A new survey conducted by the Connecticut AARP shows senior citizens are divided over how to solve the state’s budget deficit.
The over-50 population seemed divided on plans to reduce the state’s budget deficit. About 25 percent said they would support a plan to reduce the deficit even if it meant cutting some of the state’s public services. However, another 25 percent said they would oppose that plan.
The poll of 400 residents over the age of 50 was conducted in January prior to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s budget address earlier this month.
The remainder of the poll highlights a gap between the goals of older residents and what they believe is possible given their financial security and access to affordable health care also asked
Over 90 percent of the respondents indicated that staying healthy, staying mentally sharp, and having adequate health insurance are of great importance to them, the press release said. But only around 40 percent said they believed they had what they needed to accomplish those goals.
More than 80 percent said that being able to remain in their own homes was extremely or very important to them and about the same percentage supported shifting funds used for nursing home care to home and community-based care.
Meanwhile, just under 80 percent indicated that having quality long-term care for themselves or family members was extremely or very important. Only seven percent of respondents indicated they currently lack health insurance coverage. But 25 percent said they aren’t confident they’ll be able to afford adequate coverage in the future.
The high cost of energy also concerned the respondents and 64 percent said they don’t feel Connecticut elected officials are doing enough to lower the cost of electricity.
