least likely to
approve these acts
"
GERALD
FORD
(1) Campbell, Angus, PhD, Politics Through the Life Cycle, The Geronto-
logist, Summer 1971, Part I, PP 112-117.
THE OLDER AMERICANS WANT PRESIDENT FORD
The Older American occupies a special place in the electorate. Unlike most sub-groups,
they are not resented by others. Everyone - black or white, rich or poor - is a poten-
tial Senior American. Compared to other sub-group appeals there isn't a negative
attitude caused by an Older Americans campaign. A highly visible campaign which deals
with the issues of aging and directed to older votèrs will not produce a negative "back-
lash" of any consequence.
Young and middle aged voters are interested in programs designed to aid Older Ameri-
cans. Many voters are experiencing firsthand contact with aging via parent or grand-
parent. They know that transportation to the polls is a "must" for the older voters.
Those who are not ambulatory but who want to vote must be assisted in getting an absen-
tee ballot.
REACHING THE VOTER
1. We must successfully demonstrate to the Older American voters that the President
truly cares about them and is concerned about the problems associated with aging.
2. We must let the voters know that: housing and transportation for the elderly have
been improved. That the Advisory Council in state and areas are composed of a majority
of Older Americans over 60. Older Americans are making the decisions about Older Ame-
ricans. Health care needs are a great concern. Funding for the Retired Senior Volun-
teer Program (RSVP) and Foster Grandparents Programs have been doubled. Inflation and
taxes have been kept under control by President Ford because the problems of Older
Americans are very much on his mind.
3. We must make certain that all accomplishments and efforts of President Ford are
made "known to Older Americans.
President Ford has demonstrated his leadership and Older Americans respect leadership.
At a chaotic time, he took the reins and two. years later, we have a staple economy,
no war and a President we can trust to solve the problems. He has deep-seated tradi-
tional values, is an athlete, a veteran. He served in World War II and in Congress
and step by step his climb has been firm and sure. The approval of Older Citizens must
be stimulated and mobilized into a significant majority on November 2nd.
NATIONAL MEDIA.
There will be special TV spots on the Older Americans.
STATE AND LOCAL.
Coordinate this with your communications or Media Division. A lot of short radio
announcements aimed at the area and local Older Citizens are important.
Paid advertising in newspapers and local publication, posters in conspicuous places
are important within the limit of your budget. Letters to the Editor can be significan
Brochures for handing out when visiting will be available. Make certain all that you
have are distributed.
- 2 -
The Senior Citizens Center and Organizations are important to you. The "big three"
organizations are the National Retired Teachers Association with a membership close
to 500,000 and the American Association of Retired Persons which, combined with the
NKTA has 9 million members, with joint National headquarters and lobbying forces.
They have chapters and units locally and they have some staunch supporters for the
President.
The National Council of Senior Citizens reaches more than 3 million members through
local clubs. They have an effective lobby. Their National Association of Retired
Federal Employees is also very active.
Mailing lists and public appearances are often provided by local senior groups.
Ask Chairman in each locality to serve with you and get periodic reports.
ATTENTION!
People over 80 will be sent a greeting card from the President if you give
the date and write to -
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
(Attention Greeting Office)
Anniversary of 50 years and over will receive attention if the date is sent to
the same office.
GERALD
FORD
TREAT
OLDER AMERICANS (ETHNIC)
The Administration on Aging entered into a working agreement with the Office
of Native American Programs designed to improve living conditions for elderly
American Indians. The study would involve a four-prong approach to:
1. Expand knowledge about the living conditions and needs of aged Indians and
test alternatives for meeting these needs.
2. Heighten awareness of the cultural needs and problems faced by Older Indians,
especially by governmental agencies with resources to serve this group.
3. Increase the involvement of Indian tribes and organizations in the development
of policy, planning, and programing for Older Indians at all levels of government.
4. Expand government resources to serve the needs of elderly Indians and increase
the number of Indian tribes and organizations receiving funds directly for purposes
of providing services for the aged.
In addition, AoA awarded a model projects grant to Asociacion Nacional Pro Personas
Mayores. The asociacion was legally incorporated on April 28, 1975, after conside-
rable planning and organizing by Hispanic professionals, paraprofessionals, and
senior citizens.
A major objective of the model project is to encourage greater participation by the
Hispanic elderly in title III programs. The Asociacion plans to establish e national
clearinghouse component to collect and disseminate information to service providers
and area agencies on aging.
The National Center on the Black Aged received funds under title X (job opportunities
program) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act to provide jobs for the
unemployed, particularly for the older black worker. The project is designed to
provide escort and security services for senior citizens.
GERALD
A.
FORD
EXTRACTS
( Federal Register Wednesday February 25, 1976 - Part 111) Vol. 41-No.3
Page 8314 - Part 885-Loans for Housing for the Elderly or Handicapped.
An amendment to Title 24 which added a new part 885 entitled "Construc-
tion Loans for Housing for the Elderly or Handicapped.
Construction or substantial rehabilitation of projects for the elderly
or handicapped.
HUD/FHA NON-ASSISTED PROGRAM SECTION 231 HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY AND
HANDICAPPED. - U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT-FACT SHE
Section 231.
A program to aid in development of rental housing for occupancy by
elderly or handicapped families or individuals.
If project is owned by a nonprofit mortgagor, eligible tenants may
receive rent supplement assistance. Such assistance available only
in certain projects as rent supplement program is under suspension.
President Ford - Feb. 14, 1976
Williams Park
St. Petersburg, Florida.
Social Security
As President, I intend to do everything in my power to help our Nation
demonstrate its deep concern for the dignity and the well being of our
older generations. For those who need our help we have already a number
of Federal programs providing assistance in a variety of ways.
Now, let me assure you of one thing very emphatically. My Administratio
fully intends to preserve the integrity and the solvency of the Social
Security system for your benefit and that of all working Americans, men a:
women, now as well as in the future.
President Gerald R. Ford - West Bend High School - April 2, 1976.
But as far as this President is concerned, he is going to face up to that
issue as he has faced up to every other issue, and I am not going to
kid you one bit. We are going to protect the financial integrity and
security of that trust fund for the benefit of our older citizens.
EXTRACTS.
ESTIMATES OF THE RESIDENT POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES BY
AGE: 1974 AND 1970
(Numbers in thousands)
Age
1974
1970
Percent change
1970-74
Total, all ages
211,390
203,235
4.0
60 years and over
31,020
28,595
8.5
65 years and over
21,815
19,972
9.2
60 years and over as
% of all ages
14.7
14.1
(X)
65 years and over as
b
% of all ages
10.3
9.8
(X)
LIBRARY
GERALD
$
FORD