Should Older Americans Be Included in The Stimulus Package? Attitudes of Likely Voters

More than eight in ten (86%) adults ages 18+ who are likely to vote in the November elections report having been exposed to news related to the economy during the past week. A national telephone survey of 1,027 adults aged 18 and older, conducted February 1-2, 2008, found that while respondents were divided over whether a government rebate is a good way to stimulate the economy, an overwhelming majority (85%) believe that such a rebate should include older Americans and others who rely primarily on Social Security. In total, 90% of respondents said that it is important for the government to ensure that people, such as older Americans, who rely mostly on Social Security are eligible to receive rebates provided to other Americans.

AARP commissioned this national survey of 1,027 adults who reported that they are registered to vote and are likely to vote in the 2008 presidential elections. The telephone interviewing was conducted by Woelfel Research, Inc. The margin of error for total respondents is +/- 3.1 percent. All media inquiries about this report should be directed to Jim Dau or David Nathan at (202) 434-2560. Other inquiries should be directed to S. Kathi Brown at (202) 434-6296. (10 pages)