Economic Security

The future of long-term care for older adults has never been more essential, yet never more precarious

The truth is this: the Social Security Old Age and Survivors Trust Fund is forecasted to be exhausted by 2034. This is real, and it’s a problem we need to address.

More than 24 percent of Black older workers are in frontline jobs, making them overrepresented in jobs with high exposure to the virus. This is especially true in the personal care and home health aide industry, where 21 percent of workers older than age 50 are Black, while only 10 percent of all older workers are Black. 

In this episode of Future Proof, Peter Kaldes talks with Robert Espinoza, Vice President of Policy for PHI, about issues of equity and justice and how they intersect with the work he does in advocating for the direct care workforce and pushing policy change in long-term care.

‘I wanted to recognize the key role of the “shelters” in which most older adults live.’

‘If I could make a change, it would be for this field to show more appreciation for what we do.’

'In 2019, 34 percent of workers were ages 50 and older, totaling almost 53 million workers.'

'Support older people, family caregivers and direct care workers who are immigrants, as these cohorts face additional biases and hurdles.'

'I find I choose medication over food. And I need to take food with my medication. I try to balance, but I’m in between a hammer and a hard place.'

The time is ripe to consider housing for older adults and whether, generally, it aids social connection or prevents it. Architect Charles (Chuck) Durrett and gerontologist Alexandria Levitt likely have one solid answer. 

An exploration of the multiple ways in which home holds meaning and determines well-being as people age.