Key Takeaways from The United States of Aging Survey

As 10,000 baby boomers turn age 65 each day, the demographics of America are changing. This expanding group of Americans is redefining the senior lifestyle with unique perspectives on aging and the role local communities can play in helping them get the most from their future years.

The United States of Aging Survey, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), the National Council on Aging, and UnitedHealthcare set out to achieve an even deeper understanding of how older adults and their communities are addressing aging issues.

These partners surveyed 1,650 U.S. adults 60 and older, and professionals who work closely with older Americans, including staff from Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), credit union managers, primary care physicians and pharmacists.

The survey examines older adults’ attitudes on a range of issues such as health, finances and community support. The responses also reveal insights on how U.S. older adults are preparing for their later years, and what communities can do to better support an increasing, longer-living aging population.

Key Takeaways from The United States of Aging Survey (2015)

Older Americans have different concerns about their later years than the professionals who support them.

Older Americans’ top concerns:

Maintaining their physical health (40 percent)
Memory loss (35 percent)
Maintaining their mental health (32 percent)

Professionals’ top concerns for older adults:

Protecting themselves from financial scams (43 percent)
Accessing affordable housing for older adults (38 percent)

Older adults are more confident about being prepared for aging than the professionals who support them.

Eighty-six percent of older adults and 77 percent of professionals feel seniors are prepared overall for the process of aging.
However, only 10 percent of professionals surveyed feel older Americans are “very prepared” to age, compared with 42 percent of seniors.

Older adults are looking to their communities for support as they age, so they can continue living in their homes as long as possible.

Fifty-eight percent have not changed residences in more than 20 years.
Seventy-five percent intend to live in their current home for the rest of their lives.
Sixty-two percent would like to see services that would help with home modifications and repairs.

Professionals urge older Americans to focus on financial health.

Eighty-six percent of professionals anticipate older adults will need support managing their finances as they age, compared with 19 percent of older adults.
Three percent of professionals are very confident older adults will be able to afford their health care costs as they age, compared with 43 percent of older adults.

Older Americans are generally satisfied with their relationships, but less so with their finances and health:

Family and friends (78 percent)
Housing situation (73 percent)
Mental wellbeing (71 percent)
Financial situation (41 percent)
Physical health (40 percent)

The United States of Aging Survey Infographic (2015)

Sources:

If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.

Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.

Carol Pardue-Spears

Carol has worked in the healthcare field for more than forty years. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, she worked for El Camino Hospital in the cardiac unit, Los Gatos Community Hospital, The Women’s Cancer Center in Los Gatos and several home health and hospice agencies. Carol founded Family Matters in 2002 to fill a deficit she witnessed in high-quality, in-home services and care.