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Great Reason for Selling Your House Following Retirement

November 24th, 2011 No comments

To various people, retirement means lot of different things. One needs to go through it to actually know what it is like. That’s how intensively the thought of retirement differs. One reality doesn’t change regarding retirement. Certainly, it marks the finish of one’s professional career. But everything does not have to stop there. On the other hand, it may signal a totally new different degree of freedom when it comes to making decisions specifically in moving to a different place.

A great deal of issues needs to be looked at when entertaining the idea of a potential move. Retirement, however, provides and makes lots of options more available. This article is targeted towards making you realize just how much better living could possibly get when you choose to relocate following retirement. Five major reasons of selling your home and moving is going to be talked about within the following discussions.

1. Live Closer to Your Loved Ones

Some people were unconsciously forced by their own career to live away from family and friends. We consider practicality as the heaviest factor that influenced these kinds of decisions. Fortunately, time lost can now be gained back after retirement. In addition to the retirement income you will receive, selling your own house will allow you to have more financial freedom to choose a house closer to your loved ones. During retirement, it is very important to maintain the close relationship people had with their respective families. It is never too late to know them a little deeper and more intimately, especially those people with grandchildren.

2. Availability of recreational facility and health services

You might like to consider moving to a different place if you reside not even close to any health facility. It’s not uncommon for people in their retirement years to possess more health issues that require more attention. Hence, it is essential to reside near to a hospital or clinic. For those who happen to be identified with medical problems, this maybe more important to them. By doing this, making your way to these facilities is going to be simpler if you reside near to them. However, retired people should also participate in activities such swimming, golf or volunteer work. Residing in near to facilities supplying these types of services could be more beneficial. Participating in such activities kills monotony and offers a chance to invest time for yourself.

3. Guarantying safety and security

Among the fundamental needs of people, based on Maslow, is living with security. When the nature of the previous work restricted you in satisfying this fundamental human need, compensate with it during you retirement years. It’s fair enough that you should consider moving whenever you don’t feel safe and guaranteed in your community any longer. A hazardous living atmosphere can’t ever be considered a good bargain for convenience and luxury. Retirement towns, that cater the particular needs of retirees particularly on security and safety, can be found.

4. Lower Financial Liability

Retirement entails an end to a constant source of income for some people. And retirement income can only do so much for retirees. Therefore, cutting down on expenses is a wise decision to make. If you live in a house which you deem difficult to maintain upon retirement, I suggest you sell your house and move to a low maintenance house. Look and move to a decent house which will be more of an asset than a financial liability to you. Moreover, you can use the money you earned in selling your house to start an investment or business that might eventually allow you to buy a better house in the future.

5. Enjoying your Retiree Years

Retirees deserve to enjoy their lives after retirement. For all their efforts and dedication, this is actually the reward they are able to give themselves. However, not every retired person can fully satisfy this because of the limitations enforced through the towns or neighbourhood they reside in. Individuals who may be passionate in gardening can’t possibly participate in this activity if she does not have an area to develop an outdoor garden in her house. Because of this, retired individuals should think about moving for circumstances like this if they are financially capable to do so. People should have fun after retirement. It’s a chance to allow them to learn or enhance new abilities and find more meaning.

Retirement means a new and fresh start to live life to the fullest. You can be optimistic as you look forward to it. Spend more time with family by living close to them, enhance and discover new skills, live a secured life and lessen financial loads.

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Investing Advice for Retirement

December 18th, 2010 No comments

For the majority of stock investors, short term market volatility usually can be ignored in the interests of long-term gain. But retired people are extremely sensitive and vulnerable to stock market downturns, particularly in the early years of retirement, because of their reliance upon portfolio income, their limited investment horizon, and their desire to ensure that their investments last throughout old age. Because of this, a retirement program should continually be reviewed with the intent to prolong the income stream as long as possible.

A major consideration is asset allocation. While stocks are beneficial for long term growth, they cannot be relied upon over the short term. To help over the short term, allocations to bonds and cash should be considered. A method should be put into place so that there is always an adequate amount being moved from stocks to bonds and from bonds to cash. This is particularly true when the stock market is performing well. This should help reduce the possibility of a poor market destroying the income stream.

Once you have set an asset allocation which fits your life-style, review it often and, adjust it on a schedule to make sure that it still meets your needs. Your investments will grow at different rates, requiring transfers between them to maintain your original allocation choices.

