Candidates (Each name is linked to their campaign website)

Jill Stein, Jorge Zavala and Jasmine Sherman (NOTE: Jasmine Sherman’s answers are linked to the video they submitted.)

GPUS Platform Plank for Elders – Including the Elders Voice

Do you feel it is important to include the voices of elders in the political sphere? Explain. 

Jill Stein: As a person of retirement age who might rightfully be considered an elder Dr Stein recognizes the importance of life experience in seeing beyond one’s own narrow perspective, recognizing the foundational issues in our politics and culture and having a broad pull of possible solutions to consider for the problems that plague us.

Jorge Zavala: A green platform, while commendable for its environmental focus, risks a major oversight by not prioritizing elderly care. Ethical principles and social responsibility require ensuring the well-being of our senior citizens. The experience and wisdom of older generations are invaluable resources for young people. This intergenerational knowledge transfer is crucial for guiding younger generations down successful paths. However, this mutual support requires a balanced approach. We must prioritize both the independence and support systems for our elders. Their lifetime contributions, through taxes and societal endeavors, deserve to be reciprocated. Failing to provide adequate support in their later years is not only a moral failing but also creates future economic burdens. Displacement of resources meant for seniors leads to a cascade of problems. Ignoring their needs creates a larger society-wide issue later. Experience consistently trumps the initial excitement of choosing new opportunities. This valuable knowledge must be actively fostered and utilized. One reason for societal breakdown is the failure to effectively bridge the intergenerational knowledge gap. Knowledge needs to be passed on, received, understood, and acted upon. By prioritizing support for our seniors and facilitating knowledge transfer, we can create a stronger, more sustainable future for all. Removed unprofessional language: Replaced “formidable mistake” with “major oversight” and “green platform as you mentioned does not identify her clearly” with a more focused statement about senior care. Improved sentence structure and flow: Rewrote sentences for better clarity and conciseness. Balanced approach: Emphasized the need for both independence and support for the elderly. Focused on consequences:* Explained the future costs of neglecting senior care. Professional tone: Used language appropriate for a professional context. Solution-oriented: Ended with a focus on creating a better future.

Jasmine Sherman – Video answers at the beginning through timestamp 0:51

The GPUS platform does not call out for rights for the Elderly. The platform barely addresses elder problems, issues, or solutions at all (Platform Section II: Social Justice mentions the elderly in passing under protecting Social Security and Ending Poverty [sections C and D]). 

How do you plan to address this in your campaign?

Jill Stein: Dr Stein’s campaign will advocate for the rights of elders while actively demonstrating through her own example the importance of elder perspectives in leading the party and nation forward.

Jorge Zavala: Instead of focusing on waiting for benefits, let’s empower America’s seniors! The wealth of experience our elderly population holds is a vital resource for continued progress. We need to *capture their wisdom and knowledge* and *connect them with the next generation*. Imagine the support and guidance this could provide, ensuring future generations thrive as individuals and contribute meaningfully to American society.

Jasmine Sherman – Video answers, timestamp 0:52-1:45

Please briefly speak Include how your presidency would address each one of the following issues as they apply to elders in our society. Make sure to cite any evidence behind your explanation, if appropriate.

Jorge Zavala: Instead of focusing on waiting for benefits, let’s empower America’s seniors! The wealth of experience our elderly population holds is a vital resource for continued progress. We need to *capture their wisdom and knowledge* and *connect them with the next generation*. Imagine the support and guidance this could provide, ensuring future generations thrive as individuals and contribute meaningfully to American society.

Jasmine Sherman – Video answers, timestamp

Medicare

Jill Stein: We will advocate to make Medicare a universal program and outlawing private insurance, making Medicare the purview of both the “haves” and the “have nots”. This will prevent the ghettoization of Medicare and strengthen public support, making it politically untouchable. Beyond advocating for a universal improved Medicare for All program, we would prefer a UK style National Health Service which eliminates all privatization aspects of healthcare, including private hospitals and private medical practice. This system works well in the UK when it is appropriately funded. There is a direct established link between privatization of healthcare and preventable mortality. 

