2009 06 10_aarp

Racialized Disparities Among Racialized Disparities Among Older Adults: Older Adults:

Our Unfinished Work in the 21st Our Unfinished Work in the 21st CenturyCentury

john a. powelljohn a. powell

Director, Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and EthnicityWilliams Chair in Civil Rights & Civil Liberties, Moritz College of

Law

AARP’s Diversity and Aging in the 21st Century ConferenceJune 10, 2009Chicago, IL

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Overview of today’s Overview of today’s conversationconversation

How older adults are situatedHow older adults are situated

• Impact of the recessionImpact of the recession

Responding to older adults’ situatednessResponding to older adults’ situatedness

• 3 options:3 options:

~Colorblindness, targeted responses, targeted Colorblindness, targeted responses, targeted universalismuniversalism

Re-thinking how structures are arrangedRe-thinking how structures are arranged

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Key TakeawaysKey Takeaways

We need to recognize how people are situated We need to recognize how people are situated differently in society and account for the fact that differently in society and account for the fact that older adults possess unique resources and needs.older adults possess unique resources and needs.

We must respond to how older adults are situated in We must respond to how older adults are situated in regards to structures in ways that are targeted, yet regards to structures in ways that are targeted, yet universal.universal.

We need community-level responses rather than We need community-level responses rather than focusing on individuals.focusing on individuals.

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The Arrangement of The Arrangement of StructuresStructures

How we arrange structures mattersHow we arrange structures matters

• The order of the structuresThe order of the structures

• The timing of the interaction between themThe timing of the interaction between them

• The relationships that exist between themThe relationships that exist between them

Structures are not neutral. They unevenly distribute benefits, Structures are not neutral. They unevenly distribute benefits, burdens, and racialized meaning.burdens, and racialized meaning.

• Even if they did distribute equally, though, that would not be Even if they did distribute equally, though, that would not be adequate because people are unevenly situated.adequate because people are unevenly situated.

We must be aware of how structures are arranged in order to We must be aware of how structures are arranged in order to fully understand social phenomena.fully understand social phenomena.

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Example: Structural Example: Structural RacializationRacialization

Structural racialization Structural racialization addresses addresses inter-inter-institutionalinstitutional arrangements and arrangements and interactions. interactions. • It refers to the ways It refers to the ways

in which the joint in which the joint operation of operation of institutions produce institutions produce racialized outcomes.racialized outcomes.

Structural racialization analysis allows for a view of the cumulative effects of institutional arrangements.

Housing

Childcare Employment

Education

Health

Transportation

Effective Participation

How Older Adults Are How Older Adults Are SituatedSituated

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The U.S. is a “young” population The U.S. is a “young” population compared to the rest of the world.compared to the rest of the world.

12.4

16.0

16.0

16.4

16.4

16.5

16.7

16.9

17.0

17.1

17.2

17.3

17.8

18.6

19.5

19.5

United States

Finland

United Kingdom

France

Croatia

Latvia

Estonia

Spain

Portugal

Belgium

Bulgaria

Sweden

Greece

Germany

Italy

Japan

Sources: Carl Haub, 2006 World Population Data Sheet; Quoted from Population Reference Bureau’s graphics bank on aging.

This graphic shows the 13

“oldest” countries & the U.S.; nearly all are in Europe.

The U.S. actually ranks

as the 38th “oldest” country.

Percent age 65 or

older

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An Aging PopulationAn Aging Population

As ‘baby boomers’ age, today's number of older adults As ‘baby boomers’ age, today's number of older adults will double over the next 30 years.will double over the next 30 years.

• At that point in time: At that point in time:

~About 25% of the entire US population will be About 25% of the entire US population will be over 65.over 65.

~ For the first time in U.S. history, there will be For the first time in U.S. history, there will be more Americans over 65 than under 18. more Americans over 65 than under 18.

The average lifespan has increased by 30 years since The average lifespan has increased by 30 years since 1900 (47 1900 (47 77) 77)

By 2050, there could be one million centenarians.By 2050, there could be one million centenarians.

