MINNEAPOLIS — Older Virginians are facing declining physical and behavioral health conditions, according to a new report, which examines possible causes.
Virginia has seen a notable decline in behavioral health and wellness among seniors, according to the America’s Health Rankings Aging report, which said Virginia has seen a 38% increase in seniors experiencing “frequent mental distress,” mirroring trends nationwide.
Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employers and Individuals, said economic factors have also worsened and may be at least partially to blame.
“We’re seeing challenges with some of the economic measures, including worsening poverty and housing affordability,” Randall said. “We’re seeing more seniors who are food insecure and say they’re worried about their access to food.”
The report did point to some positive signs, including a national increase in health care providers for seniors. Virginia has also seen an increase in home health care workers. Randall said unpaid family caregivers are helping the state improve services but need support.
In 2023, the state Legislature considered a bill that would have created a tax credit of up to $1,000 for eligible family care expenses, but it died in committee.
The report found that Virginia has improved the quality of care for seniors by increasing cancer screenings and flu and pneumonia vaccinations for those over age 65. Randall stressed that the expansion of high-speed internet access nationwide also benefits the elderly population.
“85% of seniors in our country have access to high-speed internet,” Randall noted, “which is important because it helps them stay connected with family and friends. Whenever they need a doctor’s appointment or telehealth, they can connect with their health care provider.”
But as high-speed internet access has increased, so has internet crime: Virginians reported a slightly higher rate of online fraud than the national average, about 11 percent, according to the report.
