Supporting All Americans as We Age: #Decision2020 and Questions for Candidates.

Abstract

Asking questions of our political candidates can help us understand where they stand on issues. To support that aim, American Geriatrics Society (AGS) leaders and public policy experts have developed a compendium of questions that AGS members and others can use to ascertain where candidates stand on issues important to achieving our vision for a world where we are all able to contribute to our communities and maintain our health, safety, and independence as we age, and where older people have access to high-quality person-centered care informed by geriatrics principles. This question guide will help hold officials accountable by encouraging those who run for any office, including and perhaps especially the presidency, to articulate a clear actionable vision to meet the needs of all older Americans by (1) ensuring access to geriatrics health professionals, (2) expanding Title VII geriatrics training programs, (3) ensuring our workforce is competent to care for older Americans, (4) reducing the toll and impact of chronic diseases, (5) ensuring access to adequate pain relief for older Americans living with advanced illness, (6) supporting American women, (7) supporting American families, and (8) addressing complexity in caring for older Americans. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1178-1183, 2020.