Social Threats to Aging Well in America: 2023 Survey Reveals Economic Instability, Food Insecurity, Lack of Support and Transportation Access as Top Barriers to Senior Health
07 Septiembre 2023 - 5:00AM
Economic instability, food insecurity, lack of support and
transportation access are the top social barriers to senior health,
according to Alignment Health’s second annual
Social
Threats to Aging Well in America survey, which explores
the financial, physical and emotional threats to seniors’ ability
to age well and live healthier, more prosperous lives.
This year’s report reveals a slight shift in the top social
barriers impacting senior health compared to last year. In 2022,
seniors ranked economic instability, loneliness and food insecurity
as their top barriers. This year, food insecurity moved up to the
No. 2 spot while transportation access entered the top three.
Additionally, while last year's report singled out loneliness as a
top barrier, the 2023 survey asked seniors to provide insight on
the importance of lack of support.
“It’s no surprise to see food insecurity and transportation
access among seniors’ top concerns, given record inflation at the
grocery checkout line, gas pumps and vehicle repair shops, as well
as in the housing sector and elsewhere. Many people must choose
between a roof over their head and a car to drive, food or medical
care,” said Dr. Adam Wolk, regional chief medical officer of
Alignment Health. “Through this survey, Alignment gives seniors a
voice so we can better understand and help alleviate their
obstacles to health and happiness.”
Alignment’s 2023 survey notes that 1 in 5 seniors are skipping
medical care, primarily due to lack of money and transportation.
Additionally, 1 in 5 seniors say they are more depressed now than
they were a year ago, and the leading cause of depression and
anxiety among seniors is their health.
Highlights from the 2023 Social Threats to Aging Well in America
survey include:
Economic Instability
- Of the 1 in 5 seniors who skip medical care, 29% say they were
worried about not having enough money to pay for needed care.
- When picking a single obstacle to health and wellness,
difficulty paying for medical expenses is singled out by 1 in 5
seniors.
- 1 in 9 say they do not have the resources and support to cover
medical bills in the next year and 1 in 7 (14%) carry medical debt.
Half of those with medical debt have debts equivalent to at least
one month of living expenses.
- The ability to pay for living expenses is a leading cause of
depression and anxiety for 1 in 4 respondents.
Food Insecurity
- Of those who are concerned about negative impacts to their
health in the next year, nearly 1 in 5 survey respondents (19%)
cite a lack of healthy food to eat – up from 15% last year.
- More than 1 in 11 say struggling to put healthy food on the
table causes depression and anxiety.
- For the second consecutive year, a monthly grocery allowance
ranks highest as the benefit seniors say they would use if their
health insurance offered it (55%).
Lack of Support
- Of those who are concerned about negative impacts to their
health in the next year, nearly 1 in 5 seniors shared they had no
one to help them.
- Additionally, nearly 11% of seniors who skipped needed medical
care in the last year say they did so because of a lack of
support.
- When asked what seniors think could prevent them from staying
in their own home as they age, 26% cite a lack of support as a
barrier to their ongoing independence.
- Nearly 1 in 5 seniors say they would use non-medical
companionship if available to them through health insurance.
Transportation
- 1 in 8 (12%) seniors cite a lack of reliable transportation as
a barrier to their independence and ability to stay home as they
age.
- More than 18% of seniors who skipped needed medical care in the
last year say they did so because they did not have a ride.
- 2 in 5 (44%) seniors say they would use fuel assistance to and
from medical appointments if available to them through their health
insurance.
Loneliness
- Nearly 1 in 3 seniors say they frequently go two weeks or more
without spending time with others — if ever.
- 1 in 5 seniors say they are lonelier now than they were a year
ago.
- When asked what caused the most depression or anxiety for them
in the last year, loneliness landed in the top three, impacting the
mental health of nearly 1 in 5 respondents (19%).
Mental Health
- Of those seniors who anticipate health obstacles in the next
year, more than a quarter are concerned their mental health will
negatively impact their physical health.
- Nearly 1 in 10 seniors cite depression and anxiety as their top
health and wellness obstacles.
- The leading cause of depression and anxiety among seniors is
their health (35%).
Aging in Place
- While 93% of U.S. adults say aging in place is important
to them,1 the 2023 Social Threats to Aging Well in America survey
finds that concern about losing their independence is a top cause
of depression and anxiety among seniors nationwide.
- Seniors say they want and would use help to maintain their
independence if health insurance offered benefits, such as:
- Help making their homes safer (35%)
- Personal medical safety alert system (35%)
- In-home health care visits (34%)
- Non-medical companion care (18%)
About the 2023 Social Threats to Aging Well in America
surveyThe 2023 Social Threats to Aging Well in America
survey was administered by Toluna and sponsored by Alignment
Health, a Medicare Advantage company.
This survey was designed to identify challenges and concerns
that prevent seniors from getting the kind of care they need, to
generate discussions about seniors’ needs in the U.S. and to
compare results from 2023 to the benchmark survey in 2022 where
applicable.
Conducted online from June 28 to July 10, 2023, the survey
included a nationally and regionally representative sample of 2,601
U.S. seniors ages 65 and older, including more than 100 senior
residents each in six states: Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada,
North Carolina and Texas. To qualify, respondents from Toluna's
research panel had to be 65 years or older, live in the United
States and be able to identify the type of health insurance they
had.
Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who
have agreed to participate in Toluna surveys. Because the sample is
based on those who agreed to participate in Toluna surveys (and not
on the total US population), no estimates of theoretical sampling
error can be calculated. Please note that the survey’s sample size
and differences in year-over-year data may not represent
statistical significance.
View the full report at alignmenthealth.com/survey2023.
About Alignment HealthAlignment Health is
championing a new path in senior care that empowers members to age
well and live their most vibrant lives. A consumer brand name of
Alignment Healthcare (NASDAQ: ALHC), Alignment Health is a
tech-enabled Medicare Advantage company that offers more than 40
benefits-rich, value-driven plans that serve 52 counties across six
states. The company partners with nationally recognized and trusted
local providers to deliver coordinated care, powered by its
customized care model, 24/7 concierge care team and purpose-built
technology, AVAⓇ. Based in California, the company’s
mission-focused team makes high-quality, low-cost care a reality
for members every day. As it expands its offerings and grows its
national footprint, Alignment upholds its core values of leading
with a serving heart and putting the senior first. For more
information, visit www.alignmenthealth.com.
Media ContactPriya ShahmPR, Inc. for Alignment
Healthcarealignment@mpublicrelations.com
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