Videos

COVID-19 vaccine for fall 2024: Poll shows older adults' likelihood of getting it

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.

Older Adults and Cannabis: Poll show use patterns and risks

20% of older adults used cannabis products that include THC in the last year, according to new findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging based at the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.

In this brief video, addiction psychologist and IHPI member Erin E. Bonar, Ph.D. discusses key findings from the new poll, and implications for people age 50 and over.

Making Ends Meet: Financial Strain and Health Among Older Adults

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.

Wolverine Caucus: Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging

On June 18, U-M experts delved into the latest findings from the new Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging.

The poll’s latest results indicate that a range of health-related expenses weigh heavily on the minds of older Michiganders of all backgrounds, including the cost of medical and dental care, to medications, insurance, and long-term care.

VIDEO: Health costs top older adults' list of most-concerning health issues

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.

Health costs top older adults' list of most-concerning health issues: National Poll on Healthy Aging

Using National Poll on Healthy Aging Data

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.

Loneliness among older adults: Trends from 2018 to 2023

Dr. Preeti Malani describes findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, about loneliness, social isolation and other issues among people over 50. The poll has tracked rates of these measures since 2018, and most recently in January 2023.

Adults over 50 as caregivers for adults over 65: National Poll on Healthy Aging

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.

At-Home Medical Tests: Findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging

Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren, director of the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, discusses the poll's findings about how adults over 50 view and have used at-home medical tests that are purchased directly rather than prescribed by a health provider.

IHPI Research Seminar: The National Poll on Healthy Aging at Five Years & Beyond

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.

Optimizing Health and Well-Being as We Age: Celebrating 5 Years of the National Poll on Healthy Aging

This webinar, held on May 19, 2022, celebrates the fifth anniversary of the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, presented by the Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation and AARP.

Older adults' mental health during the pandemic

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.

Pandemic pets and older adults

Between March 2020 and January 2021, 10% of American adults between the ages of 50 and 80 adopted or bought a new pet, according to data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging. Prior data from the poll showed pet ownership brings a range of health and wellness benefits to older adults.

Telehealth and Older Adults: Increased use during first months of COVID-19

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.

Older Adults' Perspectives on Medical Marijuana

The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging asked a national sample of adults age 50–80 about marijuana use for medical purposes, its perceived benefits, perception of how marijuana compares to prescription pain medicine, and support for marijuana-related policies.

How do older adults choose a doctor? Poll data show convenience beats reputation

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.

Too Much of a Good Thing? Overuse of Health Care

The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging asked a National sample of adults age 50–80 about health care services that may not be needed. Overuse of health care can result when providers order low-value services to satisfy what they may perceive to be patients’ preferences. But do older adults really believe that more health care is better?

How Pets Contribute to Healthy Aging

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.

Urinary Incontinence in Women Over 50: National Poll on Healthy Aging

Dr. Carolyn Swenson, a urogynecologist at the University of Michigan, describes the findings of the National Poll on Healthy Aging and shares information about bladder leakage that can range from a nuisance to a major problem for women.

July 2018 Report: Older Adults' Experiences with Opioid Prescriptions

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.

January 2018 NPHA Report: Flu Vaccinations

The University of Michigan's National Poll on Healthy Aging has findings to report about older Americans' opinions about flu vaccination for staff and patients in nursing homes and assisted living.

Many older Americans take something to help them sleep: National Poll on Healthy Aging

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.

Dental Care at Midlife - Unmet Needs, Uncertain Future

The dental health of middle-aged Americans faces a lot of problems right now, and an uncertain future to come, according to new results from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging.

Americans don't seek enough help with prescription costs

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.

NPHA Overview video

As the population of people over 50 in the U.S. continues to grow, healthy aging has become an increasingly important topic for all of us. 

The U-M National Poll on Healthy Aging has been elevating the voices of older adults across the country since 2017. Over that time, we've gained critical knowledge about many aspects of life after 50 by directly asking older adults about their experiences and opinions on health trends and issues.

Preeti Malani discussing COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 vaccine for fall 2024: Poll shows older adults' likelihood of getting it

two older adults sitting on couch smiling

Older Adults and Cannabis: Poll show use patterns and risks

Financial strain in the past year among adults age 50 and older. Forty-seven percent said they have been impacted by inflation a great deal

Making Ends Meet: Financial Strain and Health Among Older Adults

The new MI Poll on Healthy Aging: Exploring Key Health Concerns of Older Adults in Michigan

Wolverine Caucus: Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging

VIDEO: Health costs top older adults' list of most-concerning health issues

Health costs top older adults' list of most-concerning health issues: National Poll on Healthy Aging

Using National Poll on Healthy Aging Data

Loneliness among older adults: Trends from 2018 to 2023

Adults over 50 as caregivers for adults over 65: National Poll on Healthy Aging

At-Home Medical Tests: Findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging

IHPI Research Seminar: The National Poll on Healthy Aging at Five Years & Beyond

Optimizing Health and Well-Being as We Age: Celebrating 5 Years of the National Poll on Healthy Aging

A therapist talking to patient, wearing masks

Older adults' mental health during the pandemic

Pandemic pets and older adults

doctor handing prescription drugs outside the frame of a phone

Telehealth and Older Adults: Increased use during first months of COVID-19

Dr. Pretti Malani, Director of NPHA, starting a presentation on medical marijuana

Older Adults' Perspectives on Medical Marijuana

How do older adults choose a doctor? Poll data show convenience beats reputation

Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren of NPHA starts a discussion on overuse of health care

Too Much of a Good Thing? Overuse of Health Care

Woman holding a small animal in a hospital environment

How Pets Contribute to Healthy Aging

Dr. Carolyn Swenson, urgynecologist at Michigan Medicine starts a discussion on incontinence

Urinary Incontinence in Women Over 50: National Poll on Healthy Aging

an collection of medications on a table top with a person in deep thought

July 2018 Report: Older Adults' Experiences with Opioid Prescriptions

Close up of bare hand holding a small medical needle devise

January 2018 NPHA Report: Flu Vaccinations

slide: 1 in 3 older adults regularly use medication to help them sleep

Many older Americans take something to help them sleep: National Poll on Healthy Aging

photo of the cover of the Dental Care at Midlife report by NPHA

Dental Care at Midlife - Unmet Needs, Uncertain Future

illustration with a large prescription pad - less expensive drugs recommended 67% by doctors and 37% by pharmacists

Americans don't seek enough help with prescription costs

cartoon couple holding hands superimposed on a photo of a park bike trail

NPHA Overview video

To accompany each National Poll on Healthy Aging report, the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation will prepare supplemental materials available for non-commercial attributed use under the University of Michigan's Creative Commons 4.0 license. We will also share each report via social media from IHPI and the report’s sponsors.

Members of the media can arrange to receive each report under embargo, several days before public release. Reports are published eight times per year. To sign up for this service, please visit our “For Media” page.

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