AARP, Illinoisans Celebrate Social Security's 75th Birthday

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Aug 14, 2010, 01:00 ET

As Most Adults rely on the Program for Retirement Income, AARP Urges Washington to Help Ensure Social Security is there for Future Generations

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As three in four adults age 18+ across the nation rely on or plan to rely on Social Security for their retirement income, the federal program is more relevant than ever. With Social Security turning 75, AARP members and volunteers today joined officials, Springfield residents and visitors at the Illinois State Fair to celebrate the milestone, urging leaders in Washington to reassure all Americans that Social Security will be strengthened for future generations.

"Social Security has improved the economic status of millions of Americans, as the primary source of income for older adults," said AARP volunteer and Springfield resident Rick Carlson. "In addition to providing economic security for older adults, Social Security pumps over $2.2 billion into the Illinois economy each year."

Social Security is the only source of retirement income for one out of every five Illinoisans over the age of 65.

A new AARP survey report showed that 75% of adults age 18 and older rely or plan to rely on Social Security for their retirement income, including a large majority (62%) of younger adults 18-29. The survey also showed a strong majority oppose reducing Social Security benefits for deficit reduction (85%), and support the infusion of additional revenues into the system to provide the same level of benefits in the future (57%).

AARP is sending a clear message to Washington, D.C. – do not erode the pillar of retirement security that unites all Americans. Americans of all ages see Social Security as a benefit they have earned over a lifetime of work, and they opposed it being used to reduce the deficit.

As the nation celebrates Social Security's 75 years of success and reliability, AARP is urging our elected leaders in Washington to help make sure the program is still there for future generations.

To access the AARP survey, please visit: http://www.aarp.org/work/social-security/info-07-2010/aarp-celebrates-75thanniversary-il.html.

SOURCE AARP Illinois