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.

Read More