Challenges facing healthy aging are worsening, reinforcing concerns that the systems supporting older Americans are struggling to keep pace with growing needs, reveals a new survey from Alignment Health.
Ninety percent of seniors report facing at least one social barrier that threatens their health, well-being, or access to care.
“Our findings reinforce what older adults have been telling us for years: Healthy aging is about much more than what happens during a doctor’s visit,” said Dr. Ken Kim, chief medical officer at Alignment Health. “This year’s results show that many seniors continue to face challenges related to maintaining their independence, accessing care, and managing financial pressures. These findings reinforce that maintaining health and independence depends on much more than their medical care alone.”
The survey comes as the nation undergoes a major demographic shift, with 1 in 5 Americans projected to be age 65 or older by 2030.
The biggest challenge faced by seniors, 68%, is aging safely and independently at home followed by healthcare access, 62%, and economic stability, 54%, according to the 2026 Social Threats to Aging Well in America survey.
The challenges are affecting healthcare engagement, with 26% of respondents reported skipping medical care during the past year.
Seniors expressed interest in a number of support solutions, with personalized wellness recommendations based on medical history and information shared with a health plan generating the highest level of interest, 59%, followed by 24/7 access to doctors by phone/video, 57%, and help paying for groceries, 49%.
In an example of seniors seeking support beyond traditional healthcare, 44% reported they would use help paying for rent, mortgage, or utilities.
Conducted in partnership with Ipsos, the nationwide survey polled more than 2,200 Americans 65 and older.