Early in retirement, a poor market may cause asset erosion. This can happen if income that you though could be taken from earnings must be withdrawn from principle due to low or negative earnings. Therefore, as you get closer to retirement, and during the income years, you may want to slowly reallocate your assets toward bonds, because of their capability to deliver income without as much volatility.

Ultimately, your retirement income will depend on your balance, income needs, life span and investment choices. If you can realistically set a budget and invest as conservatively as possible, your chances of success will be much better. Experts agree that you should not draw more than 5% of your balance as income in any given year. But this is on the high side. You should certainly try to take even less.

You may want to use monte carlo analysis to determine how investment risk can affect your retirement.

RV Traders Online Employ New Methods To Sell RVs

July 1st, 2010 No comments

It can be expensive to try to sell RVs through traditional media. The cost of advertising space in a newspaper or magazine can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars depending on where you live. Listing a classified ad is a lot cheaper, but can easily get lost among all the other vehicles for sale. There are better ways to get noticed and that’s online. The Internet offers so many ways for RV traders and sellers to reach their audience. All it takes is a little knowledge and some trial and error before they can find their niche of buyers and other like-minded traders.

RV Traders have hundreds, if not thousands of classified arenas where they can list their RV, travel trailer or fifth wheel for sale. However, some people like to buy and sell, trade and upgrade frequently. For them and for first time sellers who want to sell quickly, there are new venues that will let their product shine over other products. People listen to experts; they trust experts and want to buy from people they trust. By blogging on RV sites and communicating with other RV owners not just about the sale of your RV but about RVs in general, you start to become a leader in your field. When you sell, you’ll be able to get people interested in your product.

There has been a lot of talk about Twitter lately and the speed with which information is transmitted there. If you want to be noticed on Twitter, think about what incentives you can offer your potential buyer. If you simply tweet ’2009 RV for sale,’ you aren’t going to get a lot of notice. But if you make it fun, if you say ’2009 RV for sale, highest bid in the next 24 hours wins,’ you’ve created a reason for people to talk about you.

What the most successful social media gurus understand is that by offering some incentive to your customers or rewarding your customers for working with you, you are creating a buzz. People will want to check out your site to see what you’re saying. If you also have a great deal on an RV for sale that they are interested in, then even better.

Another option for RV traders or sellers online to consider is working with a consignment dealer. Consignment dealer have experience and a pretty big money allotment for advertising. They can often help people sell vehicles faster than they would be able to on their own.

Another way to get people interested is to be passionate about what you’re doing. If you really love RVs, then that enthusiasm will translate to consumers. They’ll get excited because you’re excited. And if you’re excited about a deal, they’ll also be excited about a deal and you’ll have better luck selling.

Figuring out where your key audience is is going to be a big factor in how successful you are at trading RVs online. Different age groups like to receive their information in different manners. For example, the older generation checks their email frequently. However, kids in their twenties prefer tweeting and Facebook. Understand where your audience is and what they are looking for and reach out to them that way.

Advertising in newspapers is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Today, consumers are savvier than they were in the past. They can compare prices on-line. Dealers who have fly-and-buy programs where they pay for plane tickets for guests buying an RV are reaching a national, even global market. What are you doing to compete?

For RV Traders Online looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes,visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

Are Gas Prices Limiting Summer Travel?

June 23rd, 2010 No comments

It’s summer time! That means traveling. But with the recent oil spill many are worrying that gas prices might see a hike that will limit their ability to enjoy road trips in their RVs. Extreme fuel costs severely limit the amount of fun to be had on vacation. Currently the situation in the Gulf of Mexico does not seem to have affected the price of fuel. The price of gas has been fairly steady throughout 2010. But they have been higher in comparison to last year (2009). Experts are able to provide fairly accurate price estimates depending upon the following factors: political situations, cost per barrel, amount of consumption.

Prices at the pump do not seem to have been affected by the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This lack of negative effect has come as a welcome relief to many summer RV travelers. While Class A and Class C recreational vehicles do have high gas consumption in comparison to other forms of transportation, the RV mode of travel is still a very affordable means of travel after factoring in the number of people accommodated by the vehicle.

The EIA (US Energy Information Administration) estimates that there will be a 3% increase in the US real gross domestic product. Or in other words…there should be an estimated $0.12/per gallon increase at gas pumps. Some states may see gas prices topping out at $3.00/gallon this summer. But the national average should remain just under the dreaded $3.00 mark (approximately $2.94/gallon) throughout the busiest summer travel season from 4/1 through 9/30. The average for 2010 is estimated to reach $2.98 while last year’s average stayed at $2.86 per gallon.

