Edwards promises independence for seniors

John Edwards this morning pledged to provide affordable healthcare and protect Social Security as part of what he calls a "Declaration of Independence for Older Americans."

He rolled out the proposal in advance of a forum of Democratic presidential candidates tonight in Davenport, Iowa, sponsored by the AARP and Iowa public television. He and other Democrats have signed a pledge with the AARP to safeguard seniors' healthcare and financial security.

"Americans are living longer than ever before -- but our social policies haven’t changed to reflect this shift," Edwards said in a statement. "Our housing policies too often force seniors to choose between isolation or institutionalization and our health care system is set up to treat the worst problems instead of promoting health and quality of life. We must fix the broken system in Washington that has not done more to address these issues."

Edwards also proposes to make prescription drugs more affordable through his universal healthcare plan, to protect pension plans, and to reform Medicare and Medicaid to let people elect home-based care in their communities.