Aging in Place, Lack of Transportation and Access, and Economic Insecurity Are Top Three Social Barriers to U.S. Senior Health
Alignment Health's 2024 Social Threats to Aging Well in America survey reveals the top social barriers impacting U.S. seniors' health. The study, which surveyed over 2,000 seniors aged 65 or older, identified aging in place (69%), lack of transportation and access to medical care (64%), and economic insecurity (56%) as the primary challenges.
Key findings include:
- 22% of seniors experiencing stress ranked aging in place as their top stressor
- 67% would use benefits supporting aging in place if offered by their health plan
- 71% would use transportation benefits if available
- 26% of seniors admitted to skipping medical care, with 13% missing at least once in the past year
- 21% of seniors were unsure they had enough money to pay medical expenses in the next year
The survey also highlighted issues of lack of support (38%), mental health (33%), and loneliness (30%) as significant factors affecting seniors' health and wellness.
Il sondaggio di Alignment Health del 2024 sulle minacce sociali all'invecchiamento sano in America rivela i principali ostacoli sociali che influenzano la salute degli anziani negli Stati Uniti. Lo studio, che ha intervistato oltre 2.000 anziani di 65 anni o più, ha identificato l'invecchiamento a casa (69%), la mancanza di trasporto e l'accesso alle cure mediche (64%) e l'insicurezza economica (56%) come le principali sfide.
I risultati chiave includono:
- Il 22% degli anziani che sperimentano stress ha classificato l'invecchiamento a casa come il loro principale fattore di stress
- Il 67% utilizzerebbe i benefici che supportano l'invecchiamento a casa se offerti dal loro piano sanitario
- Il 71% utilizzerebbe i benefici per i trasporti se disponibili
- Il 26% degli anziani ha ammesso di aver saltato le cure mediche, con il 13% che non si è presentato almeno una volta nell'ultimo anno
- Il 21% degli anziani non era sicuro di avere abbastanza soldi per pagare le spese mediche nel prossimo anno
Il sondaggio ha anche evidenziato problemi di mancanza di supporto (38%), salute mentale (33%) e solitudine (30%) come fattori significativi che influenzano la salute e il benessere degli anziani.
La encuesta de Alignment Health sobre las Amenazas Sociales al Envejecimiento Saludable en América 2024 revela las principales barreras sociales que afectan la salud de los ancianos en EE. UU. El estudio, que encuestó a más de 2,000 ancianos de 65 años o más, identificó envejecimiento en el lugar (69%), falta de transporte y acceso a atención médica (64%) y inseguridad económica (56%) como los principales desafíos.
Los hallazgos clave incluyen:
- El 22% de los ancianos que experimentan estrés clasificaron el envejecimiento en el lugar como su principal factor de estrés
- El 67% utilizaría los beneficios que apoyan el envejecimiento en el lugar si los ofreciera su plan de salud
- El 71% utilizaría beneficios de transporte si estuvieran disponibles
- El 26% de los ancianos admitió haber evitado la atención médica, con el 13% que no asistió al menos una vez en el último año
- El 21% de los ancianos no estaba seguro de tener suficiente dinero para pagar los gastos médicos en el próximo año
La encuesta también destacó problemas de falta de apoyo (38%), salud mental (33%) y soledad (30%) como factores significativos que afectan la salud y el bienestar de los ancianos.
Alignment Health의 2024년 미국 노인의 건강을 위협하는 사회적 요소에 관한 설문조사는 미국 노인들의 건강에 영향을 미치는 주요 사회적 장벽을 드러냅니다. 65세 이상의 2,000명 이상의 노인을 대상으로 한 이 연구는 자기 집에서의 노화(69%), 교통 수단 및 의료 서비스 접근 부족(64%), 경제적 불안정(56%)을 주요 도전 과제로 확인했습니다.
주요 발견 사항은 다음과 같습니다:
- 스트레스를 경험하는 노인의 22%가 자기 집에서의 노화를 최고의 스트레스 요인으로 분류했습니다.
- 67%는 그들의 건강 보험으로 제공된다면 자기 집에서의 노화를 지원하는 혜택을 사용할 것이라고 응답했습니다.
- 71%는 만약 제공된다면 교통 혜택을 사용할 것이라고 했습니다.
- 26%의 노인이 의료 서비스를 건너뛰었다고 인정했으며, 이 중 13%는 지난 1년 동안 최소 한 번은 결석했습니다.
- 21%의 노인은 다음 해의 의료비를 지불할 만큼 충분한 돈이 있을지 확신하지 않았습니다.
이 설문조사는 또한 노인의 건강과 웰빙에 영향을 미치는 중요한 요소로서 지원 부족(38%), 정신 건강(33%), 고독(30%)을 강조했습니다.
Le sondage 2024 d'Alignment Health sur les menaces sociales au vieillissement en bonne santé en Amérique révèle les principales barrières sociales impactant la santé des seniors aux États-Unis. L'étude, qui a été menée auprès de plus de 2 000 seniors de 65 ans ou plus, a identifié le vieillissement sur place (69%), le manque de transports et d'accès aux soins médicaux (64%) et l'insécurité économique (56%) comme les principaux défis.
