National Poll on Healthy Aging Reports

Religious and Spiritual Beliefs and Health Care

Most older adults are wary of mixing health care and religion or spirituality, but the majority see a role for health care providers in finding meaning or hope in the face of illness.

Look for the Helpers: Providing Support to Older Adults

Supporting everything from health care needs and personal care to home repairs and finances brings both challenges and rewards for adults over 50.

At-Home Medical Tests

Older adults report high interest but uneven use of at-home medical tests to screen for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, some cancers, and potential genetic health risks.

Arthritis and Joint Pain

Nearly half of older adults say arthritis or joint pain limits their usual activities, but many haven’t talked to a doctor about medication risks.

Use of and Interest in Integrative Medicine Strategies

Many older adults look beyond conventional medicine for help, but few talk to their doctors about it, poll finds.

Women’s Health: Sex, Intimacy, and Menopause

Poll shows impact of menopause and other health issues on older women’s sex lives.

Older Adults’ Preparedness to Age in Place

Most older adults want to ‘age in place’ but many have not taken steps to help them do so.

Decision-Making About Elective Surgery

Elective surgery comes with costs, discomfort, caregiving needs, and more – but most older adults who opt for an operation were very satisfied they did.

Mobile Health App Use Among Older Adults

Health apps could help older adults with anything from sleep to diabetes, but many do not use them.

Joy and Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had complex effects on the emotional and mental health of older adults.

Planning for Health Care Needs Before Traveling

Many older Americans plan to take long trips soon, and most say they’ll take steps to anticipate medical needs while away for two weeks or more.

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Among Older Adults

Many older adults with chronic health conditions are not checking blood pressure at home or being encouraged to do so.

Saving for Future Health Care Expenses

Poll finds tax-free accounts used less by those who may need them most.

Physical Functioning and Falls During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Pandemic may have increased older adults’ fall risk, poll suggests.

Alcohol Use Among Older Adults

Poll finds risky drinking patterns in older adults during hte COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental Health Among Older Adults Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic worsened many older adults mental health, but they've also shown long-term resilience.

Older Adults Experiences with Advance Care Planning

Less than half of adults over 50 have formally recorded their medical care preferences if they get seriously ill.

Hearing Loss Among Older Adults: Screening and Testing

Most adults over 50 have not been screened or tested for hearing loss in the past two years.

At Home and in the Neighborhood During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Poll shows disparities among older adults in their ability to isolate at home or get outside.

Emergency Department Use Among Older Adults: Experiences & Perspectives

Wait times, COVID-19 risk, and costs top concerns about seeking emergency care.

Older Adults' Perspectives on a COVID-19 Vaccine

Over half of older adults say they’ll get a COVID-19 vaccine, but many want to wait.

Older Adults' Experiences with Comprehensive Medication Reviews

Poll shows the majority of older adults who take multiple medications have never had a comprehensive medication review.

Loneliness Among Older Adults Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Poll shows loneliness doubled among older adults in first months of COVID-19.

Telehealth Use Among Older Adults Before and During COVID-19

Telehealth visits have skyrocketed for older adults, but some concerns and barriers remain.

Everyday Ageism and Health: Older Adults Experiences with Everyday Ageism

Age-based discrimination in employment, housing, and health care can negatively affect older adults’ health and well-being.

The Joy of Cooking and Its Benefits for Older Adults

Most older adults cook and eat healthier at home, poll finds.

How Food Insecurity Affects Older Adults

Food insecurity, defined as difficulty in acquiring or accessing food due to a lack of money, affected one in nine of all U.S. households in 2018.

Dental Care & Coverage After 65: Experiences & Perspectives

Older adults show strong support for dental coverage through Medicare, poll finds.

Searching for a Good Doctor, Online

How do older adults use online physician ratings?

Antibiotic Use & Concerns

Poll finds risky use by some, and opportunities for providers to improve.

Virtual Visits: Telehealth and Older Adults

Few older adults have had telehealth visits with their providers but many would be interested in these visits in specific situations.

Emergency Planning Among Older Adults

Many older adults are not fully prepared for emergency situations.

Safely Storing Medication Around Grandchildren

Many grandparents keep their medications in easy-to-reach places or in easy-to-open containers which can raise the risk of accidental poisoning or intentional misuse.

Thinking About Brain Health

Many in their 50s and early 60s take supplements or do puzzles in hopes of protecting brain health, but may miss out on effective strategies.

How Pets Contribute to Healthy Aging

Pets help older adults cope with health issues, get active, and connect with others.

Loneliness and Health

Many older adults, especially those with health issues, feel lonely and isolated.

Health Insurance Decision-Making Near Retirement

Pre-Medicare years bring health insurance worries for many.

Urinary Incontinence: An Invitable Part of Aging

Half of women over 50 experience incontinence, but most have not talked to a doctor.

Older Adults' Views on Genetic Testing

Older adults show interest in, and some skepticism about, genetic testing.

Vision and Eye Care in Older Adults

Convenience, cost, and lack of insurance coverage affect eye care decisions for older adults.

Older Adults' Experiences with Opioid Prescriptions

Three in four older adults support prescription restrictions, but many keep unused pills and do not get information on risks.

Logging in: Using Patient Portals to Access Health Information

Half of older adults do not use their health provider’s secure patient communication site.

Let's Talk About Sex

The majority of older adults are satisfied with their sex lives.

Older Adults' Perspective on Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana gets wary welcome from older adults.

Too Much of a Good Thing? Overuse of Health Care

More is not always better when it comes to health care according to many older adults.

Flu Vaccine for Nursing Home Staff and Residents

Nursing homes should require flu shots for all staff and patients most older adults say.

Drug Interactions: How to Avoid Them

Lack of communication puts older adults at risk of drug interactions.

Dementia Caregivers: Juggling, Delaying, and Looking Forward

There are stresses and rewards for of those who take care of loved ones with dementia.

Trouble Sleeping? Don't Assume it's a Normal Part of Aging

One in three older adults take something to help them sleep, but many are not talking to their doctors.

Dental Care at Midlife — Unmet Needs, Uncertain Future

Many adults age 50 to 64 report dental pain, embarrassment, and poor prevention.

Doctors and Pharmacists: An Underused Resource to Manage Drug Costs for Older Adults

Older Americans do not get or seek enough help from doctors and pharmacists on drug costs.