Democratic-Controlled Congress Now Must Strengthen Social Security, Medicare

Published in RINewsToday on November 9, 2026

Last Tuesday’s historic 2026 midterm election was more than a routine political shift. Political pundits called it a blue wave that would reshape federal and state public policy for years. Democrats won control of both the House and Senate, flipping Republican-held Senate seats and gaining dozens of House seats. Their legislative victories extended into traditionally red states.

When the dust settled, Democrats flipped seven Republican-held Senate seats, giving them 54 seats, including two independents who caucus with Democrats, to Republicans’ 44. At press time, the results of two close Senate races, in Alaska and Mississippi, were still too close to call.

Democrats took 254 seats in the House, Republicans 162, and 19 races were still undecided as of Nov. 7. The Associated Press declared Democrats would control both chambers, though votes were still being cast in a handful of races.

Democrats also won governorships in Texas, Ohio, Iowa, Georgia, and Nevada, among other states. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures,

Democrats flipped 12 state houses, most notably in Texas, Michigan, and Minnesota, the Senate in Pennsylvania, and both chambers in Wisconsin. These victories gave Democrats control of both chambers in all four states, although some results remained unofficial.

At state houses nationwide, this shift in political leadership would give Democrats greater control over state budgets and legislation for older residents, including health care, long-term services and supports, and programs to help older adults age in place and remain independent in their communities.

Blue Wave Shifts Power on Capitol Hill

During the 120th Congress, Democrats will take control of both chambers of Congress on Jan. 3, 2027, gaining committee chairmanships, the ability to set legislative agenda priorities, hold hearings, and investigate the Trump administration.

But winning control of Congress does not guarantee legislation will easily pass.  President Donald Trump, facing a divided government during his final two years in office, has indicated he intends to use his veto power to block passage of Democratic legislation he deems damaging for the country.   

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According to Roll Call, at the White House South Lawn on Friday morning, Oct. 23, 2026, before departing for a campaign rally in Florida, Trump was asked whether his legislative agenda would face gridlock with Democrats controlling Congress. He answered that he’d “veto, veto, veto, and then they come and they saw how we get it done, and you make a deal.”

Even if Democrats draft proposals, Senate rules, most notably the legislative filibuster, can block legislation from ever reaching the president’s desk by requiring a 60-vote supermajority to advance most bills.

Aging Groups, Advocates Share Legislative Priorities

For aging advocates, the question is whether a Democratic-controlled Congress can turn its midterm victories into legislation that improves older Americans’ financial security, health care, and quality of life.

Democratic leaders say their initial priorities include lowering household costs, addressing health program cuts, and expanding congressional oversight of the Trump administration. And aging organizations are preparing to push for legislative proposals that failed under the previously controlled Republican Congress.

Older voters played a significant role in Tuesday’s election outcome.

According to NORC’s election polling data cited by AARP, voters age 50 and older made up 60% of the midterm electorate. These voters were concerned about affordability, financial security, Social Security, and Medicare, not only for themselves but for their families.

The survey found 90% of older voters and 80% of all voters considered protecting Social Security from cuts very important. AARP says the new Congress has been entrusted with addressing challenges affecting the health and financial security of 125 million older Americans.

“Older voters showed up and made their voices heard, and now it’s Congress’s turn to deliver.

The 120th Congress must quickly address the serious challenges facing every kitchen table in America. Incoming lawmakers will shape the future of Social Security and Medicare, determine how family caregivers can receive greater support, and affect health care costs and the economic security of millions of Americans,” says AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond.

AARP has urged the new Congress to work across party lines to strengthen Social Security without cutting benefits older Americans have earned. The organization says older voters will be watching lawmakers closely.

AARP’s pre-Election Day polling identified older women as a key group of undecided voters. Similarly, NORC’s election data found older women supported Democratic candidates by nine points, while older men favored Republicans by five points.

