It probably goes without saying that it is a good thing that the life spans of Americans are increasing. While we all might be able to look forward to longer lives than the generations before us experienced, a recent report indicated that longer lives may also come with more people living with disabilities.
A study conducted by the University of Southern California determined that lifespans have increased over the last few decades for both men and women. But, the study also found that many people will live into advanced age only to be troubled with a health problem or disability of some kind.
These findings may leave many people, including public policymakers, wondering what steps can be implemented to ensure that Americans are aging well and maintaining their health as they get older. In general, people obviously tend to have greater health problems as they get older, but many people are able to push through their health problems or disabilities and continue to work. But, if people are becoming disabled at a greater rate in advanced age, the inability to work may result in more people applying for Social Security Disability benefits.
The good news is that SSD benefits are there for this very purpose – to help provide financial assistance to workers who have met their obligations and paid into the disability system. Now, it is up to the legislators and policymakers in Washington, D.C. to make sure that these benefits remain available to the workers who may need them in the years to come.
Source: Science Daily, “Americans live longer but with disabilities or health issues, study shows,” April 15, 2016