Aging in the 100 largest metropolitan areas: how do older adults fare? Economic security and older Americans in 2020

New estimates from the 2020 Elder Index show that living expenses are high in metropolitan areas across the U.S., and many older singles and couples lack the resources needed to get by in their communities. Focusing on the 100 largest metropolitan areas, we compare the 2020 Elder Index to household incomes among adults aged 65 years or older living in one- and two-person households. Based on this comparison, we find that in each of the 100 largest metro areas, at least 37% of older singles are at risk of being unable to afford basic needs and age in their own homes, along with at least 12% of older couples. Rates of economic insecurity are far higher in some locations, reaching 60% or greater for singles and more than 40% for couples in selected metro areas