Projects + Programs

Long-Term Care: Perceptions, and Attitudes among Americans 40 or Older

The U.S. population is aging rapidly, with projections that the population of those over age 65 will nearly double by the time the last baby boomers reach age 65. In 2000, seniors comprised 12 percent of the U.S. population. By 2030, that number is expected to rise to 19 percent or 72 million Americans over the age of 65. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projections estimate that 70 percent of Americans who reach the age of 65 will need some form of long-term care in their lives for an average of three years. With the aging population come important social and public policy questions about preparing for and providing quality long-term care.

America's Lower-Wage Workforce

With a focus on generating new and actionable data on the lower-wage workforce in America to inform the national dialogue, the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs research conducted a unique two-part study to better understand how lower-wage workers and employers think about jobs and opportunities for advancing workers’ careers.

Obesity in the United States: Public Perceptions

The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted a nationally representative household survey with more than 1,000 adults to measure the general public’s opinions about obesity and obesity-related health issues in the United States. The survey assessed how the public understands the reasons behind the rising rates of obesity in the U.S., the connection between obesity and health issues including diabetes, and the role of government in addressing obesity. The results provide insight into the public’s perception of the severity of the obesity problem and their feeling about where responsibility lies for implementing solutions.