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lansingchamber.org MEMBER NEWS
Older Americans Month: Don’t Underestimate the Economic
and Political Muscle of Those 50 and Older
By: Paula D. Cunningham, AARP MI State Director
hy do we pause each May to celebrate
Older Americans Month and recognize the
Wcontributions and achievements of older
adults? AARP is glad you asked, although our answer may
surprise you.
The theme of the monthlong celebration is Aging
Unbound, which offers an opportunity to explore
the many unique and diverse aging experiences. Yes,
older adults make a difference every day as volunteers,
employees, CEOs, parents, grandparents, mentors, and Envato/ seventyfourimages
advocates. They offer their time, talents and experience to
the benefit of communities. This is wonderful isn’t it? But
what you may not realize is that those among us who are
50 and older are driving the economic engine of our state
… and that’s a fact.
both our peninsulas contribute 40%—or $213 billion—of
The Longevity Economy® Outlook published by AARP the state’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Their
shines a light on the numbers that show the power of activities support 2.5 million jobs and generate $149
that engine which is expected to drive economic growth billion in wages and salaries. And their contribution to
for the next 30 years. It’s true. The 50-plus crowd across the GDP is forecast to reach $654 billion in 2050—almost
42% of the state’s projected GDP. In fact, the purchasing
power of Michigan’s 50-plus population will generate tax
revenue for decades to come.
If that surprises you, there’s even more.
Breaking up Older Michiganders are also a driving force with their
Goliath influence on public policy. That power and
is hard to do. influence comes from one thing that older Michiganders
do very well and in huge numbers: they vote. In the
2022 November General Election, Michigan voters 50
Switching to FNBM is easy. and older flexed their muscle big time at the ballot box,
representing a whopping 60.17% of the total votes cast.
And that means exactly what you think it means … policy
Local banking, local decisions. makers pay attention when this age group raises its voice.
The issues that matter to them are the same issues that
should matter to all of us.
Throughout May as we pause to celebrate the enormous
contributions of older Americans, it is appropriate that we
also take the opportunity to raise awareness about those
issues impacting older Michiganders, like the rising costs
of prescription drugs, saving for retirement, affordable
housing, caregiving and more. AARP is dedicated to
enhancing the quality of life for all of us as we age and
is working with elected officials and policy makers to
advocate for issues that matter. We invite you to join us. l
Local Commercial and Personal Banking | fnbmichigan.bank To learn more about our efforts, please read the 2023
AARP Michigan State Legislative Agenda or visit our
website at aarp.org/mi.
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