Poverty - Ages 65+

Poverty - Ages 65+ in United States

United States

Poverty is associated with poor health outcomes. It influences environmental exposures and health-related behaviors and increases the risk of chronic disease and mortality. Among older adults, poverty is linked to an increased risk of disability, homelessness and physical and cognitive decline. 

Many older adults subsist on limited incomes and modest savings that restrict their ability to afford basic medical care. Further, 63% of adults ages 65 and older have at least two chronic conditions, leading to increased out-of-pocket expenses. 

The Supplemental Poverty Estimate, introduced in 2011, complements the official poverty measure with metrics that adjust for government programs related to food, housing and utilities as well as other expenses such as taxes and out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Poverty is higher among:

• Adults ages 80 and older compared with younger older adults. 
• Older women compared with older men.
• Black and Hispanic older adults compared with white older adults.
• Older adults who are unmarried compared to those who are married and living together.

Many federal, state and local government programs, as well as community interventions, exist to support and help reduce the number of older adults living in poverty. Some of them include:

• Social Security: Most adults ages 65 and older receive Social Security benefits. The average benefit for a retired worker is $1,669 per month.
• Supplemental Security Income: This program supplements Social Security benefits with additional income for older adults who need it. 
• Medicare: This government health insurance program is offered to all adults ages 65 and older.
• Medicaid: Older adults enrolled in Medicare with limited income and resources may qualify for additional assistance with paying premiums and out-of-pocket expenses through Medicaid.
• Housing assistance: The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development provides various affordable housing resources for older adults.
• Food and nutrition support: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help older adults afford food. The Older Americans Act funds multiple programs that provide congregate or home-delivered meals to low-income older adults.

Healthy People 2030 has a goal to reduce the proportion of all people living in poverty.

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