Suburban poverty traps America's senior citizens
Summary
Many older Americans living in suburbs are falling into poverty because these areas often lack public transportation, affordable housing, and social services. This puts millions of seniors at risk of isolation and financial strain in communities they helped build.Key Facts
- More seniors aged 65 and older in the U.S. are living in poverty or near poverty, especially in suburban areas.
- The U.S. senior population is about 60 million and has grown 34% in the last ten years.
- Half of seniors live in suburbs, where poverty may be underestimated due to lack of specific census data.
- Senior poverty has increased in over 800 counties during the past five years, mostly outside urban centers.
- The fastest-growing senior age group is 80+, who face higher housing costs and often need paid care.
- About 70% of seniors live in areas with limited or no public transportation.
- Social services like home health care and Meals on Wheels are harder and more expensive to deliver in spread-out suburbs.
- Some suburban counties, such as Nassau and Suffolk in New York, have seen large increases in senior poverty rates over the past decade.
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