The all time high national gas price average came in 2008 ($3.80/gallon). This caused a lot of vacationers to change their plans; staying closer to home and downsizing recreational vehicles used for travel. The all time high gas prices signaled the beginning of the recession and while many RVers kept their RVs just as many cut their total travel time significantly which had an overall negative effect on the RV industry (from manufacturers to dealers to campgrounds).

Gas prices may fluctuate but according to expert predictions…RVers can feel comfortable planning their vacations without limiting themselves due to outrageous gas pricing. While some will want to decrease trip expenditures by staying close to home and/or extending stays in one spot; gas costs should not be prohibitive to RV travelers this summer. To decrease the costs of gas while RVing, enthusiasts are encouraged to consider lightweight travel trailers, campers and pop ups that can easily be hitched behind small to midsized vehicles. Travelers can decrease trip expenditures while still enjoying all the joys of the road.

Rejuvenating the spirit is a common need during summertime and there isn’t an easier way to do so by taking a break from work and/or school and building lasting bonds with family and friends. RV travel allows vacationers to experience the countryside from a unique perspective. Travelers are able to decide spontaneously when, where and how long they will be staying in any particular place. It’s a uniquely “free” experience.

Gas prices don’t typically limit consumer travel until they pass $3.00/gallon. This summer RVers are planning on traveling. Some are going to enjoy short trips on their region while others are planning on nationwide or even international travel. Regardless of the amount of travel RVers should watch for summer incentives available that will decrease trip costs like the fee free weekends offered by national parks.

2010 RV travel isn’t being limited by high gas prices. RVers love the open road just as much as they always have. Class A motorhomes, Class C RVs, lightweight travel trailers…any RV can be the home away from home that makes a trip into an ultimate vacation.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

What Is The Role Of The RV Dealer?

June 22nd, 2010 No comments

Some people claim RV Dealers work for the manufacturers. After all, the manufacturers supply their products and in order to maintain a good relationship with the manufacturer, RV Dealers need to sell their products. However, if an RV dealer ignores his/her alliance to the customer, ultimately they will be sinking their dealership. In an industry like RVing, customers are the bread and butter. Those that buy one RV generally buy another one in their lifetime. RVing is a lifestyle that millions of Americans enjoy, however RV enthusiasts have thousands of dealerships to choose from.

Well, there are both kinds of dealers. Fortunately the recession weeded out a few of the worst ones. They key rule in running a successful business is making sure the customer is happy. Word of mouth is the biggest tool for marketing a business and it can also be a way to ensure the failure of a company. Whey people aren’t satisfied with a product or business, they aren’t just talking to their friends, they are taking to the Internet to make sure everyone knows about it. If a dealer wants to stay in business for a lot of years, they’ll pay attention to the customer and be sure to deliver what they are looking for.

For their first RV, fifth wheel or travel trailer, some customers may wish to purchase used RVs in order to test out the lifestyle. If they have a good experience – and that starts with the dealership – they may be back within a few years to buy a much higher end RV. If the dealer tries to sell them a $500,000 vehicle their first time around, they may not come back.

The biggest challenge for any successful dealership is understanding their consumer. They need to know how people are searching for RVs, what types of RVs are currently the most popular and how to get noticed above their competition. Once they have this figured out, success is pretty much guaranteed.

One of the ways some companies reach out is by hosting events on their lots. This serves a couple of purposes. First, like-minded people come together to talk about something they love; RVing. Two, lets the dealership get in touch with its customers. They can gather feedback and can also introduce new models and let people know about things going on in the RV Industry.

Staying in touch with buyers nationally is just as important as doing it locally. With the Internet, dealers have access to buyers across the country. By giving them the best deals, they’ve just increased the amount of units they can sell.

Repeat business creates customer loyalty. Once a customer likes what they’ve had, they tend to go back again and again and again. Salespeople who focus on the one-time sale don’t see the bigger picture. If RV buyers feel like they’ve been taken advantage of, they aren’t coming back. It creates a losing situation for the RV dealer and the buyer.

RV dealers need to be on their game. They need to understand the marketplace, stay in touch with what the younger generation wants as well as what the baby boomers are interested in. They need to keep up with social media and new marketing technology that changes every day. It’s about strategy, it’s about knowledge, but first and foremost, it’s about the customer.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best RV Dealersin town.

