The Duality of the 50+ African American Experience

This groundbreaking study explores the lives of African Americans at this moment in time. It reveals a community defined by dualities. Duality characterizes the experiences of African Americans age 50 and over, both in individuals, who hold joy and burden, challenges and resilience, and across a community whose members have varied and distinct experiences. These realities coexist; they do not contradict. Through a nationally representative survey, the report uncovers how 50-plus African Americans navigate happiness, health, legacy, financial pressures and trust in institutions — often holding two realities at once. This study also provides insights for those who hold multiple identities such as being multiracial, LGBTQ+ and those who also have a disability. 

Key findings: A community defined by duality

• Joyful yet Burdened: Nearly 90% of respondents report happiness, yet 37% experience racial discrimination often. Financial security and health are strong predictors of happiness, while discrimination is more prevalent among certain subgroups.
• Managing Illness, Defining Wellness: 61% live with chronic illness, but 80% rate their physical health as good or better. Well-being is shaped by experience, not just the absence of illness.
• Preserving Legacy in the Face of Threats: Over 90% are committed to passing down culture, history and wisdom, even as half say things have worsened for African Americans in recent years.
• Personally Supported Yet Financially Squeezed: 85% have someone to rely on in an emergency, but only 25% live comfortably. Strong networks of family, friends and faith provide support, but do not fully buffer economic pressures.
• Faith in Community, Fear for Democracy: Trust is highest in faith-based organizations (66%) and civil rights groups (62%), but only 27% trust the federal government. Nearly 3 in 4 (72%) worry that democracy may collapse within five years.

Methodology

This research was conducted by the African American Research Collaborative for AARP, surveying 1,600 African Americans age 50 and over between November 6 and 17, 2025, with an oversample of 200 LGBTQ+ respondents. The mixed-mode survey used phone and online methods, with quota stratification and post-stratification weighting to ensure a nationally representative sample by gender, age, geography, nativity and education. Data was balanced using a raking algorithm to match U.S. Census estimates for the Black population age 50-plus. A full methodology is available upon request.

For more information, please contact Cassandra Cantave Burton at ccantave@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.