Updated: February, 2024

Author: Planning Unit, Vermont Department of Health

This indicator, or population measure, is part of our Healthy Vermonters 2030 data set. Read more about how this data helps us understand and improve the well-being of people in Vermont on the Healthy Vermonters 2030 webpage.

Because this data is meant to show how the health of our state changes during the decade from 2020-2030, some indicators may have very few data points for now. Keep checking back to see the progress our public health system and partners are making.

By 2030 we would like to consistently see less than 5% of people 65 and over in Vermont living below the poverty level.

Currently, the percent of older adults (65+) in Vermont living below the poverty level (8%) is slightly lower than the total percent of all people in Vermont (10% in 2021). While this is a good thing, it is still very concerning given that the proportion of people in Vermont over age 65 is predicted to continue growing to more than 25% of the total population by 2030.

Looking for more data?

• See previous data similar to this indicator from our 2020 Scorecards.
• See the corresponding national Healthy People 2030 objective for the proportion of people living in poverty.

Economic opportunity is a significant contributor to health status. The ability to afford healthy foods, pay for healthcare, maintain safe and healthy housing, and access healthy places to work and play are all dependent on having enough money.  

The percent of people 65 and over living in poverty in Vermont is lower than the national rate (10.3% in 2021), however there are still a significant number of people who lack the financial resources to get the things they need to be healthy. People living below the poverty level may have less opportunity to maintain or improve their health and well-being.

There are many services available to help people with their essential social and health needs, however, accessing those services is not always easy. Specifically for older adults, lack of reliable transportation can be a real barrier. And despite the many social supports for older people, such as Medicare and Social Security, there are still challenges. Many people who are retired rely on a fixed income and are not able to significantly increase their finances by changing jobs or seeking new employment. Everyone’s likelihood of having a chronic illness or a disability increases as we age. Medicare doesn’t always cover the necessary costs of care.  

Understanding the financial situation of older adults in Vermont is important for many sectors and organizations. It is especially important because of the continually growing proportion of people in Vermont who are over age 65. The data can help inform budget and policy decisions, the location of social and public health services, and the priorities and strategies of state and community-based organizations. Supporting the health and well-being of everyone in Vermont regardless of their financial situation will improve things for all of us.

We know that overall in Vermont, there are disparities in financial wellbeing between different races and ethnicities. We don’t have enough data to show whether these disparities are the same specifically for people who are age 65 and over, however the causes and effects of such disparities impact us all the same.

Having enough money provides more options when making choices that develop and improve good health. Choices like where to live, what food to eat, where to play and be active, and when and where to get medical care. Living below the poverty level means that options are often limited. When combined with other systemic factors that also limit options, some people are left with very few good choices.

For example, people who are discriminated against or treated differently because of age or disability status face barriers to good health that are multiplied if they also face other barriers to having enough money.

It is also important to remember that poor health can have a negative impact on how many financial resources a person has. The pandemic negatively impacted the economy for almost everyone because of the overwhelming costs and disruptions from COVID-19. People with chronic health conditions, mobility issues or other disabilities, or who are caregivers for family members with physical or cognitive disabilities are all impacted financially. Such conditions become more likely as we age and so they are more likely to impact people over age 65 in Vermont.

See more about how low-income Vermonters with Medicare still need and receive support for paying for medical care. Of note, The Office of the Health Care Advocate highlights that “Medicare is not free”.

Interested in the real life experiences of our older neighbors and communities struggling to afford healthcare and other costs? Read more from Vermont Legal Aid Medicare Stories.

No single organization or group of organizations can easily change the broad economic situation in Vermont. However, there are opportunities to make sure healthy choices and healthy environments are available and affordable for older adults.

Here are some organizations and strategies that we can continue to support and expand.

• Age Strong Vermont Plan is a 10-year plan for “enhancing and securing the right for all Vermonters to age safely and happily, while maintaining dignity and respect”. The development and implementation of the plan is cross-sector and requires multi-agency collaboration to address the many interconnected aspects of aging.
• Area Agencies on Aging are a network of local organizations that support people ago 60+ and their families. They help with food access, Medicare and healthcare navigation, prevention and wellness support, case management, caregiver support, education, and more.
• Older Vermonters Act passed in 2020 focuses on eight guiding principles, the first of which is financial security.

The target of 5% was chosen based on historical trends and as a lofty but achievable improvement through collective effort by 2030.

Data comes from the U.S. Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates (table S1701).

The Federal Poverty Level is a measure of income determined every year by the Department of Health and Human Services. These rates change each year and are used to determine eligibility for many social programs and benefits.