Independent voters age 50 and older also helped determine the election outcome, with Democrats winning their support by 22 points (56% to 32%).

The economy remained a top concern among older voters. AARP’s polling found the cost of groceries (29%), health care and prescription drugs (24%), and gasoline (21%) were key factors in their voting decisions.

For Max Richtman, president and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), the election offers another chance to advance legislation to ensure the fiscal solvency of Social Security and Medicare and to expand these programs, which failed to gain traction in the Republican-controlled Congress.

Richtman says Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and prescription drug prices are closely tied to the affordability concerns that shaped the midterm elections.

The new Congress must also address Social Security’s looming financial

shortfall, warns Richtman.  According to the 2026 Social Security Trustees Report, released June 9, 2026, the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund is on track to run out of money in 2032. If Congress doesn’t step in before then, a sudden drop in program revenue means the government will be able to pay out only 78% of what retirees and surviving families are owed, he says.

While the sweeping Democratic victories have been described as a “Blue Tsunami,” Richtman also sees a “Silver Tsunami,” with older voters helping bring change in congressional leadership.  He believes Democratic control of both chambers offers an opportunity to strengthen Social Security and Medicare and make health care more affordable for older Americans.

Like AARP and Social Security Works, NCPSSM wants wealthier Americans to contribute more to Social Security and Medicare. By rewriting the Social Security payroll tax rules for the wealthiest Americans, these bills would ensure the wealthy pay their fair share. The group supports using additional revenue to strengthen the programs’ finances and expand benefits.

Richtman says that if reintroduced, NCPSSM would support the following three major bills to strengthen Social Security and Medicare.

The Social Security 2100 Act (H.R. 9519/S. 5042), introduced by Rep. John Larson (D-CT) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), would strengthen Social Security’s finances and improve benefits. The legislation would remove the existing cap on earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes and require wealthy Americans to pay additional taxes on investment income exceeding $400,000. It would also use the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) to calculate annual cost-of-living adjustments and increase minimum benefits for low-income workers.

The Social Security Expansion Act (S. 770/H.R. 1700), introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Val Hoyle (D-OR), would expand Social Security benefits while strengthening the program’s long-term finances. The legislation would require Americans earning more than $250,000 to pay additional Social Security taxes and increase taxes on certain investment income of higher-income individuals. It would also use the CPI-E to calculate annual cost-of-living adjustments, improve minimum benefits for low-wage workers and restore student benefits through age 22 for eligible children of deceased, disabled or retired workers.

Finally, the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act (S. 1690/H.R. 3271), introduced by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), would strengthen the finances of both programs by requiring wealthier Americans to contribute more in taxes. The legislation would apply Social Security payroll taxes to earnings above $400,000, require high-income individuals to contribute more to Medicare, and close loopholes that allow some wealthy business owners to avoid Medicare taxes. It would also expand taxes on investment income of higher-income Americans.

During the new Congress, Richtman says NCPSSM will push for Medicare reforms, including adding dental, vision, and hearing benefits; limiting out-of-pocket costs; expanding prescription drug price negotiations; and addressing overpayments and inappropriate care denials in Medicare Advantage plans.

Other NCPSSM priorities include extending enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and reversing recent cuts to Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works and chair of the Strengthen Social Security coalition, also sees an opportunity for Democrats to act. “Democrats just got a huge mandate from voters after running campaigns that focused on strengthening Social Security by making the wealthy pay their fair share, along with making health care affordable,” says Altman.

She believes Democrats should make passage of the Social Security Expansion Act a top priority and send the legislation to President Trump’s desk. The proposal would increase Social Security benefits and strengthen the program’s long-term financing by requiring higher-income Americans to contribute more, including taxes on certain investment income. Altman points to wealthy Americans, including Elon Musk, as examples of individuals who could contribute more under the proposal.

