AARP Releases 2025 Vital Voices Study Highlighting the Needs and Concerns of Older Idaho Residents

Results of Vital Voices Survey Will Shape AARP’s Future Advocacy Efforts

AARP released new research today that examines how Idahoans age 45 and older feel about issues such as health care, financial security, energy costs, caregiving, livable communities and more. This is part of an ongoing effort by AARP in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to better understand the needs and attitudes of older Americans and assist in the development of programs, policies and resources to support them.

In Idaho, AARP surveyed 703 people and found that, among residents 45-plus:

· Three in five Idaho adults 45+ have caregiving experience.
· Four in five family caregivers say they have spent their own money to provide care with nearly half (43%) spending over $1,000 a year.
· One in 5 adults (20%) have been a victim of a scam or fraud in the past 12 months.

This is the third round of Vital Voices research that AARP has conducted. From 2019 to 2024, AARP Idaho used findings from Vital Voices when meeting with legislators and delivering public testimony.

This new data will once again be provided to local and state leaders, who will be able to use the data to:

· Predict the need for a specific program or interest in a particular issue.
· Enhance program and product innovation and development.
· Track issues and attitudes over time to assess shifts in public opinion.
· Take action on critical advocacy issues.