Increasing Poverty Rate Among Older Adults in the U.S.: 15% Now Facing Hardships

Increasing Poverty Rate Among Older Adults in the U.S.

In a concerning trend, recent statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau reveal that the rate of poverty among older adults has reached 15% in 2024. This marks an increase from 14% in each of the previous two years, signaling a growing crisis for this demographic. According to Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the rising numbers are alarming, especially as 11,000 individuals turn 65 every day.

Alwin's statement underscores that more than 9.2 million older Americans are grappling with the challenge of meeting basic needs, such as food and healthcare. Aging with dignity appears increasingly elusive for many who have dedicated their lives to working and contributing to society.

The Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) has been highlighted as a crucial metric in understanding economic hardship among older Americans. This measure goes beyond assessing income by factoring in social benefits like food assistance, creating a more comprehensive picture of well-being. The fact that the poverty rate increased after pandemic-related assistance ended illustrates the importance of these programs.

Historically, various assistance programs have played pivotal roles in alleviating poverty among seniors. For instance, during periods when aid surged, the poverty rate among older adults was recorded as low as 9.5%. However, with recent cuts to beneficent programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, there are fears that the situation will worsen. Alwin cautions that such cuts inevitably lead to increased hunger and health issues among older Americans, exacerbating their challenges.

Social Security remains a critical lifeline, having lifted 28.7 million individuals above the poverty line under the SPM in 2024. The NCOA emphasizes that Congress must prioritize the reauthorization and funding of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA), which provides essential healthcare support for low-income seniors. This program has been successfully extended multiple times due to its effectiveness in supporting older adults' access to healthcare and medications.

In addition to legislative measures, Alwin stresses the need to boost program enrollment among eligible seniors. Data shows that around 70% of older Americans who could benefit from these programs are not participating in them, highlighting a significant gap in support.

As the nation navigates the complexities of aging in a society that many consider affluent, the NCOA advocates for a stance that views aging not as a privilege but as a fundamental right. Every individual deserves the opportunity to age with wellbeing and dignity, regardless of their economic standing.

In conclusion, the rising poverty rate among older Americans presents a pressing issue that warrants immediate attention from policymakers and community leaders alike. The NCOA aims to be a resource and advocate for seniors, working to protect their rights and improve their quality of life as they age.

For more information and resources on aging with security and dignity, visit the NCOA’s official website at www.ncoa.org.