Gray Power or Power Outage?

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to examine the extent and nature of the political activity that can be observed among very old women Towards this end, three political research questions were investigated among a sample of adults 85 years of age and older drawn from the caseload of a large metropolitan human service agency. Descriptive and inferential data analyses revealed a substantial decline in political participation, and identified several demographic variables that influence political involvement among women in advanced old age. For service providers, the data implied that advocacy efforts, leadership programming, and outreach services were urgently needed to combat the political "power outage" that occurs among women in advanced old age.As we approach the 21st century, the political power of older people has become a controversial issue. Many people now believe that the aged are an unduly favored group that poses a powerful threat to the welfare of younger generations. This fear has spawned several organizations committed to securing what they perceive as a more equitable distribution of resources for the young and rniddleaged. Similarly, media coverage of the elderly has evolved from a Ronald L. Jirovec is affiliated with Wayne State University School of Social Work, Detroit, MI 48202. John A. Erich is affiliated with Community Services of Oakland, 345 East Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, M148220.