Concerned about the economic plight of older adults in California?



We are pleased to introduce the groundbreaking Elder Economic Security Standard Index (the Elder Index). The Elder Index is a new tool that quantifies - for the first time in California -- how much it actually costs seniors in each county to make ends meet. Released at a hearing of the California Senate Aging & Long Term Care Subcommittee on February 26, 2008, this is part of a national effort to ensure that all older adults have the opportunity to age with dignity and economic well-being. The Elder Index provides a new framework to discuss income adequacy for elders and to develop policies related to: Social Security, Medicare, and food, housing, and transportation programs for the older adults.



Below you will find four related links about the Elder Index and policy initiative:



Federal Poverty Guideline Underestimates Costs of Living for Older Persons in California. Developed by UCLA Center for Health Policy Research in collaboration with the Insight Center for Community Economic Development, this report provides new information on the basic costs of living for California's older adults, with specifics for every county.

Report:

Elders Living on the Edge: The Impact of California Support Programs When Income Falls Short in Retirement. Published by Wider Opportunities for Women, this report offers an overview of housing, nutrition, health care, and income policies that can help California's elders achieve basic economic security.


California Elder Economic Security Initiative (Cal-EESI) information sheet details the statewide efforts of a coalition led by the Insight Center for Community Economic Development to improve the economic security of the state's elders.



The FAQ supplies key information about the California Elder Economic Security Initiative and the Elder Economic Security Standard Index.



Finally, click HERE for press coverage on the California Elder Economic Security Initiative



For more information on this project, please contact:



Susie Smith

Director, Californians For Economic Security (CFES)

Insight Center for Community Economic Development (formerly NEDLC)

ssmith@insightcced.org

Phone: (510) 251-2600x108; Fax: (510) 251-0600

2201 Broadway, Suite 815

Oakland, CA 94612