According to the Alliance for Retired Americans, seven Democratic Senate candidates who won Republican-held seats in Kansas, Texas, North Carolina, Maine, South Carolina, Iowa, and Ohio campaigned to raise the amount of income subject to Social Security payroll taxes. Their election could support proposals backed by NCPSSM and Social Security Works to increase contributions from higher earners and help prevent future benefit cuts.

Altman warns that if Trump vetoes legislation to strengthen Social Security by requiring wealthier Americans to pay more, Republicans could face political consequences in the 2028 election. She also wants Congress to reconsider Medicare for All legislation. “Our already frayed health care system is coming apart at the seams due to Republican cuts to Medicaid and the ACA. Now is the time to improve Medicare and expand it to cover everyone in America,” says Altman.

A Final Note…

Robert Weiner, a former Clinton White House spokesman who served as chief of staff of the House Select Committee on Aging under the late Rep. Claude Pepper (D-FL), says the new Congress must protect Social Security and stop calling proposed benefit cuts “reform.”

“This rhetoric is an immediate third rail and political suicide,” says Weiner. He believes raising the amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes could help address the program’s projected funding shortfall.

“Protecting Social Security is crucial to retaining voter support on both sides. One partial solution is straightforward and has been proposed by members of both parties,” he says.

Weiner supports raising the payroll tax cap to help prevent future benefit reductions. He cited a projected 22% benefit reduction by 2034. However, the 2026 Social Security Trustees Report projects the retirement and survivors trust fund will have enough income to pay 78% of scheduled benefits in 2032, while the combined retirement, survivors, and disability trust funds would have enough income to pay 83% of scheduled benefits in 2034.

Weiner also wants the new Congress to reestablish the House Select Committee on Aging, giving lawmakers a forum to focus on issues affecting older Americans. “The new Congress should also recreate a House Aging Committee to allow focus on seniors’ issues,” says Weiner.

He also calls for restoring Affordable Care Act premium tax subsidies and reversing Medicaid cuts, warning millions of Americans, including older adults, could lose their health insurance because they cannot afford the premiums.

“Studies are clear that people die in large proportions if they do not have health insurance,” he says.

Weiner also questions claims that the United States has the world’s best health care system. “The USA mortality rates are among the worst in the civilized world. Let’s not pretend that our health system is the best,” he says.

With the midterms behind us, Weiner shares his thoughts in a USA Today op-ed on how congressional Democrats, Republicans, and President Trump can avoid legislative gridlock.  He writes that sharing a positive legacy will ensure bipartisan legislative achievements.  Democrats can win midterms and still avoid Trump gridlock | Opinion

Two New Studies on the Growing Financial Cost of Family Caregiving

Published in RINewsToday on November 2, 2025

As National Family Caregivers Month approaches in November, two new caregiving studies highlight the financial pressures facing millions of Americans who care for older relatives and loved ones.

On Oct. 14, Edward Jones, Age Wave, and The Harris Poll released findings detailing the financial, emotional, and personal toll of caregiving. Two weeks later, on Oct. 28, AARP released its own report documenting rising out-of-pocket costs.

Although the studies examine different caregiver populations, both find that providing care can jeopardize a family’s financial security.

The 42-page Edward Jones report, The Financial Impact of Caregiving, is based on an online survey conducted in May and June 2026. It included more than 3,000 adult caregivers, with findings focusing on those financially assisting adults age 65 and older.

According to the report, 91% of financial caregivers spend their own money on the person they care for each year, and 84% are not fully reimbursed. On average, they spend $8,737 out of pocket annually. That money may come from retirement savings, emergency funds, or money set aside for their children’s education.

The study also found that only 33% of financial caregivers discussed and planned for their role beforehand, while just 22% felt “extremely prepared” when they began providing financial assistance.

The demands go beyond money. Caregivers provide an average of 109 hours of care monthly, with women averaging 118 hours compared with 98 hours for men. Nearly 73% are employed and balance caregiving responsibilities with their jobs.

