Understanding Aging Inequality with Deborah Carr

In this episode of 'Risking Old Age in America,' host Harry Margolis speaks with Deborah Carr, a sociology professor and director of the Center for Innovation in Social Sciences at Boston University. They discuss her book, 'Golden Years, Social Inequality and Later Life,' emphasizing how small disadvantages in finances, education, and health accumulate over time, leading to greater disparities as people age. The conversation covers topics like life expectancy gaps, racial inequalities, gender differences in aging, housing insecurity, and the impact of socioeconomic factors on the quality of life for older adults. They also explore the demographic trend of increasing numbers of people aged 85 and above and the societal challenges this poses, urging the need for robust social policies and individual planning to ensure a dignified old age for everyone.

Get Deborah’s book, 'Golden Years, Social Inequality and Later Life,': https://a.co/d/8sQM0Vl

Topics

00:47 Understanding Cumulative Disadvantage

02:33 Life Expectancy and Health Disparities

06:31 Racial Inequalities in Aging

11:34 Gender Disparities in Old Age

16:51 The Growing Elderly Population

19:14 Addressing Inequality in Elder Care

24:06 Policy Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Risking Old Age in America