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4h ago

Report Finds Low-Income Older Americans Die About Nine Years Earlier

The analysis highlights widespread financial fragility among seniors, with most households unable to withstand a major shock.

Older Americans from low-income households are at risk of dying early.
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Overview

  • Researchers from the National Council on Aging and the University of Massachusetts Boston analyzed 2018–2022 data from the University of Michigan’s nationally representative Health and Retirement Study.
  • During the four-year window, about 15% of seniors in households earning roughly $60,000 died compared with about 11% in households around $120,000.
  • Roughly 80% of households headed by an older adult lack the resources to absorb a major setback such as severe illness or divorce.
  • Average age of death ranged from about 76 in the lowest-income group to about 85 in the highest-income group, reflecting the nine-year gap.
  • Researchers cite limited preventive care, unaffordable treatment, and financial stress as likely drivers, and NCOA leadership is calling for policy changes to reduce the disparity.