Among employed financial caregivers offered caregiving benefits, 92% use them. Flexible schedules, remote work, and leave are among the most commonly offered benefits, although many caregivers most want financial assistance. Nearly half are also “sandwich caregivers,” supporting children while caring for an older adult.

The report found that 38% have stopped or reduced saving, 18% have reduced or paused retirement contributions, and 25% have borrowed money, increased debt, or delayed repayment. Women are more likely than men to reduce saving, 42% compared with 35%.

The report’s findings also reveal a contradiction. Eighty-seven percent say they do not want to become a caregiving burden on their own families, yet 81% are willing to reduce their financial security to care for someone else.

“Caregiving is filled with contradictions. It can be stressful, expensive, and overwhelming, while also being one of the most meaningful roles a person takes on,” said Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Age Wave.

The researchers stress the importance of discussing caregiving responsibilities before care is needed.

“Caregiving deserves the same level of planning many families already devote to retirement, education and other major life events,” said Ken Cella, Principal and Head of External Affairs at Edward Jones.

Cella recommends that families discuss finances, long-term care wishes and caregiving responsibilities before a crisis occurs. Financial advisors can also help families understand how caregiving expenses may affect retirement and other financial goals.

AARP Finds Rising Costs

The 2026 AARP Caregiving Out-of-Pocket Costs Study puts average annual out-of-pocket caregiving expenses at $11,508, up almost 60% from 2021. Caregivers spend an average of 31% of their annual household income on care. For those with household incomes below $40,000, the figure rises to 76%.

AARP released its first caregiving out-of-pocket study in 2016, followed by another in 2021. This latest study is the third in the series.

The new study examined a national sample of 2,538 adult caregivers who recorded care-related expenses over one week during June and July 2026. Conducted in English and Spanish through Ipsos KnowledgePanel, the research weighted its findings against U.S. Census Bureau benchmarks.

“Family caregivers are spending more than $11,500 a year of their own money to care for loved ones — almost half a year of the average Social Security retirement benefit,” said Debra Whitman, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Public Policy Officer, in an Oct. 28 statement.

“Whether they’re paying for groceries, housing or medical care, family caregivers are making a significant financial commitment that can affect their own economic security,” she said.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia is especially expensive. AARP found those caregivers spend an average of $15,846 annually, compared with $10,221 for caregivers assisting someone without dementia.

Housing and household expenses account for 42% of out-of-pocket spending, averaging $4,797, while medical expenses account for another 29%, or $3,313. Together, they represent 71% of annual caregiving expenses.

The report also found that 65% of employed caregivers experienced at least one work-related disruption, such as changing hours, taking time off, or taking on additional work. Caregivers who retired earlier than planned because of their responsibilities spent an average of $18,940 annually out of pocket.

Where caregivers live matters, too; annual expenses approach $16,000 in the Mid-Atlantic states, compared with about $8,000 in the West North Central region.

While AARP reports that caregiving expenses have increased almost 60% since 2021, the figure is not inflation-adjusted. Changes in survey questions and the unusual circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic also should be considered when comparing the findings.

The Edward Jones and AARP reports measure different caregiver populations and use different research methods. Their dollar figures cannot be directly compared. Still, both studies show that families are paying substantial costs that may affect their financial security for years.

The Costs Families and Policymakers Experience

Justin Weinberg, a licensed nursing home administrator and Director of Strategic Growth & Analytics at Clifton, New Jersey-based Eastern Healthcare Group, says the nation’s health care system depends heavily on unpaid family care, even as costs to families keep rising.

AARP estimates that family caregivers provide about $1 trillion in mostly unpaid labor annually, helping Americans stay home and reducing the need for costly nursing home care.

“Nearly every hospital discharge plan for a frail older adult assumes a family member will be at home handling the bathing, meals, medications, and overnight supervision. If families stopped, the system would back up within weeks,” Weinberg warns.

He estimates that family caregiving represents about 24 million full-time jobs. Without that support, he says, hospitals would struggle to discharge patients safely, and many people would go without needed care.

