Health Among Top Issues That Matter Most to African Americans

By Edna Kane-Williams, February 17, 2015 04:19 PM

In January 2011, AARP interviewed Americans 50 and older from every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. We asked about their dreams as they think about what is next in their life as well as the challenges they see themselves facing.

Staying healthy tops the list for African American/Black respondents in the Voices of the 50+ America: Dreams & Challenges study, with staying mentally sharp, having adequate health insurance coverage, and receiving Medicare benefits very close behind. African Americans/Blacks face health issues including high blood pressure and obesity, so for many the importance of staying healthy is grounded in health challenges they already face.

The infographic below has a more complete summary of the health issues that matter most to African Americans/blacks age 50 and over.

AA Age 50+ Health Issues-REVISED Final-2-9-14

For more information about this research, contact: Vicki Gelfeld, AARP Research, vgelfeld@aarp.org; Yuko Araki, Multicultural Markets & Engagement, yaraki@aarp.org; or Manjushree Majhi, AARP Research, mmajhi@aarp.org.

>> Get discounts on health services with your AARP Member Advantages.

AARP helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for and equips Americans 50 and older to live their best lives. Discover all the ways AARP can help you, your family and your community at AARP Black Community.

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Topics

insurance high blood pressure coverage long-term care Medicare health costs black healthcare "health insurance" mental sharpness aging in home obesity brain health African American research

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