Be Fearless: Let's Strengthen Social Security and Medicare

As 2014 comes to a close, we look ahead to 2015 with great anticipation and a multitude of opportunities to disrupt aging.

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid and the Older Americans Act. It also is the 80th anniversary of Social Security. And with events throughout the year, the White House Conference on Aging, held once a decade, will look ahead at issues facing Americans as they get older.

We celebrate these anniversaries because these programs have dramatically improved the lives of older Americans and, in doing so, have made life better for all of us. But we also celebrate them to shine a spotlight on the need to make sure they remain strong for future generations.

In my first AARP Bulletin column in October, I wrote that I would be unapologetic in fighting for the wants and needs of people 50-plus, and that I need you to be fearless with me. So, what does that mean?

Since early 2012, we have engaged Americans in a conversation about the future of Social Security and Medicare. Millions of you responded by telling us that you rely on Social Security and Medicare for financial and health security — and that you want these programs to remain strong, not just for yourselves but for your kids and grandkids.

As one AARP member in Georgia wrote, "I am 84 years old, and both Medicare and Social Security have served me well. I want the same for my children. There has to be a way to make both work for them." Therein lies the challenge — making these programs work for them.

Being fearless means standing up to those who simply want to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits, those who refuse to support the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act and the services it provides, such as Meals on Wheels, in-home care, transportation and elder abuse prevention.

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Being fearless also means recognizing that if our goal is to keep these programs strong, especially for our kids and grandkids, we need to make responsible changes in them to ensure they remain strong.

Both Social Security and Medicare face long-term solvency issues. We need to be aggressive in finding innovative, responsible solutions to make sure these programs remain solvent and provide adequate benefits for today and tomorrow.