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As Elon Musk looks on, Trump says he's giving DOGE even more power; Officials monitor latest AR bird flu outbreak; NV lawmaker proposes new date for Indigenous Peoples Day; NM lawmaker says journalists of all stripes need protection; Closure of EPA branch would harm VA environment.

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A court weighs the right of New York City noncitizens to vote in local elections, Vice President Vance suggests courts can't overrule a president, and states increasingly challenge the validity of student IDs at the ballot box.

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Medical debt, which tops $90 billion has an outsized impact on rural communities, a new photography book shares the story of 5,000 schools built for Black students between 1912 and 1937, and anti-hunger advocates champion SNAP.

Mixed outlook revealed in new well-being report for older adults

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Monday, June 3, 2024   

Older adults in Minnesota and across the nation are navigating various challenges that affect their quality of life. An annual report shows progress, but concerning trends continue to persist.

United Health Foundation has released its America's Health Rankings 2024 Senior Report.

Nationally, high-speed internet access rose to nearly 85%. However, an additional half million older adults fell into poverty.

Minnesota ranks 5th for overall well-being metrics for those 65 and older.

In Duluth, Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging Director Kristi Kane said more people are training to become geriatricians - but the regional healthcare workforce that serves seniors is still on shaky ground.

"We're also seeing," said Kane, "a lot of our quality medical staff leaving due to retirement. "

She said lack of affordable housing options also is being felt by this population, especially those trying to remain in smaller communities with limited resources.

On a brighter note, she said the region has built up a strong network of meal-delivery programs to help address food insecurity among older adults.

Dr. Rhonda Randall is a geriatrician, and an executive vice president and chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual.

She said the annual findings are trying to add more nuance and data than previous reports.

"This report now looks at things like disability status, sexual orientation and veteran status," said Randall. "So, it really gives state policymakers and public health officials an ability to understand where the disparities exist."

For example, in Minnesota, drug deaths were nearly nine times higher among older Black adults than their white counterparts.

Nationally, overall drug deaths for this population have increased by more than 50% when compared with pre-pandemic reports.



Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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