Poverty in Older Adulthood: A Health and Social Crisis

In the transition to older adulthood, people often experience health, social, and economic challenges related to increased chronic health conditions, retirement, decreased social connections, a reduction in income and earning capacity, and increased health related costs. These factors can contribute to financial insecurity, social instability, and even poverty for older adults. In the United States, one in ten older adults is living in poverty. However, standard poverty measures do not account for inflation and many costs specific to older adulthood, and thus underestimate the number of older adults living in poverty. Older adults in poverty conditions experience early mortality and high rates of disability, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. It is estimated that more than a third of older adults experience loneliness. Loneliness within this population is associated with poor physical and mental health, cognitive decline, and early mortality. Poverty and loneliness are independently detrimental to older adults and when experienced together impact the health and wellbeing of older adults in ways that are unique compared to other age cohorts. Nurses are well positioned to address these intersecting issues. The purpose of this article is to discuss the challenges of poverty in older adults, with particular focus on the intersection of poverty and loneliness within this population. Nursing implications for education, practice, research, and policy implications are discussed.