According to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, the population of veterans in the country is declining in number and becoming more evenly distributed among age groups. But even having found that, they also found data to show that veterans aged 65 and older make up 46%, almost fully half, of the total population.
For elderly veterans, there are a unique set of circumstances they find themselves facing. While statistically they may have higher incomes, they tend to report having fewer financial safety nets such as savings or home equity. They also tend to experience more health problems than their civilian counterparts. To deliver effective care, it is essential to understand this population to ensure that their needs can be met in retirement.
While all aging adults must confront and deal with the problems that arise with growing older, senior veterans usually will face additional struggles in several areas of life. For example, while social isolation is a common problem for all seniors, the risk is particularly high for elderly veterans, with nearly 60% of them reporting that they experience loneliness at least some of the time.
Disabilities can impact the quality of life for any older adult. For example, limited mobility can have a negative effect on independence, self esteem, and many other areas of life. Compounding this is the fact that many people with disabilities live in rural areas or places with poor or inadequate public transportation. All these problems will serve to exacerbate loneliness, further diminishing physical and mental health. For our senior veterans, add on top of this that they may be experiencing issues with stress, depression, their past traumas, or post-traumatic stress disorder related to their service.
Many older veterans live alone, with studies finding that over 1 in 5 are aging solo. Numerous studies as well have shown that elderly veterans, particularly patients of the VA, are more likely to develop chronic conditions which affect their mental and physical health. Across the board when compared to non-veterans, veterans are more likely to rate their health as fair or poor, have two or more chronic conditions or chronic diseases, and struggle with the activities of daily living.
While senior veterans are more likely to have a higher income than the general population, likely due to the benefits of their military pension, many seniors who have served find themselves living on fixed incomes. According to data from the 2021 census, veterans aged 65 or older made up a larger group of those living under the poverty level than any other age group. Older veterans are less likely to have savings and home equity to fall back on in the event of an emergency. Elderly veterans with disabilities report an even higher rate of poverty or financial insecurity.
There are many ways to support elderly veterans. Remember, not all who have served feel a need to talk about it. If you’re planning on helping someone, try not to do it in a way based on assumptions, such as by putting flags in their yard.