Ninety years ago this month, in the depths of the Great Depression, America made a promise: after a lifetime of hard work, people could count on economic security in their later years. That promise became Social Security — one of the most successful and popular government programs in U.S. history.
Since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed it into law in 1935, Social Security has been more than a program. It has been a lifeline, a source of peace of mind, and the difference between poverty and dignity for millions of older Americans.
Here in San Diego County, organizations like Serving Seniors see that difference every day. As we mark Social Security’s 90th anniversary, the program’s promise is as vital as ever.
But it is facing serious challenges.
Before Social Security, more than half of America’s seniors lived in poverty. Growing old was a financial threat. Many older adults depended entirely on family — if they had one — or went without food, housing, or medical care.
Today, thanks largely to Social Security, the poverty rate for older Americans is under 10%. Monthly benefits allow millions to afford food, housing, prescription medications, and basic living expenses. Social Security also provides essential support for people with disabilities and surviving family members.
Without it, research shows that nearly 22 million more Americans — including over 14 million seniors — would be living in poverty. Social Security truly transformed what it means to grow old in America.
In a country where agreement is rare, Social Security enjoys broad, bipartisan support. A new AARP survey released for the 90th anniversary found 95% of Republicans, 98% of Democrats, and 93% of Independent voters all believe Social Security is vital to the financial security of Americans. Two-thirds said it’s even more important for retirees now than five years ago.
The first challenge facing the long-term health of Social Security is keeping up with inflation. An annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is made every year, but these increases lag behind real-world expenses, especially for housing, groceries and healthcare
These expenses have significant impact on older adults, forcing them to stretch Social Security checks thinner each year. The formula for adjustments needs to better reflect the actual costs seniors face so that benefits don’t lose value over time.
The stakes are high. In San Diego County, one in five residents is age 60 or older, about 722,000 people. By 2060, that number is projected to rise to more than 1.15 million, or one-third of all county residents.
Their day-to-day reality is sobering. Nearly one in four older adults in San Diego County faces food insecurity. More than half of low-income seniors struggle with housing costs. Almost one in three people experiencing homelessness is over age 55.
These are the people we support at Serving Seniors. We know their stories. They did everything right. They worked hard. They raised families. They worked and paid into Social Security — and it might still not be enough to meet their needs. Or they lost a job, faced a serious illness, and Social Security is their lifeline.
Forget the stereotypes. For many of our clients, Social Security is their last line of defense against poverty and homelessness, with a little help from their community through Serving Seniors.
Some ask whether the nation can afford Social Security. The better question: can we afford not to have it?
Without Social Security, more older Americans would rely on taxpayer-funded safety nets like housing subsidies, food assistance, or emergency medical aid. These programs often cost more and deliver less stability than Social Security’s steady, guaranteed benefits.
This program is remarkably efficient. While many nonprofits consider 20% overhead a good measure of their efficiency, Social Security spends just 1% on administration. Ninety-nine percent of funds go directly to beneficiaries.
It’s also important to remember: Social Security is not a handout. It’s an earned benefit. Workers contribute with every paycheck, with the understanding that the system will be there when they need it.
A promise is only as strong as our willingness to keep it. Strengthening Social Security for the future will require responsible, bipartisan decisions to ensure the trust fund remains solvent for generations to come.
Americans across the political spectrum understand the importance of Social Security. Now is the time to speak up, urge our elected officials to prioritize and protect it, and ensure benefits keep up with the real cost of living.
This isn’t just about compassion for today’s retirees. It’s about protecting your parents, grandparents, neighbors, and, eventually, yourself.
When we invest in the well-being of older adults, we invest in the stability of our communities and our country. Social Security reflects shared American values: dignity, responsibility and mutual support.
Social Security’s 90th anniversary is more than a moment to celebrate. It’s a call to recommit to its future. Let’s ensure benefits keep up with inflation, preserve its solvency, and protect it as one of the most successful and popular programs in U.S. history.
At its heart, Social Security is a promise Americans made to each other. It’s a promise worth keeping.
Melinda Forstey is president and chief executive officer of Serving Seniors.
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