Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here
Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
To Our Valued Readers –
Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.
For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.
Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.
Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.
“We wanted to look at physical safety but also financial stability,” Sebastian Cole, account director of RN Public Relations, told the Daily News-Sun. “If an individual is less financially stable, they are more likely to fall victim to poor health, scammers or even violence.”
The New York Times reports a record number of seniors 65 and older have filed for bankruptcy as people live longer and recessions have caused retirement accounts to vanish. Also, too many seniors are living in poverty and are victims of fraud and violence.
In addition, the U.S. has a record number of people 65 and older at nearly 50 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“The golden years should be filled with safety and security but that is not the reality for many,” a release states.
The Senior List looked at five key factors affecting Americans 65 and older: fraud victimization, violent deaths, living alone, median rental costs and poverty.
Each state - and the District of Columbia - was ranked and a corresponding number (1-51) was assigned based on that ranking. Each state’s ranking in each category was then added to create the overall risk ranking. Lower numbers mean states present less risk to seniors in these categories, and higher numbers equal higher risk.
Arizona is in the bottom half on four of five metrics, including fifth worst in violent injury death rate (24.8 deaths per 100,000 people). The state is 40th in fraud (687 incidents per 100,000), 30th in percentage living in poverty (9 percent) and 34th in monthly housing cost ($972).
“There are lots of figures out there showing different aspects of housing affordability, but knowing that many seniors are renters and most of them are on fixed incomes, we felt the median cost of renter-owned housing would be a good proxy for financial health,” Mr. Cole stated.
However, AARP Arizona Communications Director Alex Juarez told the Daily News-Sun that seniors shouldn’t panic with the study.
“The results are not what we would hope for, but it doesn’t mean Arizona is not a safe place to live and retire in,” Mr. Juarez stated in an email. “Arizona continues to be a safe place, but older adults should always use caution not to fall for scams and always be aware of their surroundings."
AARP, an organization known to help retired and older individuals, is hosting its Online Career Networking Expo: Spotlight on Part-Time Work and Skills from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Arizona time) Thursday, Jan. 24.
The free event lets people network with employers online and learn how to improve the skills that can get them noticed. Register at http://bit.ly/aarpexpo.
AARP also has an employer pledge program (http://bit.ly/aarpwork) where employers have pledged support in hiring people 50 and older.
Arizona has some good news. The state is No. 14 in seniors living alone at 3.71 percent.
“All things being equal, individuals who are financially comfortable and socially engaged tend to live longer, better lives,” Mr. Cole stated when asked what states on the lower end need to do to improve. “Delaware, for instance, had the highest rate of seniors living alone and, not surprisingly, finds itself among the worst states on this list.
“Delaware and other states near the bottom of this list would be well-served to consider policies and programs that help ensure safe, affordable housing for seniors as well as regular and meaningful community engagement for individuals in their golden years.”
Some factors The Senior List hopes to include in future versions of the study include data on access to quality healthcare, senior marriage/divorce rates and scam-related financial losses.
Arizona residents are encouraged to take advantage of resources offered through the AARP Fraud Watch Network at fraudwatchnetwork.org and also through tips and resources offered through the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
“We also recommend joining a Block Watch group in your community to know the latest trends and to network with neighbors,” Mr. Juarez said.
Contact reporter Chris Caraveo at ccaraveo@newszap.com
By 
