As millions of Boomers transition into older adulthood, live longer than previous generations and seek ways to maintain wellness and independence as they age, a new survey shows deep dissatisfaction among US adults ages 65+ with healthcare and the related systems and services that do not meet their needs and preferences.

Survey results show that older adults who live in rural areas and/or are women, people of color, and those who are economically disadvantaged or have limited functional health are especially dissatisfied.

Four in five survey respondents (82%) said the US healthcare system is not prepared for the growing and changing needs of its aging population. Just one in 10 (11%) gave the healthcare system an ‘A’ grade. Instead of the status quo, older adults say they want solutions that will maximize their later years, like interventions that make care more affordable; innovations to reduce or prevent cognitive decline; and healthcare providers who understand what matters most to them when assessing care options.

Of note, today, the US currently ranks 50th in terms of lifespan and 68th in the world in terms of healthspan, according to the Institute for Health Metrics.

After reviewing the survey findings, The John A. Hartford Foundation and Age Wave identified five key recommendations to improve healthcare for older adults and promote healthier, happier aging, including:

1. Promote age-friendly care that helps older adults maintain their health, ability to function and independence—focusing on wellness and quality of life rather than treating diseases.
2. Pursue scientific breakthroughs that could bring an end to diseases like Alzheimer’s.
3. Address social isolation in older adults by supporting tools for empathic and respectful mental healthcare and support, tailored to individual needs.
4. Assist family caregivers with skill-building tools, flexibility in taking paid leave, and by ensuring care providers coordinate among multiple providers, thereby making care easier to navigate.
5. Support a “national master plan for aging” that is centered on the needs of older adults and identifies and addresses barriers that contribute to inequities—specifically a plan for financing long-term care and reform of nursing homes, including systems to provide health care in people’s homes rather than in acute and congregate settings.

To read the full report, click here