Freedman, Marc. “Making Policy for An Aging Century.” Civic Ventures. http://www.civicventures.org/publications/articles/policy_for_an_aging_century.cfm

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An Aging PopulationAn Aging Population

2006 Older American Update. AgingStats.gov

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Population Age 65 & Over, by Population Age 65 & Over, by Race & Hispanic Origin: 2004 & Race & Hispanic Origin: 2004 &

2050 Projection2050 Projection

0.010.020.030.040.050.060.070.080.090.0

Non-Hispanicw hite alone

Black alone Asian alone All other racesalone or in

combination

Hispanic (ofany race)

Pe

rce

nt

2004 estimates 2050 projections

2006 Older American Update. AgingStats.gov. Data from U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates & Projections, 2004

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Life Expectancy at Age 65 Life Expectancy at Age 65 Years, by Sex and Race: 2000 - Years, by Sex and Race: 2000 -

20062006

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5817a7.htm

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Median Individual Income in 2007 by Median Individual Income in 2007 by Race, AgeRace, Age

Purcell, Patrick. “Income and Poverty among Older Americans in 2007. CRS Report for Congress. 3 Oct. 2008. http://aging.senate.gov/crs/pension35.pdf

$11,708$13,104

$15,648$16,722

$21,841

$18,537

$0

$5,000

$10,000

$15,000

$20,000

$25,000

Hispanic Black White 80+ 70-79 65-69

Race Age

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Median Household Income in Median Household Income in 2007 by Demographic Traits of 2007 by Demographic Traits of

HouseholderHouseholder

$23,400

$30,975

$20,995

$28,797

$21,184

$43,159

$0

$5,000

$10,000

$15,000

$20,000

$25,000

$30,000

$35,000

$40,000

$45,000

$50,000

Hispanic Black White 80+ 70-79 65-69

Race Age


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Percentage of Individuals Aged 65 & Percentage of Individuals Aged 65 & Older in Poverty in 2007Older in Poverty in 2007

17.1%

23.3%

7.4%

11.5%

9.3%

8.5%

0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0%

Hispanic

Black

White

80+

70-79

65-69

Rac

eA

ge


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Older Americans are Moving to Older Americans are Moving to the Sunbeltthe SunbeltPercent Change by Region for the

Population 65 Years and Over: 1990 - 2000

20.0%

16.0%

7.0%

5.0%

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

1West South Midwest Northeast

Marshall, Victor. “Aging in an Aging Society.” UNC Institute on Aging (2006), citing the U.S. Census Bureau

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Living Arrangements – Men 65 & Living Arrangements – Men 65 & Over, 2004Over, 2004

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Total Non-Hispanic

White Alone

Black alone Asian alone Hispanic (ofany race)

With spouse With other relatives With nonrelatives Alone


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Living Arrangements – Women 65 & Living Arrangements – Women 65 & Over, 2004Over, 2004

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Total Non-Hispanic

WhiteAlone

Blackalone

Asianalone

Hispanic(of anyrace)

With spouse With other relatives With nonrelatives Alone


Women are more likely than men to live alone – a byproduct of their longer life expectancy.

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Presence in Age-Restricted Presence in Age-Restricted HousingHousing

The 55+ housing market is likely to become more racially and ethnically diverse.

Of recent movers to age-qualified active adult communities:

• 88% are white, non-Hispanic, compared to 83% of recent movers to other 55+ owner-occupied and 74% of recent movers to age-restricted rental communities.

The shares of minorities in the 55+ single-family housing market have been quite stable:

• From 2001 – 2005, the shares were around 18%.

• In 2007, they increased to 23%.

