The Buzz

Journalists from the Investigative Reporting Program at UC Berkeley are sharing the experiences of older adults living in community through an equity lens. Recent coverage includes:

• ‘It Makes a Humongous Difference’: Lack of Wi-Fi in City Single-Room Occupancy Hotels Deepens Residents’ Isolation (San Francisco Chronicle)
• Hope and Disappointment for the Homeless in Oakland (The New York Times)
• ‘How Am I Going to Keep This Up?’ COVID Intensifies Plight of Family Caregivers (CalMatters)

Also, summer polling from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) showed Americans generally think their communities offer the services needed to age at home. Yet, people of color and people with lower incomes are less likely to report their area does a good job providing health care, transportation, and in-home supports, among other services.

An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) poll finds that many older adults continue to worry about COVID-19 infection and are more likely to practice social distancing. To cope with increased isolation, older adults are using video chat, social media, and telehealth when needed.

Read the press release and related Associated Press coverage.

The latest Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) poll shows Americans generally think their communities offer the services needed to age at home. Yet, people of color and people with lower incomes are less likely to report their area does a good job providing health care, transportation, and in-home supports, among other services.

“Americans want to age at home, but not all populations have the ability to do so—particularly communities of color and those of lower socioeconomic status,” said Dr. Sarita A. Mohanty, President & CEO of The SCAN Foundation. “Through the thoughtful use of the American Rescue Plan funds, states and localities can make a huge difference by creating more equitable access to key community services that make living well and safely at home a reality.”

Read the related Associated Press coverage.

In 2020, TSF acknowledged the depth of disruptive change, focused on resiliency through creativity, and remained committed to its mission. Read our annual report.

Read recent articles highlighting thoughts from our new President and CEO, Dr.

Sarita Mohanty, and TSF grantee work:

• The New York Times spoke with Dr. Mohanty on how COVID-19 made many families and older adults reconsider nursing home care.
• In an op-ed for The Hill, Dr. Mohanty shares why investing in a Master Plan for Aging and person-centered care models is essential.
• The Sacramento Bee article describes how the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps older adults age well in community during COVID-19 (via UC Berkeley Investigative Reporting Program).
• The Associated Press reported that Americans believe government should help adults age at home, according to a new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll.

A new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) shows strong public support for government policies to help people age in their own homes and communities. Given the choice, most Americans want to receive care and support at home as they grow older.

• Read the AP Story: Government should help Americans age at home
• Review the report

Likely voters across California were surveyed on their support of the Master Plan for Aging and state leadership investment in key goals. On May 3, join us for this special briefing to hear poll findings and a discussion among key state leaders and stakeholders.

Register Here

New polling from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) shows that more than one-third of U.S. family caregivers have seen their responsibilities increase due to COVID-19. Yet, 2020 has not led to any heightened awareness when it comes to preparations for growing older or providing support to others.

A related Associated Press article further distills caregivers’ current experiences. 

In the midst of crisis, the Master Plan for Aging remains a top priority.

Watch the recording from our Aug. 10 briefing and review related materials.

• Presentation: California Voters Weigh in on the Master Plan for Aging in Light of COVID-19
• Press release
• Infographic

California voters have spoken: In the midst of crisis, the Master Plan remains a top priority.

Read Dr. Chernof’s latest Perspectives and review materials from yesterday’s briefing:

• Presentation: California Voters Weigh in on the Master Plan for Aging in Light of COVID-19
• Press release
• Infographic

On Monday, August 10, join us to hear findings from our latest poll on what California voters think about the Master Plan activities in light of COVID-19. See the full agenda.

• Zoom webinar link: https://zoom.us/j/96766953576
• Or iPhone one-tap: US: +14086380968,,96766953576#  or +16699006833,,96766953576#
• Or Telephone: US: +1 408 638 0968  or +1 669 900 6833  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 646 876 9923

Last year, we celebrated the power of communications to broaden awareness and impact change for older adults and families. Check out our 2019 Annual Report.

A poll from NORC shows that a majority of U.S. adults age 70 and older have canceled or delayed medical care since social distancing began due to COVID-19. It also reveals that 20 percent of older adults have had a telehealth appointment, and almost half say the experience was about the same as their in-person visits. Access the chart pack for the full findings and visualizations.

A new poll from NORC, sponsored by The John A. Hartford Foundation and TSF, shows that a majority of U.

S. adults age 70 and older have canceled or delayed medical care since social distancing began due to COVID-19, including one in six who have delayed essential medical treatments.

The nationally representative survey reveals that 20 percent of older adults have had a telehealth appointment, and almost half say the experience was about the same as their in-person visits.

Read the full poll findings.