When asked which two issues were personally most important to them when deciding their vote in Congress, older voters cited immigration and border security (32%), economy and employment (26%), threats to democracy (26%), inflation and rising prices. prices (23 percent) and abortion and reproductive issues (22 percent).

“Older voters showed up in large numbers and likely made the difference in tight congressional races,” says Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and director of advocacy and engagement. “While immigration and the economy were the top two issues for voters 50 and older, personal financial security was a top priority.”

Older voters viewed Democrats as better equipped to address issues important to Americans over 50, such as Social Security, Medicare, the cost of prescription drugs, and the ability to age independently at home. But the Democrats’ advantage over the Republican Party was relatively small on these issues, a stark change from polls 10 or 15 years ago, when Democrats had a greater advantage, Ward says.

“These issues really mean a lot to (seniors), and there’s not one party or another that they trust more,” Ward says. “It’s a real area of ​​opportunity for both sides, and I don’t think it’s an area that either side has really seized on in this election.”

At the same time, respondents said Republicans were better equipped to handle fundamental portfolio issues. Among older voters, 52 percent said they trusted the Republican Party to fight inflation and rising prices, while 35 percent said Democrats would do a better job. The candidates performed similarly on the economy and jobs, with 52 percent of voters 50 and older in battleground districts trusting Republicans to address those issues and 36 percent favoring the candidates. Democrats.

Caregiving is also a top issue for voters, Liszt says, with 31 percent of voters 50 and older describing themselves as caregivers. “That represents a large portion of the electorate,” he said, noting that 41 percent of caregivers told pollsters they spend 21 hours or more a week caring for aging or ill loved ones.

“This is a very common problem, and common problems like that can take on a particular twist when it comes to policy making,” Ward says. This was “really the first year where both sides started to engage on this issue. I think as we look toward the upcoming election, it’s only going to be a more important part of our politics.