AARP Breaks Down the Gender Gap in NYC Voters' Concerns

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Nov 01, 2013, 01:59 ET

Assoc. Releases Analysis of Difference in Views & Experience Between the Sexes on Key Issues for 50+ in Elections

NEW YORK, Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Women are more worried than men about paying the rent in New York City - and as the candidates look toward City Hall and look to gain every vote that'll put them there, it's something worth noting. It's just one of many differences between the sexes detailed in an AARP analysis of the most powerful vote in the city, the much sought after 50+ vote.

"The 50+ vote will determine the winners of next Tuesday's elections, and there are some key differences in their concerns and experiences we want to make the candidates aware of, both on the campaign trail and after some get elected to City Hall," said Beth Finkel, State Director for AARP in New York.

Women represent the majority of the 50+ in NYC and will comprise the majority of voters from the powerhouse 50+ voting bloc.

AARP, which is diving in to the races with a massive voter engagement effort for the first time, conducted a thorough analysis and research push of 50+ voters by age group, ethnicity, borough, and sex to help candidates know what's on the groups' minds, and put those issues front and center for those asking for their vote.

Women 50+ voters are increasingly worried about affording the basics in NYC, such as paying their utility bills and say they'll likely have to delay their retirement for financial reasons, and experience age discrimination – all at higher rates than their male counterparts, according to the AARP analysis.

The research, conducted by Woelfel Research, Inc., shows some similarities and many differences in the sexes among 50+ voters in NYC:

Paying the rent: 60% of 50+ women worry about being able to afford their rent in the coming years, versus 53% of men.
57% of 50+ women see affordable housing as a major concern, while 51% of men share the same concern.
Crime and safety is cited as a major problem by 35% of NYC's 50+ women, 5 percentage points higher than men.
Retirement worry: 26% of women surveyed say they aren't confident they'll be able to retire, 21% of men said the same. 53% of women reported they'll likely delay retirement due to financial reasons, 7% higher than men in NYC.
Age discrimination: 47% of women are worried about age discrimination, 44% of men have the same worry.
Boomer flight from NYC in retirement: 41% of men say they are at least somewhat likely to leave the city when they retire, while 43% of 50+ women are.
Caring for a loved one: 50+ female voters in NYC are much more likely to be a caregiver (48%), providing care for a family or friend who is ill, frail, or elderly than 50+ male voters (42%), and 30% of women report the strain of providing that care is overwhelming, while 19% of men report the same.
Roughly half of both 50+ men and women voters feel the candidates are talking about issues that matter to them.
24% of both sexes say they've been passed over for a raise or promotion since turning 50.

The complete AARP gender analysis of NYC 50+ voters can be found online: http://bit.ly/1ifTgED.

AARP has been working to bring these issues to the attention of the Mayoral and City Council candidates in NYC, holding a series of debates, voter engagement efforts, and grassroots activities. AARP's 743,000 members in NYC are expected to account for half of all votes cast in the upcoming General Elections. While AARP does not endorse candidates, have a PAC, or give money to campaigns or political parties, the non-partisan membership organization does provide straight-forward information on the issues to 50+ voters, the media, and the general public.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

SOURCE AARP New York