Les résultats clés incluent :
- 22% des seniors éprouvant du stress ont classé le vieillissement sur place comme leur principal facteur de stress
- 67% utiliseraient les avantages soutenant le vieillissement sur place s'ils étaient offerts par leur régime de santé
- 71% utiliseraient des avantages de transport si disponibles
- 26% des seniors ont admis avoir sauté des soins médicaux, dont 13% en ont manqué au moins une fois durant l'année passée
- 21% des seniors n'étaient pas sûrs d'avoir suffisamment d'argent pour payer les frais médicaux l'année prochaine
Le sondage a également mis en évidence des problèmes de manque de soutien (38%), santé mentale (33%) et solitude (30%) comme des facteurs significatifs affectant la santé et le bien-être des seniors.
Die Umfrage von Alignment Health zu den sozialen Bedrohungen des gesunden Alterns in Amerika 2024 zeigt die wichtigsten sozialen Barrieren auf, die die Gesundheit der Senioren in den USA beeinträchtigen. Die Studie, die über 2.000 Senioren ab 65 Jahren befragte, identifizierte Altern im eigenen Zuhause (69%), Mangel an Transport und Zugang zu medizinischer Versorgung (64%) sowie wirtschaftliche Unsicherheit (56%) als die größten Herausforderungen.
Wesentliche Ergebnisse umfassen:
- 22% der Senioren, die Stress erleben, bewerteten das Altern im eigenen Zuhause als ihren größten Stressfaktor
- 67% würden Nutzen in Anspruch nehmen, die das Altern im eigenen Zuhause unterstützen, wenn sie von ihrem Gesundheitsplan angeboten werden
- 71% würden Transportleistungen nutzen, wenn diese verfügbar sind
- 26% der Senioren gaben zu, medizinische Versorgungen ausgelassen zu haben, wobei 13% mindestens einmal im letzten Jahr versäumt haben
- 21% der Senioren waren unsicher, ob sie genug Geld haben, um im nächsten Jahr medizinische Ausgaben zu zahlen
Die Umfrage hob auch Probleme wie Mangel an Unterstützung (38%), psychische Gesundheit (33%) und Einsamkeit (30%) als bedeutende Faktoren hervor, die die Gesundheit und das Wohlbefinden der Senioren beeinflussen.
- 67% of seniors would use benefits supporting aging in place if offered by their health plan
- 71% of seniors would use transportation benefits if available through their health plan
- California seniors seem to be faring relatively well compared to other surveyed states
- 69% of seniors consider aging in place a top social barrier to their health and well-being
- 64% of seniors cite lack of transportation and access as a top barrier to healthcare
- 56% of seniors rank economic insecurity as a top concern
- 26% of seniors admitted to skipping medical care
- 21% of seniors were unsure they had enough money to pay medical expenses in the next year
- 44% of seniors facing economic barriers reported being burdened by medical debt
Insights
The survey highlights critical issues affecting senior health in the U.S., with significant implications for healthcare providers and policymakers. The 69% of seniors citing aging in place as a top barrier suggests an urgent need for home-based care solutions and modifications. This trend could drive increased demand for telehealth services and home health technologies.
The 64% reporting transportation issues indicates a potential market for specialized senior transportation services. Health plans offering such benefits could gain a competitive edge, as 71% of seniors expressed interest in transportation benefits. The 26% of seniors skipping medical care is particularly concerning, potentially leading to higher long-term healthcare costs and poorer health outcomes.
Economic insecurity among seniors, with 21% uncertain about affording medical expenses, points to a growing need for affordable healthcare options and financial planning services tailored to the elderly. These findings should prompt a reevaluation of current healthcare policies and insurance offerings to better address the unique challenges faced by America's aging population.
This survey unveils the complex web of social determinants impacting senior health. The desire to age in place, while beneficial for mental well-being, presents challenges that require innovative solutions. We need to focus on creating age-friendly communities with better infrastructure and support systems.
The transportation issue is particularly troubling, as it directly impacts access to healthcare. Community-based initiatives like volunteer driver programs or partnerships with ride-sharing services could help address this gap. The economic insecurity data is alarming, with 44% of seniors burdened by medical debt. This calls for more robust financial counseling services and potential policy changes to protect seniors from overwhelming medical costs.
The survey also highlights often-overlooked issues like cultural barriers and food insecurity, especially in urban settings. These findings underscore the need for culturally competent care and targeted nutrition programs. Overall, this data should drive a more holistic, person-centered approach to senior care that addresses both medical and social needs.
This survey provides important insights into the socioeconomic factors affecting senior health, with significant implications for healthcare spending and policy. The high prevalence of aging in place preferences (69%) suggests a potential shift in healthcare delivery models, possibly leading to increased investment in home health services and technologies.
