The PennZone

PHILADELPHIA, March 9, 2023 ~ A new survey commissioned by AARP Pennsylvania has revealed that Philadelphia voters age 50 and older are motivated to usher in new city leadership, unsatisfied with the current mayor and city council. The survey found that the top issues for this voting bloc are reducing crime, drugs and gun violence and fostering affordable and safe neighborhoods as they vote for Philadelphia's next mayor.

Philadelphia voters 50+ are a historically large voting bloc in the city's elections. During the open mayoral primary election in 2015, they made up 63.38% of all Philadelphia voters and 61.23% of voters in the 2019 mayoral primary, according to data from the Philadelphia City Commissioners Office. The survey results demonstrate the frustrations of older Philadelphians, who will play an outsize role in the upcoming mayoral election. Eighty-one percent of registered voters 50+ say they are very likely to vote.

Bill Johnston-Walsh, State Director for AARP Pennsylvania said: "As the most substantial voting bloc in the upcoming primary election, older adults are counting on Philadelphia's mayoral candidates to hear their concerns, address them as part of their campaign, and make them priorities long after this election is over. They deserve a leader dedicated to cutting the crime rate, protecting them from harm, and working to ensure they can stay in their homes."

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The survey was conducted from February 8-20, 2023 and included 826 registered voters age 50 and older. It was designed to assess issues critical to Philadelphia voters as they prepare to cast their ballots and identify the areas they would like to see addressed by the city's next leader.

Half (52%) of Philadelphia voters 50+ have considered leaving their Philadelphia neighborhood in the past year due to personal safety and security concerns (84%), followed by cost of living (63%) and wanting a home that will help them live independently as they age (61%). More than 90% of survey respondents said it was "very important" or "somewhat important" that mayoral candidates focus on making housing more affordable for all income levels, increasing pedestrian safety, focusing on jobs and economy.

Many Philadelphians (40%) are struggling financially while one-third of workers (38%) are not confident they will be able to retire at some point. Advocacy for safe neighborhoods and economic issues like lower utility costs and property tax relief for those who need it most will likely influence Philadelphia voters 50+ at the polls. In addition to accessible and affordable health services for older adults (95%), walkable neighborhoods (96%), improved transportation options (96%) were also identified as key priorities by respondents along with assistance with home modifications/repairs (87%).

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AARP Pennsylvania released this survey as part of its voter engagement campaign aimed at putting mayoral candidates in touch with priorities of older adults which includes sponsoring several candidate forums discussing key elements of AARP's Livable Communities Platform which prioritizes affordable housing, transportation & green spaces among eight domains of livability along with an Election Guide containing information on how/when/where to vote in May 16 primary election.

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