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Female Unemployment by Female Unemployment by Race, 55+Race, 55+

Not seasonal

ly adjusted

Urban Institute Retirement Policy Program. www.retirementpolicy.org

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Male Unemployment by Male Unemployment by Race, 55+Race, 55+

Not seasonal

ly adjusted

Urban Institute Retirement Policy Program. www.retirementpolicy.org

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White Men (55+) Are Less Likely White Men (55+) Are Less Likely to be Unemployed than Those of to be Unemployed than Those of

Other RacesOther RacesAfrican African

American Men American Men (55+) (55+)

Unemployed:Unemployed:

1 in 101 in 10

Hispanic Men Hispanic Men (55+) (55+)


1 in 111 in 11

White Men White Men (55+) (55+)


1 in 171 in 17Johnson, Richard W. and Corina Mommaerts. “Unemployment Rate Hits All-Time High for Adults Age 65 and Older.” March 2009. Urban Institute Retirement Policy Program.www.retirementpolicy.org

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The presence of The presence of chronic diseases chronic diseases

in adults 65+ in adults 65+ varies varies

considerably by considerably by race.race.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The Merck Company Foundation.The State of Aging and Health in America 2007.Whitehouse Station, NJ: The Merck Company Foundation; 2007. p. 4.Available at www.cdc.gov/aging and www.merck.com/cr

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Age 65 or older, self-assessed health Age 65 or older, self-assessed health status as ‘good’ or ‘excellent,’ 2002-status as ‘good’ or ‘excellent,’ 2002-

20042004

0 20 40 60 80 100

65 and over

65-74

75-84

85 and over

White only Black only Hispanic


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Health Insurance for Non-Health Insurance for Non-Institutionalized Adults 65+ Institutionalized Adults 65+

(2007)(2007)

98.1

1.9

57.6

25.9

8.9 7.1

34.1

93.7 93.2

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Per

cen

t

“A Profile of Older Americans 2008.” Administration on Aging. http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Aging_Statistics/Profile/2008/15.aspx

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Health, Stress, and AgingHealth, Stress, and Aging

““Not only does social class effect health and age-related Not only does social class effect health and age-related disease, but seems to have an impact on the ageing disease, but seems to have an impact on the ageing

process itself.” process itself.” ~ Professor Tim Spector~ Professor Tim Spector

The psychological stress of lacking control over life The psychological stress of lacking control over life circumstances has a negative effect on the aging circumstances has a negative effect on the aging process.process.

Researchers found that the difference between Researchers found that the difference between “women in the three lowest social groupings, and non-“women in the three lowest social groupings, and non-manual workers - the women in the highest three manual workers - the women in the highest three classes, was equivalent to seven biological years.” classes, was equivalent to seven biological years.”

“Ageing ‘Linked to Social Status.’” BBC News. 19 Jul. 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5188742.stm

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Digital DivideDigital Divide

Older adults Older adults comprise a comprise a group that group that often lacks often lacks access to access to information and information and communication communication technology.technology.

Jones, Sydney and Susannah Fox. “Generations Online in 2009.” Pew Internet & American Life Project. Jan 2009. http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2009/Generations-Online-in-2009.aspx

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Recession’s Impacts on Older Recession’s Impacts on Older AdultsAdults

The recession has impacted how older adults are The recession has impacted how older adults are situated.situated.• “The stock market lost 47% of its value between

September 30, 2007 and December 2, 2008, destroying $2.8 trillion in 401(k) and individual retirement accounts and intensifying pressures on seniors to work.”

Members of the ‘Threshold Generation’ (Americans ages Members of the ‘Threshold Generation’ (Americans ages 50 to 64 who are at or near the peak of their earnings 50 to 64 who are at or near the peak of their earnings potential and net worth, and who are also at the brink of potential and net worth, and who are also at the brink of retirement) have suffered the most from the recession.retirement) have suffered the most from the recession.

““Adults 65 and older -- most of whom have already Adults 65 and older -- most of whom have already retired and downsized their lifestyles -- have escaped its retired and downsized their lifestyles -- have escaped its full fury.” full fury.”

Morin, Rich and Paul Taylor. “Different Age Groups, Different Recessions.” Pew Research Center Report 14 May 2009. and Johnson, Richard W. “How is the Recession Affecting Older Workers?” Urban Institute Fact Sheet.

