THE DYNAMICS OF ECONOMIC INSECURITY THROUGHOUT LATER LIFE: DISPARITIES BY GENDER AND RACE/ETHNICITY
2024
Economic Insecurity in Older Adults
Sample size: 12
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Seokmin, Park Sung, Mutchler Jan
Primary Institution: University of Massachusetts Boston
Hypothesis
Does economic insecurity among older adults vary by gender and race/ethnicity as they age?
Conclusion
Many older adults experience economic insecurity, particularly women and racial/ethnic minorities, with disparities increasing as they age.
Supporting Evidence
- At least half of respondents live below the Elder Index at some point in later life.
- A quarter of respondents experience sustained economic insecurity throughout the observation period.
- Economically insecure individuals are more likely to be female and non-White.
- Disparities in economic well-being grow as individuals approach their 80s.
Takeaway
Older people often struggle with money, and women and people of color have a harder time than others as they get older.
Methodology
The study used data from the Health and Retirement Study linked to the Elder Index to analyze economic insecurity among older adults.
Participant Demographics
Participants were older adults aged 65+, with a focus on gender and race/ethnicity disparities.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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