A new University of Michigan study reveals significant racial disparities in disability rates among older Americans, with about 40% of African Americans aged 50-80 living with a disability compared to one-third of older adults overall.
The research, published in Geriatric Nursing, examined preparedness for “aging in place” among different racial and ethnic groups. It found that African Americans face multiple disadvantages, including higher disability rates, lower incomes, and poorer self-reported health.
“I knew there was disability among older adults, but I guess I didn’t really consider the extent of it,” said lead researcher Sheria Robinson-Lane, assistant professor of nursing at U-M. “So many communities are very inaccessible.”
The study also found that Asian, African-American, Hispanic, and multiracial respondents were more likely to have children living at home, potentially adding stress as part of the “sandwich generation.”
Surprisingly, rural Indigenous populations reported being most prepared to age in place, contrary to assumptions about urban accessibility advantages. Robinson-Lane attributed this to self-sufficiency and strong community ties.
“There’s a long history of really having to sort of figure it out on their own, and to have to rely on community to get their needs met,” she noted. However, Robinson-Lane cautioned that Indigenous peoples tend to have lower life expectancies overall.
The findings underscore the need for more accessible spaces and community support as the U.S. population ages, particularly for minority groups facing higher rates of disability and economic challenges.
See “Skewed Disability Rates Revealed: Older Minority Americans Less Likely To Keep Living At Home” (April 13, 2024)
