H i g h l i g h t s l Nineteen percent of persons 70 years of age and older had visual impairments. Visual impairments, including blindness, increased with age; the level of blindness among older Americans has remained constant between 1984 and 1995.
We report on the use of home- and community-based services and other senior services and factors affecting utilization of both among Americans over age 60 in the Health and Retirement Study. Those using home- and community-based services were more likely than to be older, single, Black, lower income, receiving Medicaid, and in worse health. Past use of less traditional senior services, such as exercise classes and help with tax preparation, were found to be associated with current use of home- and community-based services. These findings suggest use of less traditional senior services may serve as a ‘gateway’ to home- and community-based services that can help keep older adults living in the community.
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