Generational Wellness Digest

As the U.S. population ages, ensuring equitable health care for all older adults becomes more urgent—especially as people of color are projected to make up nearly half of adults 65 and older by 2060. While Medicare offers broad coverage, racial and ethnic disparities in treatment, communication, and access still persist, often rooted in longstanding social and economic inequalities. This week’s featured article highlights findings from KFF’s 2023 survey, revealing how older Black, Hispanic,...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the significant gaps in mental health care access that affect communities of color across America. Recent studies show that Black and Hispanic adults are far more likely to face barriers when seeking mental health support, with cost being the biggest obstacle preventing many from getting the help they need. In this week's featured article, you will learn about the structural barriers contributing to these disparities and the importance...

April is National Cancer Control Month, which reminds us that early detection of cancer dramatically increases survival rates, with many early-stage cancers having survival rates above 90%. Regular screenings can spot cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective, potentially preventing nearly half of all cancer deaths. Not everyone has equal access to these lifesaving screenings, with Black Americans facing higher death rates for many cancers. This week's featured article...

April is National Minority Health Month, highlighting persistent health disparities that continue to affect racial and ethnic minority communities across the United States. According to CDC data, Black Americans are 40% more likely to die from stroke, Hispanic populations face 50% higher rates of diabetes, and Native Americans experience 60% higher rates of obesity compared to white Americans. This week's featured article explores the social determinants of health driving these disparities,...

March is National Kidney Month, a time to raise awareness about kidney health and the importance of early detection and equitable care. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 1 in 7 adults in the U.S., but Black and Hispanic Americans are disproportionately impacted—Black Americans are nearly four times more likely to develop kidney failure than White Americans. These disparities are driven by social determinants of health, including limited access to healthcare, higher rates of...