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Federal and state programs help many older people with low incomes. These programs provide access to vital services like income support and health care.
Two federal programs help states provide a broad range of social services important to older adults.
Employers and policymakers can take steps to ensure that workers can balance work with other responsibilities such as providing care or managing an illness.
In addition to setting standards with respect to the minimum wage, overtime, and other factors affecting worker pay, the federal government also sets standards for workplace health and safety.
Poverty is defined by comparing household income with the minimum income required for basic needs. People whose income is below the threshold are considered poor.
In 2020, nearly 9.5 million adults age 50 and older lacked consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life due to inadequate financial resources.