The United Health Foundation has launched America’s Health Rankings 2023 Senior Report, which highlights disparities in the health of older Americans and the urgent need to provide support.
In its 11th year, the annual Senior Report highlights trends, successes and challenges in health and well-being of older Americans.
Here are some of the challenging trends among those age 65 or older shown in the report:
- The drug death rate increased 43% between 2016-2018 and 2019-2021
- The opioid death rate increased 108% since 2014-2016
- Death due to synthetic opioids increased 175% between 2016-2018 and 2019-2021
- The drug death rate was 10.8 times higher among Black seniors in comparison to Asian seniors
- Physical activity decreased 6% between 2018 and 2021
- The early death rate increased 4% between 2020 and 2021 due to disproportionate affects of the pandemic
- The early death rate was 2.9 times higher among Black seniors in comparison to multiracial and Asian seniors
“The 2023 Senior Report highlights an urgent need to support older Americans as we continue to recover from the pandemic. We must help them reconnect with health care, re-engage with their communities and join activities that keep them physically active and emotionally well,” said Dr. Rhonda Randall, EVP & Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual.
The United Health Foundation has used findings from America’s Health Rankings reports to improve health and well-being for nearly 30 years.
Read more about the report at unitedhealthgroup.com.
