Racial Disparities in Economic Security

Structural racism and discrimination impacts access to healthcare, food, housing, education, and employment, and all of these affect the economic security of older BIPOC folks. This is further exacerbated for BIPOC women who also face sexism. Ensuring strong Medicare and Social Security systems and guaranteeing affordable housing for older people will go a long way in bettering their financial futures.

“Dramatically higher percentages of Black, Latino and Asian older adults live on incomes that don’t meet their cost of living, even with Social Security. That can mean skipping needed health care, not having enough food, living in unhealthy conditions or having to move in with family.”