Falls, disability, and hunger are common problems for California seniors. A new study from UCLA reveals nearly 800,000 older Californians are affected by at least one of these issues. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.
The study is based on a statewide survey. It finds more than 450,000 seniors fell more than once in 2003.
The report also reveals one in every 12 California seniors had trouble putting enough food on the table.
Dr. Steven Wallace from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research wrote the report. He says too many seniors forgo buying prescriptions so they can eat.
Wallace : So they're stretching out their blood pressure medication or they're not taking their diabetes medication, which can lead to really substantial complications of chronic conditions that they have.
Wallace says the state needs to increase Supplemental Security Income payments to seniors, and fund more senior nutrition programs.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