RVers: Keeping Wild Animals Wild

June 22nd, 2010 No comments

Observing wildlife in the springtime can be amazing. Animals are coming out of hibernation. The problem comes when campers decide to take advantage of the fact that recently hibernating animals are hungry. They often decide to feed the animals in order to obtain a “closer look.” This is not a good idea. Beaudry RV suggests the following in dealing with wildlife in or around campsites appropriately:

Bears. Make use of bear-proof containers (bear boxes). All deodorant, toothpaste, French fries and other foods must be removed from all vehicles overnight. Bears have an extremely sensitive sense of smell which has led to their notorious reputation for breaking into vehicles. Bears are also known for charging campers for their food as well as swiping the dinners for unsuspecting campers. The lack of bear proof containers can result in very satisfied bears and very hungry campers. And the more human food that bears consume the more they expect to receive it. It leaves them aggressive and creates a potentially dangerous situation for campers and bears alike.

Campers can enjoy viewing bears by finding a nearby stream full of fish or a nearby bush full of berries. This is where bears will come to eat in the early morning or evening. Be careful when cubs are present. Do not get between the cubs and their mother. Females become very aggressive very quickly when cubs appear threatened in any way.

Foxes. Foxes aren’t known for attacking humans. They are scavengers. But they are known for “scavenging” small animals (including cats and dogs in campsites). So don’t entice foxes to come closer to a campsite or feel comfortable around human populated campgrounds by feeding them. This will increase the chances that they will scavenge among campsite food stores, etc. To view foxes watch for dens (in covered spaces). Common spots include water drainage pipes and culverts.

Foxes. The fox is a scavenger. Few reports are made of human attacks by foxes. But foxes have been known to steal both cats and small dogs for their dinner. When campers feed foxes it encourages them to stay in close proximity to campsites. They are a wild animal. And any wild animal will eventually learn that humans are a source of food if humans are feeding them. This makes them more likely to sneak into food stashes. To view foxes in spring look for dens in covered spaces (look in a culvert of in a water drainage pipe).

Squirrels. Squirrels aren’t often considered a wildlife problem. Many campers see them as adorable creatures that they can entice closer; even feeding them from their hand. But squirrels have very sharp teeth and are often transmitter of bubonic plague (carried by fleas on the animal).

Squirrels. Most people don’t consider squirrels a problem. Campers can often be found throwing breadcrumbs and/or snacks to entice the little animals closer. But squirrels often bite and they often carry diseases. Campers who get close or allow squirrels to eat out of their hands are often the victims of squirrel attacks. Squirrels have very sharp teeth and they are also often transmitters of bubonic plague which is carried through fleas. To view squirrels just watch them in their natural habitat, but keep your distance. The can be seen almost anywhere. They live in a variety of habitats. They are active throughout the day and are frisky animals that are fun to observe.

When it comes to wildlife it is important to remember that they are wild. Campers should feel responsible for ensuring that they do nothing to limit the wildlife’s ability to survive in their natural habitat. Feeding animals in or around the campsite creates a dangerous situation not only for campers in the area, but for the animals that depend upon the development of their natural hunting and/or scavenging skills in order to survive.

Looking to find the best deal on used RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

Class A Motorhomes & Travel Trailers Report Steady Sales For 2010

2010 started off strong for the RV Industry. Sales were up over the previous year and everyone was feeling positive about the coming months. However, few openly declared the recession was over and the industry has been feeling out how the rest of the year is going to turn out. Would people open their wallets for costly items such as Class A Motorhomes and RVs? The good news is the latest reports say the trend is continuing. Sales are still increasing and the forecast is looking good.

The last report for March showed 24,000 RVs being sent from manufacturers to dealers, according to RVIA’s manufacturer survey. There was a significant increase over the previous month and an 87.5% rise in sales over the previous year. The trend has shown almost double the amount of sales month to month over 2009.

Lightweight trailers and towables have continued to hold their share of the market, as their popularity continues to increase. They are seen as more environmentally friendly and less expensive than their RV counterparts. Being able to transport them with smaller to mid-size cars gives them even greater appeal.

The concept of lightweight came as a response to the new environmentally minded traveler who is looking for less gas consumption, while having a comfortable shelter at campsites and campgrounds. Pop-ups and towables are a less expensive initial purchase and require less fuel for travel.

