• Awarded Scholar:
    • Alicia Munnell, Boston College

    The financial crisis of 2007-08 and the subsequent slump in the general economy have hit many Americans hard, but none more so than those approaching retirement. High unemployment rates, plunging housing prices, volatile equity prices, and low interest rates on fixed income investments have combined to make the Great Recession particularly difficult for older Americans.

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  • Awarded Scholars:
    • Richard Johnson, Urban Institute
    • Barbara Butrica, Urban Institute
    • Karen Smith, Urban Institute

    The recession may still hold the greatest consequences for older Americans, who have the least time to recover from its effects before reaching retirement. The housing market remains weak, leaving many who are dependent on the worth of their home with an uncertain asset at best.

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