Where Does Florida Fit In The New 'Longevity Economy?'

Media Advisory
September 25, 2014

Media Contact Only:     Kathy Marma, 866.595.7678


AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson will be available for media interviews to discuss the “Longevity Economy”

 St. Petersburg, Fla. – AARP and Oxford Economics will release a report on Florida’s “Longevity Economy” Monday, Sept. 29 ^th, 2014 detailing the economic activity supported by the consumer spending of households headed by someone age 50 and older. The report will be released on AARP Florida’s State webpage, www.aarp.org/fl.

AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson will be available for media interviews to discuss the “Longevity Economy” report and what it means for Florida on Monday, Sept. 29th, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. at the Florida Chamber Foundation Future of Florida Forum.

WHO:                        

AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson will lead a panel discussion, titled “Encore Careers, Boomer Entrepreneurs,” at the 2014 Future of Florida Forum.

WHAT:

Johnson will be available to speak with members of the Orlando area news media interested in exploring the “Longevity Economy” report, the broader issue of the economic impact of an aging population on Florida’s future, or policy prescriptions to better capitalize on the opportunities of the issue.

WHEN:         

Monday, Sept. 29 ^th, 2014, 4:30 p.m.

WHERE:

The Florida Chamber Foundation Future of Florida Forum at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, 1700 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.

WHY:

According to the “Longevity Economy” report released by AARP and Oxford Economics, households headed by people 50 or older generate 54 percent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product ($428.7 billion), 58 percent of the state’s jobs (6,070,000) and 67 percent of Florida’s state and local taxes ($37.6 billion).

Even with these impressive statistics, Florida lags behind other states that are actively attempting to attract new residents age 50 and older.  Many Florida leaders believe Baby Boomers will automatically move to Florida as they have done in the past. AARP Florida State Director Johnson can explain why emerging similarities between younger and older relocating Americans suggests that Boomers will seek out states and cities that offer a thriving culture, the opportunity to age in place and the opportunity to pursue an encore career in a booming economy.

AARP is urging candidates, especially candidate for governor, to talk in-depth about how they will nurture this critical part of the state’s economy and how the state will play a role in attracting Boomers to Florida.

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org ; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org .