Maryland's senior citizens are experiencing deteriorating physical and behavioral health, according to the latest America's Health Rankings Senior Report. The report highlights a significant increase in mental distress and economic pressures among the state's older residents.
The report revealed that over 9% of Maryland's senior population reported experiencing "frequent mental distress," marking a 19% increase from the previous year and mirroring national trends. Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, pointed to economic factors as potential contributors to this rise.
"We see some challenges in some economic measures," Randall explained. "Like poverty, in worsening housing-cost burden and more seniors saying that they have food insecurity, that they're worried about getting access to food."
The report indicated that 34% of Maryland seniors are burdened with high housing costs, surpassing the national average. Despite these challenges, there are some positive trends, including an increase in the number of senior health care providers nationally.
Maryland showed mixed results in the quality of care for seniors. While high percentages of seniors received flu and pneumonia vaccinations, there was a slight decline in cancer screenings, with the rate dropping to 77%. However, the state's ranking for this metric remained unchanged, placing it 10th in the nation.
Randall also highlighted the benefits of increased access to high-speed internet for seniors. Nationally, 85% of seniors have access to high-speed internet, which facilitates connections with family, friends, and healthcare providers.
"Eighty-five percent of seniors in our country have access to high-speed internet," Randall noted. "This is significant because it helps us connect with our family and our friends. It helps us connect with our healthcare providers, whenever we need to see a doctor or access care remotely."
In Maryland, nearly 87% of seniors have high-speed internet access. However, this connectivity also brings risks, as evidenced by the nearly 12% of Maryland seniors who reported being victims of online scams, slightly above the national average.
The findings of the America's Health Rankings Senior Report underscore the complex and multifaceted challenges faced by Maryland's aging population. Economic instability, high housing costs, and food insecurity are contributing to worsening mental and physical health outcomes for many seniors.
In conclusion, while there are bright spots such as the increase in healthcare providers and high-speed internet access, the report highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the economic and health challenges faced by Maryland's older residents.
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