POLL: Senior’s Top Health Concern Is The Economy

A University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found in 2024 that worries over the cost of health issues is the top concern for older Americans of all demographics.

Five of the six health-related issues that people found most concerning were related to healthcare costs, according to Newsmax, which cited the university’s poll. The sixth issue was also to do with money, as it related to scams and fraud. “In this election year, these findings offer a striking reminder of how much health care costs matter to older adults,” University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation director Dr. John Ayanian said in a press release.

Some 56% of people over the age of 50 said they are most concerned about the cost of medical care for older Americans. These include assisted living costs (56%), prescription medicine costs (54%), scams and fraud (53%) health insurance costs and Medicare (52%), and dental care (45%). (LEARN MORE: 55% Know Biden’s Policies Will Make Economy Worse)

All Americans Are United

These same six issues were at the top of all concerns, regardless of respondents age, gender, race, religious group, area of the country where they’re located, political ideology, and income level, the researchers found, which is almost unheard of in modern social science data. (LEARN MORE: Taking Back Control: Your Guide to Navigating Rising Car Insurance Premiums)

“This survey validates AARP research that shows affording health care is a kitchen table issue among older adults, their families, and their caregivers,” AARP Senior Vice President of Research Indira Venkat said of the situation. “It is critical that we continue improving health care access and affordability for the millions of Americans struggling to pay for insurance premiums and copays, prescription drugs, and long-term care while putting food on the table and paying bills.” (LEARN MORE: Biden’s Economy Brings Misery To Men)

Small Differences

Women were more likely to share concerns about social isolation and feelings of loneliness, as well as concerns about aging in place. Half of Black adult respondents also said they were more likely to be nervous about age-based discrimination. “As our society strives to improve the health and well-being of people as they age, it’s important to understand to what extent different health-related topics are of concern for older adults and how perspectives vary,” the poll’s director Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren noted. “The high level of concern about cost-related issues across demographic groups points to a particularly important opportunity for action.”

The poll was conducted online and via phone in February and March 2024 among 3,379 adults 50 and older.

What Are Your Top Health-Related Concerns?

Healthcare is a huge crisis in the U.S., but it is one that we can protect if we work together. Tell Million Voices, as well as your local, state, and federally elected officials how important a strong economy that protects our health system is to you today. We need sustainable growth and to stop inflation as soon as possible — but what are your current leaders doing in this regard? Tell them what to do today.

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