Connecting to older Americans  

[November 05, 2011]  Older Americans Month is an occasion to show appreciation and support for our seniors as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities. This May, the theme — Older Americans: Connecting the Community — pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities and highlights how technology is helping older Americans live longer, healthier, and more engaged lives. 

Social Security uses technology to make dealing with Social Security easier for seniors. We offer a variety of services at www.socialsecurity.gov. Just look at the “top services” column to the left of the page to see the wide range of services that technology allows us to offer online. 

Social Security has a special relationship with American seniors since we pay benefits, at one time or another, to just about every one of them. Nine out of ten Americans aged 65 or older receive Social Security benefits.  
 

Here are some more statistics to consider. Among older Social Security beneficiaries, 52 percent of married couples and 72 percent of unmarried persons receive half or more of their income from Social Security.  Older Americans are a growing group, too. Life expectancy continues to rise, and by 2035, it’s estimated that there will be twice as many older Americans as there are today. 

Older Americans, as well as people who don’t expect to retire anytime soon, who use Social Security’s website give it consistently high customer satisfaction ratings.  Right now you can get an estimate of your future retirement benefits, plan your retirement, even apply for retirement benefits right over our website. Visit us online at www.socialsecurity.gov. 
 

Learn more about what you can do to celebrate Older Americans Month by visiting the organization’s website. www.olderamericansmonth.org 

By Judith Bartels

Social Security District Manager in Springfield, IL  

Archived columns