May is Older Americans Month, and this year's theme: Never Too Old to Play, is a far cry from what seniors will be doing over the next few years. True, as the theme suggests, older Americans will need to stay engaged, active and involved in their own lives and in their communities. However, recent reports suggest that seniors have no choice but to use the energy they get, by playing to fight, to protect the benefits they have worked for their entire lives to enjoy, namely Social Security and Medicare.
Last week, White House officials reacted to that Social Security and Medicare Trustees Report suggesting that Social Security funds would run out in 2033, and the Medicare fund, in 2024. Both programs are reportedly rushing towards insolvency, and the millions of baby boomers who are next in line to receive benefits, may be left short-handed if something isn't done soon. This is an extremely critical issue for voters, particularly when Republicans and Democrats have vastly different ideas and approaches to addressing this problem. However, everyone has a stake in the future of Social Security and Medicare, beginning with steps to take to stay healthy, to work longer, invest more and stay critically engaged in the public debate about the future of these entitlement programs.