“Our generation has always been pretty good about making our priorities known on the issues that affect us,” says Howell, 71, who lives near Asheville, North Carolina.

In every national election since 2002—when citizen voting data by age became available—those 65 and older have cast ballots at higher rates than their younger counterparts. In fact, in 2024, their voting rates inched up very slightly from the previous presidential election, while those of other groups dropped, according to survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau. For midterm elections like this year’s, the gap between older voters and younger ones is even bigger. In 2022, the difference was a yawning gap—66.8 percent of citizens 65-plus voted, compared with 27.6 percent of those 18 to 24.

The larger size of the over-50 demographic, coupled with its higher voting rates, means the group plays a major role in shaping the direction of the country.

AARP will help keep that voting bloc well informed. While the organization is nonpartisan and doesn’t endorse candidates or contribute money to campaigns, it has a presence in every state to make sure candidates address issues of importance to those age 50-plus. This year, that means Social Security, family caregiving and health care, among other topics. “Our job is to bring these issues to the attention of the candidates and to bring what candidates say to the attention of our members,” says Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer.

So what’s on the minds of older voters?

Asked to name the “biggest issue facing the country today,” voters in a December 2025 AARP poll pointed to “cost of living.” Related issues such as health care, taxes, jobs and Social Security and Medicare also registered as concerning. Older voters were actually less pessimistic on the economy than younger ones—but it still ranked as their top concern.

Asked whether they felt more or less financially secure than they had a year earlier, more people in every age group reported feeling “much less” or “somewhat less” secure than the number who felt “much more” or “somewhat more” secure. Among those 65-plus, the results in the AARP poll were 39 percent less secure, 26 percent more.

Not just pocketbooks are at play in this election, of course. “Threats to democracy,” “political division” and “immigration” were top issues for both old and young, and older voters gave greater weight to those concerns than younger ones. Still, “the economy drives everything,” says John Hishta, AARP senior vice president of campaigns. From the cost of groceries to utilities, housing and prescription drugs, paying bills is a major concern.

“People don’t think that they’re doing well right now, for the most part,” Hishta adds.

For Lillian Lee, 75, a retired elementary school principal and AARP volunteer, such feelings help motivate her political participation. “I know I’ll never be a billionaire, but I do want to make sure that I am comfortable—that I don’t have to worry about having enough money to pay the bills or buy groceries,” says the Raleigh, North Carolina, resident.