Caring For Our Elderly
“Where there is no honor to the elderly, there is no future for the young.” - Pope Francis
An Overview
Often referred to as “the golden years”, old age and retirement are meant to be filled with family, traveling, and enjoying old hobbies while discovering new ones. Unfortunately, seniors in America face many difficulties, including chronic illnesses and high medical costs, increased poverty rates, and a loss of independence.
As life expectancies continue to rise, our quality of health doesn’t always keep up. 80% of older Americans have at least one chronic disease (such as arthritis and diabetes), with 77% having at least two. 1 in 4 suffers from mental disorders such as dementia. Chronic diseases and aging mean more doctor appointments, more medications, and an increased risk of needing long-term care. Health care costs are a huge financial burden for those with already limited resources.
Many seniors have been pushed into poverty as a result of high healthcare costs and insufficient access to government programs. Out of pocket health care costs and reduced social security mean less money for necessities and niceties. Instead of traveling the world or buying gifts for their grandkids, they are wondering how to pay for their medications, rent, and electricity.
77%
Have 2+ Chronic Diseases
1 in 5
Americans aged 65+ by 2030
7 Million
Impoverished elderly Americans
Our featured charities work to improve the lives of the elderly, restoring dignity and independence to those who are so often stripped of both. They fight for policies that improve access and affordability of healthcare, use litigation to restore and initiate benefits such as SSI, provide resources for common chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s, and fund important medical research related to aging.
This portfolio is especially pertinent given that our country is rapidly aging. The oldest Boomers have begun turning 65, and by 2030 there will be 61 million people aged 66 to 84. We desperately need to make our older population healthier and wealthier, for their sake and for ours.
Charities In This Portfolio
