Key facts
- 90% of U.S. seniors report at least one barrier affecting their health, independence, or access to care.
- Nearly 70% of seniors face challenges to remaining safely and independently in their homes.
- 54% of seniors cite economic instability, with 16% carrying medical debt.
- 38% of seniors report lacking sufficient support systems.
- 26% of seniors skipped needed medical care in the past year.
- North Carolina and Nevada seniors show higher demand for specific supports like rent assistance and home safety modifications.
A nationwide survey of over 2,200 adults aged 65 and older reveals that 90% of U.S. seniors face at least one barrier impacting their health, independence, or access to care. The fifth annual Social Threats to Aging Well in America survey, conducted by Ipsos for Alignment Health, highlights widening support gaps and increasing economic instability among seniors attempting to age in place.
For the third consecutive year, aging-in-place challenges, healthcare access, and economic instability were identified as the top threats to healthy aging. Nearly 70% of respondents reported difficulties in remaining safely and independently in their homes, a 4 percentage point increase from 2025. Access to healthcare services also remains a significant hurdle, with nearly two-thirds of seniors facing barriers such as long appointment waits. Economic instability affects over half of respondents, with 16% carrying medical debt and 22% uncertain about future medical expenses.
The survey also indicated a widening gap in support systems, with 38% of seniors reporting insufficient networks, up 4 points from 2025. This lack of support, coupled with stress and anxiety experienced by 57% of seniors in the past year, contributes to delayed care. Over one-quarter of seniors (26%) reported skipping necessary medical care due to access issues or difficulties with aging in place.
Interest in non-medical supports, such as personalized wellness recommendations, 24/7 doctor access, grocery assistance, and memory care support, remains high, with a majority of seniors indicating they would use such services if offered through their health plans. Regional variations were also noted, with seniors in North Carolina and Nevada expressing higher demand for specific supports like rent assistance and home safety modifications.