Help Older Adults Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic

AARP Foundation, AARP's charitable affiliate, is raising critically needed funds to provide resources and support to low-income seniors facing unexpected challenges, including increased economic hardship and social isolation during these times.

People who can make donations may do so via this website. All donations are tax-deductible, and UnitedHealthcare will match donations, dollar for dollar, up to $500,000.

"Older low-income adults are among the most vulnerable during this pandemic. Many don't have enough to eat, can't buy needed medicines and are becoming even more socially isolated,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, president of AARP Foundation. “These issues have a long-term impact on their health and well-being. They need our help now more than ever.”

As the nation works to save lives and contain the spread of the coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 respiratory illness, Americans of all ages have had their lives disrupted. But advocates for those 50 and older have voiced concern about the ways that this group may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic. For one, older people, especially those with underlying health conditions, may face elevated risks if they become infected with the virus.

But the pandemic's impact on the health of older Americans reaches further. Many of these adults may need additional assistance to pay for food or otherwise feed themselves, as food banks and volunteer meal-delivery services shut down temporarily. What's more, older folks may experience increased social isolation during this time. And as the nation's unemployment rate rises, when the time comes to return to work, adults ages 50 and older may have difficulty finding new jobs because of age bias.