News & Events
Sharyn Wisniewski, WWN Chair: Elders may suffer the most from recession
May 26, 2009
Sharyn Wisniewski, WWN Chair, has an opinion piece featured in the Capital Times of Madison focusing on the effects of the economic recession on Wisconsin elders and the Wisconsin Women’s Network’s flagship project, the Wisconsin Elder Economic Security Initiative.
Wisniewski writes, “We all know the current state of our nation’s economy is bleak. News stories are focusing on bailouts and emergency funding for institutions, and on the president’s stimulus package. We hear less, however, about how this crisis impacts our communities and, in particular, how it is affecting older Americans, many of whom live on fixed incomes that can’t accommodate increased prices for food, medical care and other necessities.
It is reasonable to argue that elders are the group most likely to suffer deep, ill effects from the recession. Many are already struggling to cope with higher grocery bills and energy costs. Some go without full doses of prescription medications. Others cut back on home heating oil or stop attending social functions, which are an important part of maintaining health, dignity and well-being.”
