Perspectives S37/Ep31 The new challenges facing our senior community

As America grows older, a new report suggests our biggest challenge may not simply be adding years to life — but adding life to those years. The 2026 America’s Health Rankings Senior Report paints a complicated picture for older adults nationally and here in Georgia: encouraging gains in preventive care and access in some areas, but troubling increases in behavioral health concerns, social isolation, and barriers that can affect healthy aging. Today we’re joined by Dr. Joel Caschette, Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare Medicare and Retirement, to help us understand what these numbers really mean — and more importantly, what families, caregivers and communities can do now to help older adults remain healthier, safer, more connected and more independent.