2026 Social Threats to Aging Well in America

Health & Wellness

Sep 10

New research reveals growing challenges threatening seniors’ health, independence and quality of life

Alignment Health’s fifth annual Social Threats to Aging Well in America survey results are in and 90% of seniors say at least one social barrier threatens healthy aging.

The national survey asks Americans age 65 and older about nine social barriers that affect their ability to age well: aging in place challenges, access to healthcare, economic instability, lack of support, transportation, mental health, loneliness, cultural differences and food insecurity.

Top Threats to Aging Well

Aging in place challenges, access to healthcare and economic instability remain the top three most significant factors for the third year, shaping both health outcomes and healthcare engagement among seniors. Together, these three social barriers continue to influence seniors’ ability to access care and maintain overall well-being.

Aging in Place Challenges: 68%
Access to Healthcare: 62%
Economic Instability: 54%

Key Findings at a Glance

90%

Seniors facing at least one barrier to healthy aging

68%

Report challenges aging safely and independently at home

62%

Experience barriers accessing healthcare

57%

Experienced stress or anxiety in the past year

38%

Report lacking sufficient support systems

What Seniors Say Would Help

The survey found a strong interest in support services that go beyond traditional healthcare. 59% of seniors surveyed said they would use wellness-focused benefits through their health plan.

Data Source: Alignment Health 2026 Aging Survey

Seniors Speak for Themselves

Aging in Place Challenges

"My biggest worry is about lack of independence… and about losing my cognitive perception of my health. I would prefer to continue making my own decisions." – Female, age 69, California

Access to Healthcare

"It's hard to get an appointment within a month. There are more nurse practitioners and physicians aides than medical doctors. I left a facility after 6 years because they didn't have a doctor on staff and I deserve better care." – Female, age 74, Florida

Economic Instability

"…the cost of Medicare has gone up in 2026 compared to 2025. I am also on Social Security and barely have enough left over at the end of the month after monthly bills and food and gas." – Male, age 65, Florida