Weinberg, who has been featured on caregiver issues in U.S. News & World Report and ProPublica, worries that caregivers who reduce their work hours, pause retirement contributions or retire early may find themselves financially vulnerable when they need care later in life.

“The long-term effect shows up in nursing home financing. Medicaid is the primary payer for more than six in ten nursing home residents, and it only pays after people spend down nearly everything. A caregiver who drains her savings for a parent will reach that point faster when she needs care herself. The cost moves onto Medicaid a generation later,” he said.

He also urges families to discuss caregiving responsibilities before a crisis.“Each side is trying to protect the other. Parents don’t want to be a burden, and adult children feel it’s presumptuous to bring up a parent’s decline,” he said.

Families may mistakenly believe Medicare covers ongoing long-term care. Weinberg recommends making arrangements before a fall, stroke, or hospitalization forces decisions under pressure.

“Put a power of attorney and health care proxy in place while the parent can still sign them. Take stock of the parent’s income, savings, and insurance. Decide which sibling handles money, which handles medical decisions, and who provides hands-on care. And agree in advance on what would mean home is no longer safe, such as repeated falls or wandering at night,” he recommends.

Is America’s Caregiving System Sustainable?

“No, the oldest baby boomers turn 80 this year, and AARP projects the number of potential family caregivers for each person over 80 will drop from about seven in 2010 to four by 2030. Families are already at their limit, and the paid workforce can’t make up the difference, since every part of our sector is competing for the same aides and nurses,” Weinberg said.

He believes policy changes could provide some relief.

“A caregiver tax credit would give the most direct relief, but only if it’s refundable. The bipartisan Credit for Caring Act would offer up to $5,000, but as written it simply reduces taxes owed, so lower-income caregivers who owe little would get little,” he said.

Weinberg also supports expanding Medicaid-funded home care and paid family leave. He points to Washington state’s WA Cares Fund, a public long-term care insurance program financed through payroll contributions, as another approach worth watching.

“If policymakers don’t act, I expect more families to reach us in a crisis instead of through a planned transition, longer waiting lists for home care, and more caregivers entering old age with depleted savings and needing Medicaid themselves. Either way, the cost will land on public budgets. Planning for it now is less expensive than paying for it in emergencies,” Weinberg said.

As National Family Caregivers Month begins, the findings of both studies raise a troubling question for the 120th Congress and state policymakers: How much longer can families be expected to shoulder these costs largely on their own?

AARP report: 2026 AARP Caregiving Out-of-Pocket Costs Study

Edward Jones report: The Financial Impact of Caregiving

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The Tale of Two Older Adult Travel Surveys for Older Adults

Published on October 26, 2026

As the winter holidays approach, two reports spotlighting older adult travelers were released in October.  Washington, D.C.-based AARP published its October 2026 Holiday Travel Survey, “Holiday Travel is About Getting Together, Not Getting Away,” which closely examines how older adults balance family traditions and hosting duties against rising costs. The new report’s data builds on AARP’s Travel Trends reports from 2024, 2025, and earlier this year.  These reports track how travel budgets, behaviors, and motivations change for adults aged 50 and older.

The other survey, released by Denver-based Luggage Forward, a global provider of door-to-door luggage and sports equipment delivery, takes a close look at the travel preferences of Americans aged 55 and older.

Zeroing in on Holiday Trips

According to the newly released 4-page AARP travel report, nearly one in four adults aged 50 and older (24%) expect to travel during the upcoming holiday season. For those planning trips, holiday travel is less about taking a vacation and more about spending time with family. With costs rising, these travelers are carefully watching their budgets and making trade-offs to afford family trips.

Researchers collected data through online and telephone interviews conducted September 17–21, 2026, with 1,023 U.S. adults aged 50 and older, using NORC at the University of Chicago’s Foresight 50+ panel. These statistics were weighted to reflect the nation’s population aged 50 and older.

