Healthcare Costs & Caregiving

As both research and people’s health conditions change over time, care must be continually reevaluated and updated. Substantial social science, medical, and gerontological research show that social and economic shocks accumulate over people’s lifetimes. Limited access to healthcare and social services reinforce and exacerbate these issues. Despite progress in closing gaps in educational status, household income, and healthcare coverage. and mortality inequalities persist. Evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated aging and early retirement, requiring further study. Disparities and gaps in elder care also require attention, as do the caregivers and families who provide care for elders.