Diversity & Inclusion
Explore how diversity and inclusion efforts are crucial to creating equitable aging experiences across communities.
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Addressing Cognitive Decline in a Diverse Aging Population
Cognitive decline affects nearly one-third of adults age 65 and older across the U.S., shaping how they move through daily life, interact with others, and navigate the healthcare system. While cognitive changes can be a normal part of aging, the experience is far from universal. For older adults from historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups, cognitive decline is compounded by systemic in...
Taking into Account the Mosaic That is America’s Older Population
According to the U.S. Census Bureau America is home to 57.8 million older adults and growing. By 2030, the number of people 65 and older will outnumber people 18 and under and this will be a diverse group of Americans. Approximately one-quarter of older adults are from racial or ethnic communities; 84% are White but that percentage is projected to drop from 84% to 60% by 2050. Older adults have ...
Key Challenges Women Face that Impact Their Financial Security
Planning for retirement is difficult at any age, but it can be especially challenging for women ages 50 to 64, who are often juggling work, caregiving responsibilities, and rising health expenses associated with an increase in health care needs. These years are also often women’s peak earning years, making this period a critical window to build savings and strengthen financial security. Elder Inde...
Leveraging Multisector Plans for Aging to Promote Health Equity
As our population skews older, ensuring equitable access to healthcare and social services becomes increasingly important. Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs) have emerged as a pivotal framework for addressing the diverse needs of older adults and promoting health equity. This comprehensive strategy encompasses initiatives aimed at enhancing well-being and quality of life for older Americans, while...
Improving screening rates through EMR integration
At Tufts Medical Center, located in the heart of Boston’s Chinatown, roughly one in ten emergency department (ED) patients are 65 or older. In 2018, Tufts Medical Center was the first hospital in New England to become a Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department (GED). Geriatric screenings were embedded into the electronic medical record (EMR) as a part of this accreditation, and Tufts saw a surge in ...
Ageism and cost-cutting in the age of coronavirus
COVID-19 has delivered a one-two punch to state budgets — and we’re still in the early rounds of the fight to contain this deadly pandemic. Steeply declining tax revenues combined with sharply rising expenses have turned budget surpluses into record deficits and placed critical government programs squarely in the crosshairs for cuts or elimination. Sadly, even health and social services for senior...
Housing, Homelessness, and Health: A Path Forward for Older Adults
The rise in housing insecurity and homelessness among older adults across the U.S. is creating critical challenges for health and social systems. As the U.S. aging population grows, the lack of affordable and accessible housing for older adults is becoming an increasingly urgent issue that can have serious implications for their health and ability to maintain stable housing.i Many older adults li...
Older Adults’ Experience of Virtual Care: Action Steps to Increase Access and Equity
OverviewIn June 2022, United States of Care (US of Care) and West Health published a playbook looking at lessons learned from older adults’ experiences of virtual health care two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. The playbook examines:How older adults’ experiences with virtual care evolved,What barriers and concerns older adults continue to encounter when accessing virtual care,The approaches five...
Equity in Telehealth: Toolkit for Telehealth Providers
Here are the 14 tools the toolkit outlines for providers to care for older adults using telehealth:Equitable and Accessible CareVision AssessmentHearing AssessmentCognitive AssessmentRecommendations for Communicating with Older Adults During Telehealth EncountersCommunicating with People with DisabilitiesEngaging with Families and CaregiversNational Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appr...
Older Americans Month—Connect, Create, Contribute
Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. The 2019 theme, Connect, Create, Contribute, encourages older adults and their communities to:Connect with friends, family, and services that support participation.Create by engaging in activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment.Contribute time, talent, and life experie...