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Recession: Financial Recession: Financial ChallengesChallenges

Older Blacks and Hispanics are faring worse than WhitesOlder Blacks and Hispanics are faring worse than Whites

5%

34%

10%

42%

14%

15%

45%

49%

18%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Had trouble getting orpaying for medical care

Had to cut back onhousehold spendingbecause money was

tight

Lost money oninvestments

White Black Hispanic

Morin, Rich and Paul Taylor. “Different Age Groups, Different Recessions.” Pew Research Center Report 14 May 2009.

Native American ElderlyNative American Elderly

““Between 1980 and 1990, the Native American older Between 1980 and 1990, the Native American older population increased 52%, more than twice that of its population increased 52%, more than twice that of its white or black counterparts. white or black counterparts.

About 114,000 (6%) of the Native American population About 114,000 (6%) of the Native American population are over 65. Of these, about 42,000 (37%) are age 75 are over 65. Of these, about 42,000 (37%) are age 75 or over.or over.

About the same proportion of Native Americans as About the same proportion of Native Americans as whites continue to work after age 65 (11% versus whites continue to work after age 65 (11% versus 12%).12%).

Overall, 20% of Native Americans 65 years or older Overall, 20% of Native Americans 65 years or older live below the official poverty level.”live below the official poverty level.”

29Data quoted from: http://www.aarp.org/research/reference/minorities/aresearch-import-509.html#NATIVE

Asian/Pacific Islander Asian/Pacific Islander ElderlyElderly

““Between 1980 and 1990 alone, there was a two-fold Between 1980 and 1990 alone, there was a two-fold increase in the number of Asian/Pacific Islander older increase in the number of Asian/Pacific Islander older persons. persons.

• About 455,000 (6.3%) of the Asian/Pacific Islander About 455,000 (6.3%) of the Asian/Pacific Islander population are age 65 or over. population are age 65 or over.

~Of those, about 154,000 (3%) are age 75 or over.Of those, about 154,000 (3%) are age 75 or over.

There are 82 men per 100 women 65 and older.There are 82 men per 100 women 65 and older.

Asian/Pacific Islanders are slightly more likely to continue Asian/Pacific Islanders are slightly more likely to continue working after age 65 than whites. working after age 65 than whites.

Overall, 13% of Asian/Pacific Islander elders live below Overall, 13% of Asian/Pacific Islander elders live below the poverty level.”the poverty level.”

30Data quoted from: http://www.aarp.org/research/reference/minorities/aresearch-import-509.html#NATIVE

Responding to Older Responding to Older Adults’ SituatednessAdults’ Situatedness

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Responding to Differently Responding to Differently Situated GroupsSituated Groups

Once we recognize that different communities are Once we recognize that different communities are situated differently with reference to structures – what situated differently with reference to structures – what is our response?is our response?

Option 1: React in a colorblind mannerOption 1: React in a colorblind manner

Option 2: Target specific groupsOption 2: Target specific groups

Option 3: Targeted UniversalismOption 3: Targeted Universalism

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Option 1: Colorblind Universal Option 1: Colorblind Universal PoliciesPolicies

Seemingly universal policies are not always universal Seemingly universal policies are not always universal in reality. in reality.

Universal policies often fail to account for the fact that Universal policies often fail to account for the fact that different communities and populations possess unique different communities and populations possess unique resources and needs.resources and needs.

Universal programs may not fulfill their anticipated Universal programs may not fulfill their anticipated impactimpact due to communities being constrained under due to communities being constrained under multiple layers of disadvantage.multiple layers of disadvantage.

~Treating people who are situated differently as Treating people who are situated differently as though they are the same can result in greater though they are the same can result in greater inequities.inequities.

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Option 1 Example: Social Option 1 Example: Social SecuritySecurity

““Universal” policies are often based on a non-Universal” policies are often based on a non-universal standard. universal standard.

• Social Security: this quintessential universal policy Social Security: this quintessential universal policy was based on:was based on:

~Able-bodied white males working outside the Able-bodied white males working outside the home full-time for payhome full-time for pay

~A definition of work that excluded womenA definition of work that excluded women

~Exclusions from benefits for farm workers and Exclusions from benefits for farm workers and domestics – jobs which many African Americans domestics – jobs which many African Americans heldheld

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Option 2: Targeted PoliciesOption 2: Targeted Policies

Conversely, targeted policies alone are not desirable Conversely, targeted policies alone are not desirable because they appear to show favoritism toward a because they appear to show favoritism toward a certain group, thus stigmatizing them.certain group, thus stigmatizing them.