Class A Motorhomes have also seen a boost in sales this year. In fact, Class A motorhomes are selling double the amount they did last year. These are the top of the line models that offer custom interiors, high-end entertainment systems, bedding, cabinetry and more. As units are starting to move again, dealers and manufacturers are feeling more confident that sales will continue to stay strong throughout the year.

In a boost for the RV Industry, 2010 happens to be 100 years since the first RVs were created. The timing couldn’t be better to help spread the word about RVing. The more people are made aware of the American pastime of RVing and the long history it has had, the more people are likely to consider an RV as a means of travel. Both industry heavyweights GoRving and RVIA are getting behind the centennial celebration with increased advertising. RVIA has been working with states to make the RV Centennial Celebration Month official. So far they have had success with Indiana, Iowa and Louisiana.

The future is looking bright for the RV Industry. As summer rolls around, the true test will begin. Summer is RV season. It’s the time when rentals increase and sales should be at an all time high. The more exposure the industry gets, the better their odds of coming out ahead.

The summer tends to be some of the busiest months for RV rentals and sales and dealers are gearing up. With a positive outlook, upgraded campgrounds and more amenities for RV enthusiasts, this looks as if it will be a strong summer for RV dealers and manufacturers.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

What It Takes To Sell A Used RV Or Motorhome

June 19th, 2010 No comments

Now is the time that people are starting to think about purchasing new or used RVs. The summer is close and travel vacations are being planned. If you have a used RV or motorhome for sale, then think about the following before you list your RV or motorhome ‘For Sale.’

1. Take a look at your motorhome or RV from the perspective of a potential buyer. What do you see? The tear in the seat may not bother you, but it might be a turn off to a potential buyer. They may wonder what else is wrong that they can’t see. Give the vehicle a really good cleaning. Have a professional go through it and vacuum, scrub and wash the seats and carpets, clean windows and wipe down all the surfaces. The newer the vehicle looks, the better it will sell.

a. People looking to buy a used RV are thinking about what their future might be like and aren’t interested in your personal details. By removing personal items, anyone can see him/herself in the RV or motorhome and this gives the seller access to a larger market, instead of people who only share the same interests.

2. Sell your new or used home for a fair price. If you aren’t sure what it might be worth, then go on-line and look at comparable vehicles. Another options is to go to a dealer and see what they think the RV is worth. There are a couple of reasons for doing this. What you think your vehicle is worth may not be what the rest of the world thinks it’s worth. If you try to sell at too high of a price, you risk not selling at all, or selling a year down the line while you are making payments all the while. If you don’t ask enough for the used RV or motorhome, you can probably sell it quickly but be sure any remaining payments are covered in the sale price.

3. Find ways to let people in your neighborhood know that your vehicle is on the market. You never know who has been eyeing your RV for years, waiting for the opportunity to buy it. You can put an ad in the classifieds, but a For Sale sign in the window is just as effective. On-line marketing is another way to reach a bigger selection of buyers, as it reaches nationwide.

4. RV dealers often have a branch that deals with consignment sales. What this means is the dealer keeps a cut of the sale money in return for doing the marketing, taking people out for test drives and fielding calls for you. The make selling easy for you, as all you have to do is drive the RV down, then collect your portion of the sale money when someone buys it.

5. While recommending you remove personal physical items, using your emotional experiences about the RV can actually help you sell it. Strange as it seems, people who hear stories that are funny or sad or intriguing can create a greater connection between you and a potential buyer and make them more willing to buy from you.

There is one danger in cleaning and repairing your RV, having it valued and seeing the excitement of potential buyers – you may not want to sell lit after all. Letting a consignment dealer take care of your RV sale is an easy way sell without having to attend to all the small details. If you do decide to sell yourself, be sure you are pricing the vehicle fairly and are reaching your core buying audience.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

Why New And Used RV Travel Is Becoming More Popular

June 4th, 2010 No comments

When people realize they can save money traveling by RV as opposed to paying for airfare, hotel and other transportation, the idea of investing in an RV becomes more and more appealing. In fact, 8.2 million homes in America are proud owners or RVs according to RVIA. Camping and spending time close to home is not only helping local economies, it’s also bringing families closer together to enjoy the simpler pleasures in life.

RVIA had a survey conducted to gauge the amount of travel RV enthusiasts are expected to do and the reasons behind it. What they found was nearly half of RV owners are expecting to use their RV more than last spring and summer. 41% of current new and used RV owners claim they will spend the same amount of time on the road this year as last year.