The transportation issue, cited by 64% of seniors, not only affects individual health outcomes but also impacts healthcare system efficiency. Missed appointments due to lack of transportation can lead to higher costs through emergency care and delayed treatments. Addressing this could result in substantial savings and improved health outcomes.
The economic insecurity data is particularly concerning. With 21% of seniors uncertain about affording medical expenses, we may see increased strain on public health programs and potentially higher rates of uncompensated care. This could drive policy discussions around expanding Medicare coverage or implementing new financial protection mechanisms for seniors. The survey underscores the need for integrated approaches that address both medical and social determinants of health to optimize healthcare spending and improve senior well-being.
Alignment Health’s 2024 Social Threats to Aging Well in America survey reveals 1 in 4 seniors skip medical care, 1 in 5 seniors do not have enough money to pay off medical debt in next year
ORANGE, Calif. , Aug. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alignment Health released its 2024 Social Threats to Aging Well in America survey today, exploring the primary social and environmental factors, known as social determinants of health, preventing U.S. seniors from living healthier lives.
In an online survey of more than 2,000 U.S. seniors ages 65 or older, aging in place (
“As an industry, we must pay close attention to what our nation’s seniors are telling us are the major roadblocks that impede their health so we can pinpoint solutions that help remove as many of those barriers as we can and ensure they thrive in their later years,” said Dr. John Kim, senior vice president, market management at Alignment Health and chief medical officer, Alignment Health Plan in California. “Our past research has informed the need to accelerate innovative partnerships for our growing member base, such as ones that address food insecurity or benefits that support at-home care.”
Highlights and key findings from the survey include:
No. 1 Social Threat: Aging in Place
As more seniors choose to live independently and longer in their own homes, aging in place brings its own set of challenges: Nearly seven out of 10 consider aging in place a top social barrier to their health and well-being.
Among respondents who reported experiencing stress and anxiety in the past year,
A majority of survey respondents (
No. 2 Social Threat: Lack of Transportation and Access to Care
The inability to physically get to and from doctor appointments and medical services poses a significant threat to health, with almost two-thirds of seniors citing lack of reliable transportation and access as a top barrier.
An even higher percentage of respondents,
Of those who never skipped medical care,
No. 3 Social Threat: Economic Insecurity
With seniors on fixed incomes and rising housing, health care and daily expenses, it’s no surprise that more than half of respondents (
More than 4 out of 10 (
Other Notable Findings
- Lack of support (
38% ), mental health (33% ) and loneliness (30% ) ranked as the next most significant social and environmental factors weighing heavily on today’s seniors in terms of their health and wellness. - One in 5 seniors also cited cultural barriers (
21% ) and food insecurity (18% ) as barriers to their health and well-being. - One in four (
26% ) seniors admitted to skipping medical care, with13% missing at least once in the past year. - The top reasons for seniors skipping medical care: lack of transportation and access to medical care (
64% ) and economic insecurity (35% ) - Interestingly, seniors suffering from food insecurity and loneliness were more likely to live in an urban setting.
- Among the six states where additional polling was conducted, Nevada and North Carolina seniors in this survey seemed to be most impacted by social determinants of health, reporting higher numbers in all eight categories studied in the survey.1
- And, while California is home to the greatest number of seniors of any U.S. state, it seemed to be faring relatively well among the states surveyed. Californians over 65 in this survey were less impacted by three of the eight social determinants studied and were on par with seniors across the U.S. on the other five.
About 2024 Social Threats to Aging Well in America
While this is the third consecutive year that Alignment Health has studied the social issues affecting senior health, the 2024 report is the first time it has partnered with Ipsos, one of the world's largest market research and polling companies. The survey was conducted via an online poll of 2,051 Americans aged 65 and older between April 30 and May 21, 2024. Additional surveys were collected in Arizona, Nevada and North Carolina to reach a minimum sample size of 100 per state for analysis purposes. These additional “boost” surveys were weighted down to avoid over-representation within the general population. The states of California, Florida and Texas were also part of the state analysis; however, boost samples were not necessary in these states. Weights were only applied at the national level (individual states were not weighted separately) and insights are representative of the 65+ age group. State-level findings reflect the opinion of these respondents only.
To read the full report, visit www.alignmenthealthcare.com/survey2024.
About Alignment Health
Alignment 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 offers more than 50 benefits-rich, value-driven Medicare Advantage plans that serve 53 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 alignmenthealth.com.
Media Contact
Priya Shah
mPR, Inc. for Alignment Health
alignment@mpublicrelations.com
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1 The 2024 Social Threats to Aging Well in America report examined eight key social determinants of health: aging in place, lack of transportation and access, economic challenges, lack of support, mental health issues, loneliness, cultural barriers, and food insecurity.
FAQ
What are the top 3 social barriers to U.S. senior health according to Alignment Health's 2024 survey?
How many seniors skip medical care according to the Alignment Health survey?
What percentage of seniors in the Alignment Health survey are unsure about paying medical expenses?
What benefits would most seniors use if offered by their health plan, according to the Alignment Health survey?
Which states seemed most impacted by social determinants of health in the Alignment Health survey?