Jorge Zavala: As President, my administration would prioritize strengthening and expanding Medicare to better serve elders in our society. We would work towards Affordability: Implementing measures to lower out-of-pocket costs for seniors, such as capping prescription drug prices and reducing Medicare premiums. Evidence shows that high healthcare costs are a significant burden for elders, often leading to financial strain and compromising their access to necessary care.

Jasmine Sherman – Video answers, timestamp 1:45-2:45

Support of the creation of a Medicare ombudsman

Jill Stein: Generally, yes, but if we establish the universal program it may not be necessary 

Jorge Zavala: This policy outlines the procedures for our ombudsmen to advocate for and empower elderly clients experiencing difficulties within social service programs, including Social Security, in-home care, Medi-Cal, and housing. Client advocacy: We champion the rights and interests of our elderly clients. Empowerment: We empower clients to navigate systems and address problems effectively. Neutrality: We maintain impartiality while advocating for fair and equitable treatment.

Jasmine Sherman – Video answers, timeststamp 2:47-4:33 (includes Social Security)

Social Security

Jill Stein: Our campaign will fight to remove the income cap (completely) for Social Security and for increased, non-poverty level benefits, allowing Americans to retire with dignity.

Jorge Zavala: Clients can confidentially report issues with Social Security, in-home care providers, Medi-Cal services, or housing programs. Ombudsmen will actively listen to understand the nature of the complaint. Gather relevant documentation supporting the client’s concerns.

Jasmine Sherman – Video answers, timestamp 4:33-5:53

Support of the creation of a Social Security ombudsman

Jill Stein: Yes

Jorge Zavala: Ombudsmen will first attempt informal resolution by contacting the responsible agency (Social Security office, in-home care agency, etc.) on the client’s behalf. Advocate for the client’s rights and desired outcome through clear and respectful communication.

Jasmine Sherman – Video answers, timestamp 4:54-5:38

Elder abuse

Jill Stein: We support any legislation or federal mandate that will work towards eliminating the exploitation and abuse of the elderly. 

Jorge Zavala: Strengthening existing laws and implementing new ones to protect elders from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This would involve stricter enforcement mechanisms and harsher penalties for perpetrators.

Jasmine Sherman – answers embedded in other questions.

Housing – aging in place, nursing homes, assisted living

Jill Stein: Our platform addresses these needs. We will support programs that best allow the elder population to live in ways that are best supportive of varied needs of individuals. Such supports will be best determined by the individual and their family or other relevant individuals of importance. Much of the individual care aspect of housing for the elderly can be addressed in a universal healthcare system, as housing is critical to elder healthcare 

Jorge Zavala:We’ll implement policies to support aging in place by investing in home modification programs, making homes more accessible and safer for seniors. This includes grants or tax incentives for retrofitting homes with features like ramps, grab bars, and wider doorways. Evidence suggests that enabling seniors to stay in their homes can improve their well-being and quality of life while reducing healthcare costs. Studies by AARP show that the majority of older adults prefer to age in place if given the choice.

Jasmine Sherman – Video answers, timestamp 5:38-6:26

Age discrimination – employment, education

Jill Stein: We oppose all forms of discrimination in employment and we support free college / higher education for all qualified students regardless of age. In fact, as we transition out of some harmful industries such as the fossil fuel industry, establishing free college for retraining the workforce will be essential.

Jorge Zavala: In my presidency, addressing age discrimination against elders in employment and education would be a priority. To combat age discrimination in employment, I would push for stronger enforcement of existing laws, such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and advocate for policies that promote age diversity in the workforce. This includes incentivizing employers to hire older workers through tax credits or training programs.

Jasmine Sherman – Video answers, timestamp 6:26-7:11