Older voters once again swung the election, and this time it's bad news for Republicans but potentially good news for family caregivers.

• Voters 50 and older made up 60% of the electorate and leaned heavily Democratic, helping Democrats take back both the House and Senate.
• Cost of living drove the vote: seniors on fixed incomes are most worried about protecting Social Security, grocery prices, health care and prescription drug costs, and gas prices.
• Inflation in Honolulu has been running near 6% and gas is averaging over $5 a gallon, squeezing retirees the hardest since their income doesn't adjust.
• Family caregivers are a rare bipartisan priority this cycle, with both parties signaling support for a possible state tax credit to offset the roughly $11,500 a year caregivers spend out of pocket.
• Governor Josh Green won reelection, so little changes at the top of state government despite the shift in Congress.

Outlook: Expect pressure to build in the new Congress and in Hawaii's legislature to protect Social Security and consider caregiver tax relief, while high grocery and gas prices stay the top worry for seniors.