USA: AARP wants job training designed for laid-off workers over age 50

. ATLANTA, Georgia / CNN News / January 23, 2009 By Jen Haley, CNN As bad economic numbers fill the headlines day after day, Americans want to believe that better times are ahead. They want jobs, health care for the uninsured, accountability in business and other changes. And President Obama promised on the campaign trail that he would increase regulation of the financial industry, enable people to get affordable health care and put people back to work. We've reached out to advocacy groups to see what they thought were some of the most pressing issues or policy changes this new administration must tackle. Among these groups in AARP. Older Americans David Certner, legislative director of the AARP, a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people 50 and older, says his members are anxious. "Older workers have a tougher time finding a job, they have longer periods of unemployment, and they have seen a dramatic reduction in what they've saved for retirement," he said. The economic stimulus package should be first and foremost, Certner says. But he has some other ideas on what the new administration can address. • Provide training and job search resources so that people older than 50 who are losing their jobs can re-enter the work force. Currently, job training programs aren't targeted for older people. They're focused on the new job-seeker. • Increase funding for food stamps. Senior citizens make up a significant portion of people who rely on these programs for survival. • Promote the use of effective and less costly medications and treatments, such as generic drugs. The price of generic drugs has been one of the few bright spots, Certner says. He hopes the FDA will soon be able to approve generic versions of biologic drugs. As it is now, biologic drugs are very expensive. • Pass transportation reform legislation that increases transportation choices and promotes safety. AARP estimates that by 2025, one in four drivers will be older than 65. The organization is advocating making it easier for older drivers by making signs more visible or making on-ramps more accessible and easier to maneuver. Certner says that making sidewalks better and increasing mass-transit options will prevent older Americans from getting stranded at home. © 2009 Cable News Network.