New data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging gives indications of older adults' attitudes toward the updated COVID-19 vaccine that became available in September 2024. 

In all, 45% of all people over 50 say they are likely to get the vaccine this fall. But among people age 75 and above, 59% say they are likely to get vaccinated, and 51% of those age 65 to 74 said the same. But in the 50 to 64 age group, 37% said they were likely to get the vaccine this fall. 

Read more about what the poll found about vaccination likelihood among other subgroups of people over 50, including differences by gender, race/ethnicity, education level and whether respondents live with children.

New findings from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging show that many adults age 50 and over have experienced financial stress and cut back on spending in the past year, and that sizable percentage have reduced or avoided health-related spending. The percentages reporting these experiences were higher among adults who also say they are in fair or poor physical or mental health.

Different types of health-related costs, and financial scams that can cause mental distress, were rated by adults over 50 as the most-concerning health-related issues for older adults in their community, according to a report from the National Poll on Healthy Aging. 

During this virtual seminar, NPHA data lead Matthias Kirch provides an overview of the NPHA, shares examples of how poll data has been used, and offers tips and answers questions about accessing and using NPHA data. 

A recent poll of adults age 50 to 80 finds that more than half have recently acted as caregivers for adults over 65, including helping with health, household, hygiene and financial tasks. Erica Solway, Ph.D., M.S.W., deputy director of the National Poll on Healthy Aging, discusses the findings. 

During a research seminar on Oct. 13, NPHA leaders, colleagues from AARP, and a U-M faculty collaborator discussed the impact of the poll to date and highlighted ways for researchers to get involved with the poll.

A National Poll on Healthy Aging report finds that the pandemic has affected the mental health of many adults age 50 to 80 -- but that most are also open to seeking help. The poll findings also show signs of resilience among older adults.

A national poll of adults aged 50 to 80, taken in June 2020, shows a sharp increase in the use of telehealth options to connect with healthcare providers, compared with a poll of a similar group of older adults taken in 2019.

A new study by a team from the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation shows that adults over age 50 place more importance on convenience-related factors, rather than reputation, when choosing a doctor.

Findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging show that pet ownership helps older adults cope with mental and physical health issues, connect with others, and get exercise. But while pets come with benefits, they can also bring concerns, and some people may even put their animals’ needs ahead of their own health, the poll finds.

The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging asked a national sample of adults age 50–80 about their use of opioids for pain management, the education they received, how they disposed of unused medications and perceptions of current and proposed policies related to opioid disposal and prescribing.

Results from the 2018 National Poll on Healthy Aging show that half of Americans aged 65 to 80 have trouble sleeping, and that 1 in 3 people in this age group take a medication or supplement to help them sleep.

The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging asked a national sample of older adults age 50–80 about their experiences related to prescription drugs and prescription drug costs. For many, the cost of these medications poses a financial burden.