Key Takeaways
According to new research, women and people of color are more likely to experience higher medical treatment costs and greater lost wages due to chronic disease.
The cost of chronic disease is about more than just medical treatment. It also includes lost wages if an older adult can no longer work due to poor health.
Nearly 40% of Black and Hispanic older adults lost wages because of their chronic disease compared to 16.6% of whites.
A person’s health directly impacts their wealth—and this connection becomes even more acute as people age.
New analysis by NCOA and the LeadingAge LTSS Center @ UMass Boston finds that women and people of color are more likely to experience higher treatment costs and greater lost wages due to chronic disease. At the same time, these individuals have the fewest financial resources to draw upon.
The cost of chronic disease is about more than just medical treatment. It also includes lost wages if an older adult can no longer work due to poor health. Examining both costs provides a more complete picture of the true economic impact of chronic disease on older adults.
Join us for a webinar as we discuss key findings from the research—as well as a path forward to ensure aging well is possible for all.
Speakers:
- Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO, NCOA
- Dr. Cheryl Woodson, Principal, Dr. Cheryl E. Woodson, LLC
- Marc Cohen, PhD, Professor of Gerontology, LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston
