US unprepared for aging population, study finds
America is aging, and it's not ready. Disparities in access to essential services found.
Why it matters
- Aging population needs equitable access to essential services.
- Current infrastructure and policies are insufficient.
By the numbers
- 70% of high-aging communities in Arizona lack sufficient service access.
- High-aging communities: >50% residents aged 65+.
- Low-aging communities: <20% residents aged 65+.
The big picture
- Need for policy shifts and urban planning to accommodate aging population.
- Concepts like the 15-minute city could improve accessibility.
What they're saying
- Commenters highlight reliance on immigrant labor for elderly care.
- Suggestions that immigration could balance aging population.
Caveats
- Study found no significant national disparities but regional differences.
What’s next
- Policymakers and urban planners need to design accessible cities for older adults.