AARP Research

06/15/2026

Artificial intelligence is becoming more common in health care, but many older adults still aren't sure if, or how, it is being used. Our latest research finds that just 19% of adults age 50+ believe their health care providers use AI, while 6 in 10 say they simply don't know.⁠
⁠
When it comes to AI in health care, comfort levels depend on how the technology is being used. Adults 50+ are more comfortable with AI helping with administrative functions, such as billing documentation (54%) or summarizing conversations during appointments (53%), than with AI assisting in diagnosis or treatment recommendations (38%) or prior authorization decisions (30%).⁠
⁠
Notably, only 9% of adults age 50+ say a health care provider has ever explained that AI was being used as part of their care.⁠ Have you ever had a health care provider discuss the use of AI during your care?⁠

Explore the full findings: http://spr.ly/6000BDGVBY

06/13/2026

This Pride Month, we're highlighting findings from our newly released digital experience, “Dignity and Pride in Every Chapter: Experiences and Concerns of Older LGBTQ+ Adults,” which explores the priorities, challenges, and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ adults as they age.⁠
⁠
Caregiving is one area where many older LGBTQ+ adults report significant stress and responsibility. Among LGBTQ+ adults age 45+, 62% have been or are currently caregivers.⁠ A majority say they feel emotionally stressed by their caregiving responsibilities⁠, and roughly half say they have felt obligated to provide care when they did not want to⁠.
⁠
Some caregivers also face unique challenges related to acceptance. Among LGBTQ+ family caregivers age 45+, 14% say they have felt obligated to provide care for someone who is not accepting of their identity. Among transgender adults, that figure rises to 28%.⁠
⁠
Have you ever faced challenges balancing caregiving responsibilities with your own well-being? How did you navigate them?⁠

Keep reading: http://spr.ly/6001B8hVlh

06/11/2026

How important is public transportation to adults age 50+? Our latest research finds that even though most adults age 50+ drive themselves where they need to go, two-thirds (66%) say it's important to have a variety of transportation options available in their community, including 39% who say it is very or extremely important.

When it comes to public transportation, older adults say the most important features are:

• Timeliness and reliability (63%)
• Safety (63%)
• Accessibility for people with disabilities (61%)
• Routes that connect people to where they need to go (58%)
• Ease of use (57%)

Additionally, three-quarters or more say it's important for transit to be close to grocery stores or food markets, have proper lighting and shelter at stops, and be clean and well-maintained. Our findings also indicate that 75% of adults age 50+ support legislation that promotes transit-oriented development.

Do you think your community offers enough transportation options for people of all ages?

➡️ Link in comments to keep reading.

An AARP survey finds strong support among adults age 50+ for transit‑oriented development.

06/10/2026

Health care costs are a consistent concern and often play a role in day-to-day financial decisions. Nearly half of adults age 50+ are worried about covering the cost of health care or health insurance. These concerns can influence how people budget, save, and plan for both the near term and the future.

Is planning for health care costs something you think about regularly, or more on an as-needed basis? Link in comments to learn more.

Financial insecurity increased slightly in 2026, with 42% of adults age 30-plus feeling insecure, up from 40% in January 2025.

06/04/2026

For many U.S. adults, AM radio serves as an important source of news, weather updates, traffic information, and emergency alerts. While most adults age 50+ have access to AM radio in their vehicles, only about one in three say they regularly listen to it while driving. Even so, more than half say it is important for vehicles to continue having AM radio.

Our research also explores opinions on proposed federal legislation that would require all vehicles sold in the U.S. to include AM radio at no additional cost to consumers.

Share below: Do you listen to AM radio in the car? What do you usually tune in for?

Link in comments for the full report.

06/02/2026

Nearly all adults age 50+ (98%) say maintaining a healthy diet is important. However, for those familiar with U.S. dietary guidelines, there is notable skepticism about whether the guidelines are easy to follow, affordable, or realistic.⁠
⁠
Our survey reveals that while commitment to healthy eating is high, U.S. dietary guidelines don't feel clear or practical to everyone, due to existing health conditions, budget, and more.
⁠
Our study also finds that awareness of the new Eat Real Food guidelines may influence eating habits. Adults age 50+ who are familiar with the new guidelines plan to consume:⁠
⁠
• less highly processed foods (61%)⁠
• more fruits and vegetables (58%)⁠
• less sugar-sweetened foods and drinks (56%)⁠
⁠
Tell us: Have you heard of the new Eat Real Food guidelines?⁠
⁠
Learn more: http://spr.ly/6002B8Y2Xj

AARP research examines how older adults view U.S. dietary guidelines overall and their views of the new Eat Real Food guidelines.

05/29/2026

What does “financial security in retirement” mean today, and how attainable does it feel for older adults? Over half of adults age 50+ say they’re worried about having enough money to last through their retirement years. That uncertainty can shape decisions about when to retire, how much to save, and what kind of lifestyle feels realistic over the long term.

Do you think you’ll retire later than you had planned? For those who are already retired, did you work longer than you’d intended to?

➡️ Link in comments to explore the 2026 Financial Security Trends Survey.

05/27/2026

Did you know? The last Wednesday in May is National Senior Health and Fitness Day!

Fitness researchers say healthy aging depends not only on staying physically active, but on combining different kinds of movement that help support your heart, strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility over time. According to Dr. Elizabeth Joy, healthy aging involves movements that “get your heart rate up, build strength, challenge your balance, and keep your joints moving.”

Explore four types of exercise to incorporate as you age: http://spr.ly/6008B8X6W0

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the military service members who gave their lives in service to our country. We also reflect on the experiences of the millions of veterans and military families whose lives continue to be shaped by that service.

As part of that reflection, “Veterans 50+: The Journey of Aging with Dignity and Strength” offers an interactive digital experience highlighting the lives, contributions, and challenges of veterans age 50+ through data, video interviews, and personal stories.

Inside, you’ll find:
• Information on key issues affecting veterans today, including health care access and homelessness
• Veterans’ unique perspectives through video interviews and stories
• Resources to help veterans and their families find benefits and support

Our veterans’ stories matter—and understanding their experiences is essential to ensuring they are seen, heard, and supported as they age.

This digital experience illustrates personal stories by veterans 50+ and reveals their strength, wisdom, and the evolving journey of life after service.

05/21/2026

Today is World Meditation Day, a reminder of the important role mindfulness and stress management can play in overall well-being. Our research points to many older adults being familiar with meditation, but few regularly taking advantage of its potential benefits.

Our survey revealed that:
• 63% of adults age 50+ are familiar with meditation
• 44% have ever practiced meditation
• 87% of those who meditate say it helps reduce stress
• Among those who meditate, 71% say they never use a meditation app

Do you meditate? If so, do you use a meditation app? Why or why not?

Link in comments.