Carmelo DePrima survived the Great Depression by shining shoes for a nickel a pair on Manhattan streets.
Today he relies on his Social Security check to pay his rent, which recently increased to $1,000. Still, the 92-year-old retired house painter from Sunnyside isn’t feeling sorry for himself.
“I feel sorry for you people,” he said. “I’m glad at least I already have one foot in the grave.”
For senior citizens, money is the top issue when voting. According to a 2008 Pew survey, 42 percent of people 65 years and older believe they are better off than their children, compared to 26 percent who say they are worse off.
