The country's senior population has for decades had one of the lowest poverty rates. But poverty among seniors is now rising slightly due to the combination of longer life expectancy and the decline of traditional pensions.

Next week is National Save for Retirement Week. What better time to review the wonderful supplementary retirement savings plan available to members of the Teachers’ Retirement System? This is the Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) program, which since it began in February 1970 has become one of the most valuable and popular benefits that the UFT has achieved for its members.

This is going to be an exciting school year, starting with the primary elections on Sept. 10 for mayor, comptroller and other city offices. In our city, the mayor and comptroller play important roles in protecting the retirement security of UFT members.

Social Security is once again under attack by conservatives who are fanning false fears of the program going broke as an excuse for cutting benefits. It is important to counter their rhetoric with facts, including about the far-reaching impact of this vital program to our state as well as the nation.

Although the fiscal cliff was averted, it’s too early to celebrate. Republican legislators continue to take aim at working people’s retirement security in order to address the federal government’s ongoing financial needs.