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Executive BriefIntroductionNational SnapshotFindingsHealth OutcomesSocial and Economic FactorsClinical CareBehaviorsState RankingsAppendixMeasures TableData Source DescriptionsMethodologyReferencesState Summaries
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Older adults faced rising rates of internet crime.
Internet Crime
Age-related cognitive decline and higher average net worth make older adults frequent victims of fraud.24,25,26 Fraudulent activities often inflict significant financial losses on older adults, in addition to negative emotional responses like depression, anxiety, self-blame and shame.27 Fear of being scammed can also lead to social isolation as older adults withdraw from online activities that connect them with loved ones. In 2023, victims age 60 and older in the U.S. cumulatively lost more than $3.4 billion to internet fraud.28
Changes over time. Nationally, the number of internet crime victim complaints increased 5% from 10.7 to 11.2 per 10,000 adults age 60 and older between 2022 and 2023. Nearly 90,900 internet crime victim complaints were reported among adults age 60 and older in 2023, almost 6,100 more than in 2022.
During this time, internet crime increased at a rate equal to or greater than the national change of 5% in 25 states. The largest increases were 36% in Arizona (19.4 to 26.3 complaints per 10,000 adults age 60 and older), 25% in Utah (13.2 to 16.5) and 22% in Rhode Island (7.8 to 9.5). The rate also decreased in 10 states by 5% or more, led by 16% in both Maine (10.9 to 9.2) and Vermont (10.0 to 8.4), 15% in New Jersey (10.6 to 9.0) and 13% in Wyoming (14.2 to 12.4).
Differences. In 2023, the internet crime rate among older adults was 4.3 times higher in Arizona (26.3 complaints per 10,000 adults age 60 and older) than in Mississippi (6.1).
Social and Economic Factors | Economic Resources
Poverty among older adults increased 4% in 2023 to another new high, with significant differences between populations.
Poverty
Poverty is associated with chronic disease, mortality and poor health outcomes.29,30 Many older adults subsist on limited incomes and modest savings that may restrict their ability to afford basic medical care.31 Furthermore, studies show that older adults living in poverty experience higher rates of disability, homelessness, and physical and cognitive decline.32,33,34
Changes over time. Nationally, the percentage of adults age 65 and older living below the poverty level significantly increased 4% from 10.9% to 11.3% between 2022 and 2023 — a new high in Senior Report history. Poverty among older adults remains higher than the Healthy People 2030 target to reduce the proportion of people of all ages living in poverty to 8.0%.35 In 2023, 6.5 million older adults lived in poverty, 346,500 more than in 2022.
Between 2022 and 2023, poverty among adults age 65 and older significantly increased 3% among white older adults (8.8% to 9.1%).
During the same time, poverty increased in two states and decreased in one. Rates increased 11% in Tennessee (11.0% to 12.2%) and 8% in New York (13.2% to 14.3%), and decreased 24% in Montana (12.5% to 9.5%).
Differences. In 2023, poverty significantly varied by geography and race/ethnicity. The prevalence among adults age 65 and older was:
- 2.2 times higher in Mississippi (15.8%) than in Alaska (7.2%).
- 2.1 times higher among other race (19.5%) and Black (19.2%) older adults compared with white older adults (9.1%).
Note: The values for other race, Black and American Indian/Alaska Native (18.3%) older adults may not differ significantly from each other based on overlapping 95% confidence intervals.
Social and Economic Factors | Social Support and Engagement
Key social support measures improved, potentially bolstering older adults’ connectivity and engagement.
High-Speed Internet
High-speed internet is a vital resource for work, education and effective communication.36 Many essential services require an internet connection, including telemedicine and telehealth.37,38 Older adults in particular can benefit from broadband access, as it facilitates social connectedness and enables access to news, information and essential services.39 Some studies have found that technology such as smartphones and social networking sites may help combat loneliness among older adults.40,41 Despite its necessity, barriers to accessing high-speed internet remain, including cost and deficient infrastructure.42
Changes over time. Nationally, the percentage of households with adults age 65 and older that have a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone or tablet significantly increased 2% from 84.8% to 86.5% between 2022 and 2023, reaching another record in Senior Report history. In 2023, 49.8 million older adult households had high-speed internet access, 2.2 million more than in 2022.
Between 2022 and 2023, high-speed internet access increased in 28 states, led by 4% in both South Dakota (82.4% to 85.6%) and Nevada (87.7% to 90.8%).
Differences. In 2023, the prevalence of high-speed internet among households with adults age 65 and older was 1.2 times higher in Nevada (90.8%) than in West Virginia (77.6%).
Volunteerism
Volunteering serves the community and offers volunteers opportunities for positive social interactions, increased social support, and a sense of meaning and purpose during retirement.43,44 Many volunteer opportunities involve active mental and physical engagement, socialization and learning, all good for cognitive function.45 Emerging evidence shows that older adults who volunteer regularly have fewer cognitive complaints and a lower risk for dementia compared with those who do not volunteer regularly.46
Changes over time. Nationally, the percentage of adults age 65 and older who reported volunteering in the past 12 months increased 19% from 22.1% to 26.3% between 2021 and 2023, nearly back to the 2019 rate (28.5%).
Between 2021 and 2023, volunteerism among adults age 65 and older significantly increased:
- 23% among high school graduates (13.3% to 16.3%) and 16% among college graduates (32.5% to 37.8%).
- 22% among men (20.7% to 25.3%) and 17% among women (23.2% to 27.2%).
- 19% among white older adults (25.2% to 30.0%).
During this time, volunteerism prevalence significantly increased in four states: 74% in Tennessee (18.4% to 32.1%), 51% in Oregon (23.8% to 36.0%), 47% in Illinois (22.9% to 33.6%) and 36% in California (15.2% to 20.6%).
Differences. In 2023, the prevalence of volunteerism significantly varied by educational attainment, race/ethnicity, geography and household income. The prevalence among adults age 65 and older was:
- 4.4 times higher among college graduates (37.8%) than those with less than a high school education (8.5%).
- 3.1 times higher among white (30.0%) compared with Hispanic (9.6%) older adults.
- 3.5 times higher in Utah (44.6%) than in Nevada (12.9%).
- 2.5 times higher among older adults with an annual household income of $150,000 or more (37.8%) than those with incomes less than $25,000 (15.0%).
Note: The values for white and multiracial (23.6%) older adults may not differ significantly from each other based on overlapping 95% confidence intervals. The same is true among Hispanic, Asian (13.4%) and American/Indian Alaska Native (17.1%) older adults; as well as among older adults with incomes of $150,000 or more, those with incomes of $100,000-$149,999 (35.6%) and those with incomes of $75,000-$99,999 (32.4%).