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EPA head says he'll roll back dozens of environmental regulations, including rules on climate change; Environmental groups sue over permit for West Virginia valley fills; Doubling down on care: Ohio's push for caregiver tax relief; Uncertain future of Y-12 complex under Trump administration threatens jobs, economy.

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Senate Democrats refuse to support GOP budget bill. The EU and Canada respond to steel and aluminum tariffs and some groups work to counter Christian Nationalism, which they call a threat to democracy.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

OR ranks 16th in report on older adults' well-being

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Monday, June 3, 2024   

A new report looks at the well-being of older Americans.

The America's Health Ranking Senior Report showed a mixed bag for the living conditions of older adults. Oregon ranks 16th in the report.

Dr. Katie Drago, associate professor of medicine in geriatrics at Oregon Health and Science University, said one concerning metric in the report found worsening substance abuse among older Oregonians.

"Oftentimes we as medical providers may not think that someone older may be at risk for developing a relapse or a new onset substance-use condition," Drago acknowledged.

On the positive side, internet access has increased nationwide for older adults and early deaths decreased 8% between 2021 and 2022, although they did not dip below pre-pandemic levels.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, cited other troubling signs for the well-being of older adults.

"We see more seniors living with depression and frequent mental distress," Randall reported. "We see some challenges in some economic majors like poverty and worsening housing cost burden and more seniors saying that they have food insecurity, that they're worried about getting access to food."

Drago added when it comes to housing, many Oregonians want to age in place.

"To be able to live in the community and stay in a home that maybe they've lived in for a long time or it's an intergenerational family home," Drago explained. "We know there are real health benefits to being able and being supported to age in place."

Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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