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Published on: September 30, 2020
Trends In Care Needs Among Older US Adults Diverged By Age, 2011-22
Vicki A Freedman1, Sarah E Patterson2, Jennifer C Cornman3
1Vicki A. Freedman (vfreedma@umich.edu), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Health Affairs (Project Hope)
|July 7, 2026
Summary
Older adults aged 65-74 show rising activity limitations and unmet care needs, signaling future care challenges. Older age groups experienced declining care receipt without unmet needs, indicating shifting care patterns.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Public Health
- Aging and Health Services Research
Background:
- Population aging significantly impacts national health and public policy.
- Shifting disability and care patterns in older adults require ongoing study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine trends in late-life disability and care patterns among US adults aged 65 and older.
- To compare trends between 2011 (start of Baby Boomer cohort reaching 65) and 2022.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two cross-sectional rounds of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS).
- Comparison of adults aged 65 and older in 2011 versus 2022.
Main Results:
- Increased activity limitations, paid community care receipt, and unmet care needs were observed in adults aged 65-74.
- Older age groups (beyond 65-74) showed decreased overall and residential care receipt, including nursing care, with no rise in unmet needs.
- Higher educational attainment in the younger cohort partially masked even greater increases in limitations and care needs.
Conclusions:
- Findings indicate growing challenges in providing care for older US adults.
- The aging of the Baby Boomer generation is associated with evolving care requirements and potential service gaps.
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