For those who currently own an RV, using it for extended travel is no-brainer. Each time they use their RV, they are saving money and recouping on their investment in their RV. Not to mention, those who like personal comforts like fried chicken, pasta or their soft flannel sheets can be sure to have the types of foods and the amenities they like every night. No more searching for a restaurant that fits your mood, you can eat whatever you like wherever you like. You get to set up your home on wheels exactly the way you like it.

Even though the worst of the recession appears to be fading away, people are still conscious about how much money they spend. Most people are spending conservatively which makes vacations within the US and closer to home more sensible. Cooking meals in the RV saves money so does paying for a night in a campground vs. renting a hotel room.

RV enthusiasts get out more when they travel by RV and tend to be more physically engaged with the environment than with other vacations. This may be that their destinations are National Parks and are ripe for walking, biking and climbing.

For those who are leaving their jobs after a long career, buying an RV symbolizes the beginning of a new way of life for them, one without deadlines and daily demands. Those who have lost their jobs because of the economy are taking some rare time off to hit the road in their RV and visit places they might not normally have the chance to.

RV dealers aren’t the only ones gearing up for a busy summer. Campgrounds are renovating, adding eco-friendly features and upping the choices for family entertainment. With games for kids and adults, fitness centers, Wi-Fi and wellness spas, campgrounds make it easy to take an extended vacation.

This summer will hopefully see families, couples and solo explorers hitting the road in new and used motorhomes. If you haven’t tried it, traveling by RV is an experience you can’t afford to miss. It’s a unique way to see the country and interact with people from all over.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

Americans Unsure About Ability to Afford Costs of Aging

Can you afford to get older?  According to a new Harris Poll, most people are not confident that we as a country are prepared to handle the costs generated by an aging population as Baby Boomers grow older.  The findings of the survey suggest that many people are aware of the challenges yet are willing to consider possibilities on addressing solutions such as encouraging people to work longer and to increase the age of eligibility for Social Security and Medicare.  Unsurprisingly, raising taxes or cutting benefits are much less acceptable. However, raising taxes is less unpopular than cutting benefits.

Surveying 2,576 adults online, Harris Interactive found the public is split on whether we will be able to afford the cost of many more old people (33%). According to Harris, 38% said will not be able to do so or 29% are not sure. More younger people (47% of Echo Boomers) and 51% of Gen Xers (aged 34-45) than older people think we will not be able to afford it.

Other results from the survey found:

  • A 47% plurality of adults – but less than a majority – thinks that it is a good thing that life expectancy is increasing and that there are likely to be many more old people. Older people are much more likely than younger people to believe this; 58% of people over 65 think this but only 35% of “Echo Boomers” aged 18-33. While only 20% of adults think this is a bad thing, fully 34% are not sure.
  • When confronted with a list of five possible ways of addressing the future cost of Social Security and Medicare, a third (35%) of adults say they don’t favor any of them. Possibly they do not believe the underlying premise that there is a problem. By far the most people (47%) believe we should “encourage people over 65 to work.” The next most acceptable option would be to increase the age of eligibility for Social Security and Medicare (30%). Only 21% think we should raise taxes while very few people (9%) think we should reduce Medicare or Social Security benefits.
  • When told that “most economists think it is inevitable that we will have to do one or more of these things, whether we like it or not” and asked to pick two, the same pattern emerges. Fully 61% favor encouraging more older people to work, and 46% favor increase the age of eligibility. Almost a third (31%) choose increased taxes while very few favor cutting benefits for Social Security (10%) or Medicare (12%).
  • A large 68% to 16% majority (with 15% unsure) believes “we as a society are not adequately prepared to spend more years caring for our aging parents than for our children.”
  • A 50% to 26% plurality of those aged 18-64 believe that “our health care system, as it is now,” will not be able to handle the large number of older people who are likely to have chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.
  • When told that “many economists think that, to pay for Social Security and Medicare . . . many more people should retire later and continue working after 65,” a large 64% to 25% majority of those under 65 agrees with this.

“These findings are interesting and important,” said Dr. Robert Butler, the president of the International Longevity Institute. “It is good to see public support for people working later in their lives. This would not only reduce the economic problems addressed in the survey; research shows that people with purpose and who have something to get up for in the morning live longer and better lives. There is also evidence that increased longevity creates new wealth.”

Most People Believe that We Are Not Prepared for Increase in Longevity and Number of Old People