What we know for sure is that these gaps didn’t happen by accident. What we also know for sure is that health, wealth, and life span are all interconnected—when one is limited, all are affected.
While our generation has had greater access to education, employment opportunities, information and resources, Black people still experience shorter lives, lower wealth, and more barriers to wellness. That’s why we need you to be a part of our community to learn and inspire others to grow Better Gray together.
Yours in Better Grayness,
Desireé
THE WEALTH GAP
In 2021, the typical White household held 10 times more wealth ($250,000+) than the typical Black household ($24,000–$45,000).
THE WEALTH GAP
Only 39% of Black households own a home, compared to nearly 70% of White households.
THE WEALTH GAP
Fewer Black households hold retirement accounts (43.9% vs 65.6%) and, when they do, median balances are considerably lower ($23,400 vs $100,000).
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A Message from the Chief Gray Officer
Welcome to Better Gray! As founder and Chief Gray Officer, I am thrilled that you are here. I started this community because I firmly believe that we all deserve the opportunity to live our best and healthiest life as we age—or, as I like to say, “gray in place.” Throughout my career as a broadcast journalist, public relations consultant, and health communications strategist, I have learned that access to information, resources, and expertise is not equitable or achievable for everyone. Those differences, also known as disparities or inequalities, can negatively impact your ability to live a happy, healthy, and long life. The Better Gray Community welcomes everyone who seeks information on the best strategies for effectively graying in place. Our focus, however, remains to help improve the health, wealth, and overall quality of life for Black people.
WHY?
The statistics answer that question:
LIFE EXPECTANCY
Black men in the U.S. live, on average, 6–10 years less than White men—currently around 72.8 years.
HEALTH & QUALITY OF LIFE
Over 1-in-5 Black adults report poor or fair health—
a rate higher than any other major group.
LIFE EXPECTANCY
Black women live around 75 years, still several years less than their White counterparts.
HEALTH & QUALITY OF LIFE
38.7% of Black men and 55.9% of Black women are obese and hypertension affects 56.8% of men, 61.0% of women among Black adults.
HEALTH & QUALITY OF LIFE
Black women enter menopause about 0.6–1.2 years earlier than White women, and the menopause transition lasts approximately 3.5 years longer for Black women compared to White women.
HEALTH & QUALITY OF LIFE
Access to health care is still a barrier: more than 10% of Black adults lack insurance, and many face racism or bias when seeking care.
HEALTH & QUALITY OF LIFE
Environmental and social conditions—like living near pollution and having limited or no access to healthcare, transportation, safe environments, or clean air—deeply impact Black health and well-being.