The recession has had a "devastating impact" on African-Americans age 45 and up, according to a new survey by AARP.

The survey, which is part of AARP's continued look at how African-Americans age 45 and older are faring in this economy, found that over the last year:

33 percent of African-Americans age 45 and older said they've had problems paying rent or mortgage.

44 percent had problems paying for essential items, such as food and utilities.

18 percent lost a job, nearly twice the rate of the general population.

23 percent lost their employer-sponsored health care.

34 percent stopped putting money into a 401(k), IRA or other retirement account.

26 percent withdrew funds from their retirement nest eggs early to pay for living expenses, including mortgage or rent, health care, education expenses and for other reasons.

31 percent have cut back on their medications.

28 percent have carried a higher balance on their credit cards during the past 12 months.

African-Americans, like many others hurt by the tough times, have taken steps to lessen the economic sting, the survey noted.

Half of those surveyed postponed plans to travel, and two-thirds cut entertainment expenses. Even in the tough job market, 12 percent of those age 65 and up returned to the work force from retirement.