Family remains the driving force behind holiday travel decisions. Two-thirds (67%) of holiday travelers say spending time with family is their main reason for traveling. In comparison, 27% cite getting away from everyday life and 25% say they travel to relax and rejuvenate.

“The holidays are an important time for families to be together, and older adults are finding thoughtful ways to make those trips possible,” said Carey Kyler, Senior Director of Research & Insights at AARP Services, Inc., in an Oct. 21 statement.

“Costs are a real concern, so many are planning carefully and making tradeoffs to spend meaningful time with the people they love,” she said.

The study’s findings show that cost is still a major factor in travel decisions. More than one-third (37%) of holiday travelers aged 50 and over expect to spend more on holiday travel than last year, and 43% anticipate spending at least $2,000 on holiday-related travel.

Kyler says the newly released 2026 AARP Holiday Travel Survey doesn’t distinguish whether inflation, transportation prices, accommodations, trip length, or other factors drive higher spending. However, it does show that travel costs are the leading concern (52%) among holiday travelers. Other concerns cover safety (22%), health (15%), and airport security (13%).

“While we didn’t ask about the source of funding for trips on this particular survey, our annual 2026 AARP Travel Trends survey shows that most 50-plus travelers (86%) identify travel as one of their top three priorities for discretionary income,” she says.

“Despite cost concerns, nearly two-thirds of adults 50-plus say they planned to travel in 2026. Instead of pulling back, travelers are adapting – planning earlier, comparison shopping, and leaning on loyalty programs and digital tools to stretch their travel dollars,” she added.

Placing a High Value on Family Connection

The AARP report also found that nearly one in five holiday travelers (18%) expect to spend $5,000 or more on holiday travel.

“While it’s not surprising that older adults continue to place a high value on family connection during the holidays, seeing the concern about costs (52%) but that still nearly 1 in 5 (18%) plan to spend more than $5000 on holiday travel shows that the desire to spend time with family, bring loved ones together, and create intergenerational memories continues to be a strong driver of travel decisions,” says Kyler.

According to the findings, more than one-third (36%) are concerned about flight delays. Nearly four in ten holiday travelers (38%) expect to spend more on travel than on holiday gifts.

The report also indicated that three in ten adults 50-plus (29%) say keeping family traditions would make holiday travel worthwhile. Additionally, 34% typically host family or friends at home during the holidays, while 28% either travel to see loved ones every year or alternate between hosting and traveling.

But what about older adults who won’t be traveling during the holidays? Are they staying home because of costs, health concerns, or simply because they prefer to host family gatherings?

“While the survey does not ask non-travelers why they’re staying home, we know that the most often cited travel concern is travel costs (52%), and the top reasons for making holiday travel worthwhile are ‘travel to spend time with family’ (67%), ‘having loved ones together in one place’ (52%), ‘making memories among generations’ (35%), and ‘reconnecting with people I don’t see often’ (32%),” says Kyler.

Since 2015, AARP has conducted travel research to better understand older travelers’ changing needs and choices.

“Our travel research helps us understand what motivates older travelers, what challenges they encounter, and how their needs are changing,” says Kyler. She notes that family connection is an important part of travel, and looking specifically at holiday travel provides another way to understand how travel fits into the lives of people 50-plus.

Bucket List Destinations Big for Older Travelers

While AARP’s report focuses on holiday travel and family connections, Luggage Forward’s newly released survey looks at what older Americans want from travel year-round.

According to the company’s findings, older Americans want cultural discovery, bucket-list destinations, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. For some, these experiences matter more than finding the least expensive vacation.

Commissioned by Luggage Forward and conducted by Propeller Insights in May 2026, the survey questioned more than 1,000 U.S. adults aged 55 and older.

