Local Seniors Laud Whitehouse Visit [Video]

Following U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse's , some of the seniors who attended the event said they were glad to hear Whitehouse's reassurance that he'll continue to work to protect Social Security and Medicare.

"I read about those things a lot and I am interested in them," said Zoila Mattera. "It’s a good thing to have someone fighting for us.”

During his speech to the 50+ in attendance, Whitehouse noted that Social Security recipients got a cost of living adjustment this year, and Mattera said it was much-needed.

"The raise is good because it all comes here and we need it,” she explained.

Muriel Miztal added: "It’s about time we get a raise. I agree with everything he said [on this issue]. I worked with him on his first campaign, and I have supported him all along."

Whitehouse also told the seniors that he believes Medicare is important, not only for the seniors themselves, but for their families — a message that Rose Magness said she welcomed.

“They are doing everything they so we can get the Medicare we need," Magness said. "I don’t currently have it, and I am 90 and in good health [but] it's always good to have it, just in case I will eventually need it.”

Check out the accompanying video for more scenes from Whitehouse's visit to Johnston.