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Study: Older adults spend three weeks each year receiving health care outside the home

Picture this: a group of lively seniors, armed with appointment cards and ready for action. According to a new study, older adults are spending an average of three weeks each year outside their homes on a special mission – health care appointments! It’s like a season of a reality show, but instead of island hopping, it’s hopping from one health care service to another.

This isn’t just any study; it’s a cross-sectional look at more than 6,500 adults aged 65 and older. The findings, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, reveal that 11% of these spirited seniors are out and about for 50 or more days each year, receiving health care services. It’s like having a part-time job where the job is taking care of yourself!

Imagine this: half of the days spent getting a test are not coordinated with a doctor’s visit. It’s like planning a party and the guests arrive on different days! The study suggests there’s room for improvement, like syncing tests with doctor visits, to make life a bit easier for our senior friends.

Smile, black woman or doctor consulting a patient in meeting in hospital for healthcare feedback or support. Happy, medical or nurse with a mature person talking or speaking of test results or advice

Interestingly, the study found that office visits, tests, and procedures are less likely on Fridays. Maybe health care providers think seniors are kicking off their weekends early? But hey, Fridays could be more convenient for some. It’s like missing out on a prime day for socializing at the clinic.

The researchers, a team from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, dove into the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data to unearth these gems. On average, older adults spent about 20.7 days in a year on health care adventures outside the home, with 17.3 days dedicated to ambulatory services like office visits. It’s like a mini-tour of medical facilities.

Who’s out there the most? The study shows that those with younger spirits, female seniors, those who identify as white or non-Hispanic, high-earners, educated folks, city dwellers, individuals with more chronic conditions, and proactive health care seekers are the front runners in this health care marathon.

Comforting hand on shoulder of man

The results shine a light on factors beyond just clinical need that might influence these healthcare escapades. It’s like a behind-the-scenes look at what drives our seniors to and from these appointments.

But here’s the twist: patient preference for these health care contact days may vary. It’s not one-size-fits-all. An accompanying editorial from experts at Weill Cornell Medicine and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center points out that we can’t really say if all these days are clinically necessary. They suggest more research, including chats with patients and stakeholders, to really understand this health care journey.

So, there you have it – a glimpse into the busy world of health care for our older adults. It’s a blend of necessary care, a bit of logistics juggling, and perhaps an opportunity for more streamlined adventures. But one thing’s for sure: our senior crowd is out there, making the most of their golden years, one health care visit at a time!