Long-Term Care
More than one-third of low-income California residents above age 65 experience diminished quality of life because of falls, disabilities or problems affording healthy food, according to a study by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. Some residents experience a combination of these challenges to healthy aging.
Researchers found that each challenge is exacerbated by several factors, including:
- Lower income;
- Diabetes;
- Being part of a large family; and
- Being a minority.
The authors suggest that reducing diabetes and poverty will help diminish falls, personal care disability and food insecurity among aging residents. In addition, the study recommends that policymakers promote healthy eating and physical activity to reduce these challenges (Wallace et al., UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, May 2007). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.