The May issue of Fifty Plus Advocate

citied the new report and noted that

"Fundamental changes in the lives of

older Americans, including increasing

longevity, weakeningof pension incomes,

and dramaticallyrising expenses for

healthcare and housing have eroded

the financial stability of the three-legged

stool of retirement security."

IASP Events

Release of Living Longer on Less in Massachusetts: The New Economic (In)Security of Seniors.

 The Heller School,  March 26, 2009

As recent fundamental changes in the lives of older Americans make it more difficult for seniors to enter retirement with economic security and remain economically secure throughout retirement, this new report by IASP analyzes seniors' long-term financial stability for seniors in Massachusetts and builds on IASP's previous work on senior economic security.

 Following the presentation of report highlights, a panel of researchers, advocates and policy makers discussed the report findings, focusing on state policies to improve economic standings for seniors.  Speakers included:

Tatjana Meschede, Research Director, IASP, highlighted the report findings.  James Callahan, Former Massachusetts Secretary of Elder Affairs and Professor Emeritus of Social Welfare Policy, spoke about the role of Social Security and pensions in maintaining economic security for seniors.  Walter Leutz, Associate Professor of the History of Social Welfare Policy and Services presented on the costs for long-term care.  Ann L. Hartstein, Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of Older Americans (MAOA) commented on what seniors need to live in Massachusetts.  Senator Patricia Jehlen, Co-Chair Massachusetts Joint Commission on Elder Affairs, related report findings to current state policies.  Thomas Shapiro, Director, IASP, and Pokross Professor of Law and Social Policy highlighted the challenges of building assets throughout the life course.

The event was moderated by Sarita Bhalotra, Assistant Professor and Chair, Concentration on Aging, and the audience consisted of elder service providers, researchers, advocates, and state officials.  This project was funded by the Farnsworth Foundation.

For more information, contact Tatjana Meschede at meschede@brandeis.edu or 781-736-8678.

View the report