Older Americans and Willingness to Travel for Healthcare: Key Insights

Research from the USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research reveals that older Americans may be willing to travel farther for medical services than previously thought. As healthcare facilities consolidate, this could extend patient travel times to access specific services. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study surveys individuals aged 65 and older, showing a willingness to travel over an hour for both routine and specialized medical care.

The survey encompassed a nationally representative sample of older adults, indicating a readiness to endure significant travel times, especially for specialty treatments. This insight is vital for the future of telehealth. With remote healthcare expanding, the willingness of older patients to seek in-person services could impact telehealth's growth trajectory.

Soeren Mattke, senior study author and professor at the USC Dornsife Center's Brain Health Observatory, stressed the importance of access to care for this demographic. "Older adults often travel significant distances before delaying or forgoing care," Mattke stated. However, the study also highlights disparities in travel willingness based on socioeconomic status, noted by co-author Jeremy Burke.

The findings are crucial as health systems centralize services into regional hubs. This trend raises concerns about acceptable travel distances for older patients, frequently discussed in policy circles. Transportation services like ride-sharing and public transit can significantly facilitate medical access for seniors, especially those in vulnerable situations.

The study also highlights that older adults in urban areas may resist traveling long distances for care, emphasizing the need for local healthcare options. Research data from the Understanding America Study, involving 2,650 adults aged 65 and older, was supported by National Institute on Aging grants.

In conclusion, while many older Americans are willing to travel longer distances for healthcare, factors such as health status, financial resources, and transportation availability significantly influence their travel willingness. These findings are essential for healthcare providers, policymakers, and transportation planners aiming to improve healthcare accessibility for seniors.