Health Disparities in Aging Identify one vulnerable population within a selected community. Explore current literature and related data to understand better the variables that place this population at risk for health concerns and health disparities. Analyze national health directives such as Healthy People 2030 or another national initiative to determine the correlation to the vulnerable population’s needs/risks/disparities.
Low-income older adults face significant health challenges due to financial insecurity, limited healthcare access, and chronic illnesses. Below is an overview of key risks, related data, and how national health initiatives address these issues.
Key Health Risks & Disparities
- Chronic Diseases – Higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis.
- Limited Healthcare Access – Many struggle to afford medications, transportation, and medical care.
- Food Insecurity & Poor Nutrition – Lack of access to healthy food increases the risk of malnutrition and diet-related diseases.
- Mental Health & Social Isolation – Higher risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline due to loneliness and financial stress.
- Housing & Environmental Issues – Unsafe living conditions, lack of home modifications, and vulnerability to extreme weather.
Current Data & Research
- Ten percent of adults over 65 live in poverty.
- One in four Medicare beneficiaries struggles to afford healthcare.
- Fifteen million older adults are economically insecure, impacting their ability to afford food, medicine, and housing.
- Healthy People 2030 prioritizes reducing food insecurity, increasing access to healthcare, and improving mental health support for older adults.
How National Health Directives Address These Issues
Healthy People 2030 has several key objectives related to low-income older adults:
- Reduce food insecurity (NWS-01) by expanding food assistance programs like SNAP for seniors.
- Increase access to preventive care (OA-01, OA-04) by encouraging screenings, vaccinations, and chronic disease management.
- Enhance mental health support (MHMD-02, MHMD-06) by expanding resources for depression and loneliness.
- Improve safe and affordable housing (SDOH-04) by supporting policies for housing stability and home modifications.
By implementing these initiatives, policymakers and healthcare providers can reduce health disparities and improve the quality of life for low-income older adults.