On its 75th anniversary, Social Security deserves to be celebrated. Its successes have been remarkable. On Aug. 14, 1935, “one-third of the nation (was) ill-housed, ill-clad, (and) ill-nourished,” in the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Suffering the most were the nation’s elderly, nearly half of whom lived in poverty. The only options were the generosity of friends and family – or the poor house.

Today, Social Security is the most successful retirement program in the history of the nation – the bedrock of economic security for countless working Americans and their families. Social Security provides more than half the income for 72 percent of single individuals who receive benefits and for 52 percent of couples receiving benefits. In addition to retired workers, Social Security provides benefits to disabled workers, and to the children and spouses of living and deceased workers.

Social Security is the difference between a dignified old age and one of financial desperation. Keeping it strong should be something we all can agree on.

John Barnett, AARP Washington State president, Kirkland