According to the company, respondents were representative of the U.S. population by age, gender, region, and ethnicity. The company stated a maximum margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

“Older Americans are anxious to explore, finally visiting the destinations they’ve dreamed about, spending meaningful time with loved ones and enjoying experiences they may not have had time for earlier in life,” said Audrey Kohout, co-CEO of Luggage Forward, in an Oct. 15 statement announcing the survey’s findings. “Making those trips happen means removing unnecessary friction along the way. When logistics aren’t the primary focus, the road ahead becomes that much more rewarding.”

Kohout said the company’s own customers inspired it to look more closely at older travelers. Understanding what drives this group is important, she explained, noting that people aged 55 and older now have more time and money to travel than past generations.

“This survey stresses the actual pain points they face and tests common assumptions about senior travel against real data,” Kohout said.

“The research shows a group that favors bucket-list experiences, travels strictly on its own terms, and still relies heavily on Google and personal recommendations rather than AI tools,” adds Kohout.

The findings show that rest remains important to older travelers. More than half (59%) identified rest as a travel priority, followed closely by visiting family and maintaining relationships (55%). Comfort and ease were important to 40% of respondents.

But that doesn’t mean older Americans aren’t interested in exploring new places. More than one-third cited new cultural and instructional experiences (35%) and visiting bucket-list destinations before it’s too late (35%) as reasons for traveling. Another 31% were motivated by once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

In comparison, 22% of the survey respondents cited value-conscious travel. For some older travelers, the experience itself may matter more than getting the best price.  Road trips remain popular, with 67% of respondents preferring them, followed by beach vacations (58%) and city breaks (48%).

According to the survey findings, solo travel is even more popular than taking trips with friends. Traveling with a spouse remains the most common arrangement, with 75% saying they take trips with their partners. However, 21% report traveling alone, compared with 16% who travel with friends. Organized group tours are much less popular, with only 3% of respondents booking these trips.

Mixed Feelings About Cruising

The Luggage Forward survey also found that older travelers have mixed feelings about cruising.

Only 11% of respondents say cruising is a top travel priority, while 10% report that their interest in cruises has declined as they’ve gotten older. Nearly one-quarter (24%) say they oppose cruising.

Still, cruising remains in many older adults’ travel plans. According to the researchers, 42% plan to take a cruise at least once or twice a year.

The findings also show that not all older travelers are planning international trips. Italy, Australia, and Canada emerged as top international destinations respondents hope to visit over the next year. However, 42% say they do not plan to book an international vacation during that period. Luggage Forward suggests that overseas costs and international concerns may influence those decisions.

When it comes to planning a trip, older Americans aren’t necessarily turning to the newest technology.

While artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to gather information, 57% of respondents say they use Google to plan vacations. Another 53% rely on recommendations from family and friends, while 46% use online travel sites such as Expedia and TripAdvisor.

Only 11% say they use AI tools to plan their vacations, making it the least-used planning method among those listed.

The survey also asked what would encourage older travelers to try new travel services. Nearly two-thirds (64%) cited recommendations from people they know, followed by an easy, transparent booking process (44%) and online reviews on sites such as Google or Trustpilot (43%).

While AARP and Luggage Forward looked at older travelers from different perspectives, both surveys show that family remains an important reason for traveling. They also found that costs are a concern, although older adults are not necessarily giving up their travel plans.

Whether it’s spending the holidays with your family, taking a road trip, or finally visiting your bucket-list destination they’ve dreamed about for years, older Americans still want to travel. For some, it’s about seeing new places. For others, it’s about spending time with family and friends. Sometimes, it’s a little of both.

Holiday Insights: Download the latest AARP Holiday Travel Survey. Go to: Family Remains the Driving Force Behind Holiday Travel

2026 Trends: Review the AARP 2026 Travel Trends Survey at

2026 Travel Trends: A Survey of U.S. Adults Age 50-Plus

2025 Trends: Access the AARP 2025 Travel Trends Survey.  Details at

2025 Travel Trends: A Survey of U.S. Adults Age 50-Plus

2024 Trends:  Check out the AARP 2024 Travel Trends Survey findings at

2024 Travel Trends