Candidates for Massachusetts Governor Discuss Older Workers, Caregiving

AARP asked candidates for Massachusetts governor how they would encourage multigenerational workforces, help Bay Staters better save for retirement, allow citizens to age in their own homes and communities, and if they would provide tax credits to caregivers.

QUESTION 1:  Employees 65 and older now outnumber teenagers for the first time since 1948, but outdated beliefs about aging prevent us from taking full advantage of an aging workforce. What steps are you taking to adapt new ways of working for an intergenerational workplace and take advantage of the experience and expertise from older employees? Are there opportunities to collaborate with private sector and community partners to create workplaces for all ages?

QUESTION 2:  1,250,000 residents in our state don’t have a way to save for retirement at work. Knowing that employees are 15 times more likely to save merely by having access to payroll deduction, what can you commit to do to reverse the trend of under saving for retirement, above and beyond education efforts?

QUESTION 3: A livable community is one that is safe and secure, has housing that is affordable (no more than 30% of income is spent on housing), transportation options, and offers supportive community features and services for people of all ages and allows people to remain in their communities as they age. What steps will you take to ensure all Bay Staters have access to livable communities?

QUESTION 4:  Would you support providing a state income tax credit to family caregivers who use their own money to care for an older parent, spouse or other family member living with them?

QUESTION 5:  Many states have adopted a proposal that would allow advanced practice registered nurses, like nurse practitioners, to serve as the primary or acute care provider of record for a patient. These nurse practitioners have additional training in specific areas, like elder care.  Would you support allowing nurse practitioners, who have advanced training, to practice to the full extent of their education and training?

QUESTION 6:  Telehealth helps older adults, people with disabilities, those with language access issues, and all Bay Staters access health and home and community care in new ways and makes it easier for family caregivers to care for their loved ones.  What would you do to help family caregivers and their loved ones have greater access to telehealth?