• Targeted policies may appear to favor some groups Targeted policies may appear to favor some groups over others.over others.

• Targeted policies often are perceived as zero-sum.Targeted policies often are perceived as zero-sum.

• Advocating for targeted policies can be construed as Advocating for targeted policies can be construed as catering to “special interests” or advocating for catering to “special interests” or advocating for “preferences.”“preferences.”

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Option 3: Targeted Option 3: Targeted UniversalismUniversalism

Universal and targeted approaches are false choices.Universal and targeted approaches are false choices.

I advocate for a third option that acknowledges how people I advocate for a third option that acknowledges how people are situated differently while also respecting our linked fates. are situated differently while also respecting our linked fates.

This approach supports the needs of the particular while This approach supports the needs of the particular while reminding us that we are all part of the same social fabric.reminding us that we are all part of the same social fabric.

• Universal, yet captures how people are differently situated Universal, yet captures how people are differently situated

• Inclusive, yet targets those who are most marginalizedInclusive, yet targets those who are most marginalized

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What is Targeted What is Targeted Universalism?Universalism?

Targeting within universalism means identifying a Targeting within universalism means identifying a problem that afflicts marginalized communities, problem that afflicts marginalized communities, proposing a solution, and then broadening its scope to proposing a solution, and then broadening its scope to cover as many people as possible.cover as many people as possible.

Targeted universalism recognizes disparities and the Targeted universalism recognizes disparities and the importance of eradicating them, while acknowledging importance of eradicating them, while acknowledging their presence within a larger inequitable, institutional their presence within a larger inequitable, institutional framework.framework.

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Our Linked FatesOur Linked Fates Targeted universalism recognizes that problems faced Targeted universalism recognizes that problems faced

by particular segments of American society are not by particular segments of American society are not isolated circumstances but problems that could spill isolated circumstances but problems that could spill over into the lives of everyone.over into the lives of everyone.

• Example: The subprime credit crisis was not isolated Example: The subprime credit crisis was not isolated to only poor, urban communities; it has spread to only poor, urban communities; it has spread beyond these areas and has been felt throughout beyond these areas and has been felt throughout our global economy.our global economy.

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Targeted UniversalismTargeted Universalism

Targeted universalism is a common framework through Targeted universalism is a common framework through which to pursue justice.which to pursue justice.

• A model which recognizes our linked fateA model which recognizes our linked fate

• A model where we all grow togetherA model where we all grow together

• A model where we embrace collective solutionsA model where we embrace collective solutions

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A Community-Level A Community-Level ResponseResponse

Often the tendency is to focus on individuals.Often the tendency is to focus on individuals.

• The concept of diversity does not address people The concept of diversity does not address people being differently situated in relation to structures.being differently situated in relation to structures.

Instead, we need to seek a community-level response. Instead, we need to seek a community-level response.

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Re-thinking How Structures Are Re-thinking How Structures Are ArrangedArranged

We need to apply a targeted universalism paradigm to We need to apply a targeted universalism paradigm to highlight the needs of older adults, and older highlight the needs of older adults, and older marginalized adults.marginalized adults.

We need to re-think how structures in our society are We need to re-think how structures in our society are arranged.arranged.

““Race has been an important factor in building, Race has been an important factor in building, sustaining, and shifting the social and political sustaining, and shifting the social and political

structures and organizational arrangements that structures and organizational arrangements that control the distribution of opportunity and control the distribution of opportunity and

resources across all populations.”resources across all populations.”

Talking About Race Resource Notebook, Kirwan Institute.

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Questions or Comments? Questions or Comments? For More Information, Visit Us Online:For More Information, Visit Us Online:

www.KirwanInstitute.org

2009 06 10_aarp

Health & Medicine

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