Women over 50 account for almost one-third (29 percent) of likely voters overall and more than half (53 percent) of likely voters 50-plus in the state, and their priorities and concerns will likely influence the outcome of the 2024 election.

In a poll AARP Pennsylvania released on Oct. 1, older women voters are split on their support of the presidential candidates, with both Vice President Harris and former President Trump earning 48 percent of that voting group. The poll also found Senator Bob Casey leading challenger Dave McCormick 48-45 percent among 50+ women. Amongst all voters, Vice President Harris and Senator Bob Casey lead in their respective Pennsylvania races by narrow margins.

To dig deeper into the top concerns and priorities of these women voters, AARP held a Greater Philadelphia Suburban Women’s Roundtable on Oct. 8, where women in different areas of the Philadelphia region voiced their opinions, priorities, and what they hope to see change with the upcoming election.

Key issues included Social Security, family caregiver support, paid leave, and combating fraud. Participants discussed economic concerns, such as high inflation, healthcare costs, and housing affordability, and emphasized the need for political accountability, media responsibility, and community engagement to reduce divisiveness.

To begin the discussion, AARP’s poll found about 60 percent of women believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, and the moderator encouraged participants of the roundtable to further this discussion.

To this point, Anne from Montgomery County stated, “I’ve been collaborating with nonprofits, and one major concern I’ve noticed is the growing need for housing and food support. The homelessness rate continues to rise, and police are increasingly taking steps to address this issue. These are some of the most pressing challenges I’ve encountered.”

Barbara from Bucks County added, “I see a lot of chaos; crime has increased, especially with people our age. We see a lot of carjackings in certain areas, and it’s a little bit concerning that there seem to be no rules and that the police have their hands tied. That’s very frightening.”

To cover some of the things that are currently headed in the right direction in the country, Betty from Chester County noted that she believes that inflation is decreasing, investments in infrastructure are increasing, and cultural achievements are expanding and growing.

Echoing Betty’s statement, Julie from Bucks County added she thinks the stock market is doing well and that unemployment is low. However, she hopes inflation will catch up to the changes in the interest rates that the Fed has passed.

“I believe our economy is tough for many at the front lines,” she stated. “People are feeling the pinch with high grocery and gas prices, as well as housing costs. However, I think we’re starting to move in the right direction.”

When it comes to healthcare and the costs of prescription medications, Colleen from Bucks County expressed her general optimism, stating that she’s seen reductions in our healthcare costs — especially through Medicare. And while there are opportunities for more improvements, she’s glad to see things headed in the right direction.

Adding to the list of positives, Susan from Montgomery County stated she’s encouraged by seeing the real commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly amongst younger people, in the community.

“But I think that spills over, and I see greater tolerance amongst older people,” she added. “And that, to me, is a wonderful sight that despite so many things that are difficult right now, there is this just much more awareness that we truly live in a diverse country, and we have to be tolerant, and we have to be inclusive, and we have to seek equity.”

Ultimately, even amid leading issues of inflation, Social Security, and fraud, this older group of women voters in Pennsylvania are steadfast in their belief that there’s a dire need for tolerance and acceptance.

“I hope that, regardless of the election outcome, leaders will prioritize unity over division,” Anne from Montgomery County stated. “Even the candidate who doesn’t win can play a role in bringing us together. I’d also like to see more community discussions where Republicans, Democrats, and Independents can engage in constructive conversations. It’s important to foster an environment where we can talk to each other respectfully, without animosity based on political affiliations.”

View the full survey results here, and find all of the state’s battleground polls here. For more information on how, when, and where to vote in Pennsylvania, visit AARP. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.