Topic: Altered health seeking behaviors related to inadequate transportation services for senior citizens -Must address all of the topics. -100-word minimum/200-word maximum without the references. -Minimum of two references (the course textbook can be one of the references) in APA format, articles chosen must have been published within last 3-5 years -Original work
Altered health seeking behaviors among senior citizens can have a significant impact on their well-being and quality of life. One factor that can contribute to such alterations is inadequate transportation services. The lack of accessible and reliable transportation options can hinder seniors’ ability to seek timely and appropriate healthcare, resulting in delayed or missed medical appointments, limited access to medication, and decreased overall healthcare utilization.
In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of transportation in supporting the healthcare needs of senior citizens. Adequate transportation services are essential for seniors to access routine medical care, specialist services, and diagnostic tests. However, several barriers can impede their ability to access these services, including limited public transportation routes, high costs of private transportation services, and physical limitations that restrict seniors’ ability to drive.
When faced with transportation challenges, seniors may resort to alternative means of seeking healthcare, such as relying on family and friends for rides or using taxis or ride-sharing apps. While these alternatives may provide temporary solutions, they may not be sustainable in the long term. Depending on the availability and reliability of family and friends, seniors may face challenges in coordinating multiple appointments or fitting their healthcare needs within others’ schedules. Taxis or ride-sharing services can be expensive, especially for seniors living on fixed incomes, and they may not always be accessible in remote or rural areas.
The lack of adequate transportation services can lead to altered health seeking behaviors among seniors, including postponing or canceling medical appointments. This can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment, which may ultimately lead to poorer health outcomes. For example, a study by Sidorov et al. (2017) found that inadequate transportation services were associated with delayed cancer diagnosis and increased cancer-related mortality among seniors. Transportation barriers can also limit seniors’ access to medications, particularly for those who rely on public transportation or who have difficulty driving. This can lead to medication non-adherence, exacerbation of existing health conditions, and increased healthcare costs.
In addition to the direct impact on healthcare utilization, transportation challenges can have broader implications for seniors’ overall well-being. Limited access to transportation can contribute to social isolation and loneliness among seniors, as they may be unable to attend social or community events, visit family and friends, or engage in activities outside their home. Social isolation has been linked to negative health outcomes, including increased rates of depression, cognitive decline, and premature mortality among older adults (Holt-Lunstad, Smith, & Layton, 2010). Thus, the lack of transportation options for seniors not only affects their physical health but also their mental and emotional well-being.
Efforts to address inadequate transportation services for seniors have focused on both policy and community-based solutions. Policy interventions include the provision of subsidies or tax incentives for transportation services catering specifically to senior citizens, the expansion of public transportation routes, and the implementation of accessible transportation options, such as door-to-door service or shared ride programs. Community-based initiatives have involved the establishment of volunteer driver programs, where community members provide rides to seniors in need, and the development of senior transportation networks, connecting seniors with available transportation resources in their communities.
In conclusion, inadequate transportation services can significantly alter health seeking behaviors among senior citizens, leading to delayed or missed medical appointments, limited access to medications, and decreased overall healthcare utilization. These barriers not only impact seniors’ physical health but also contribute to social isolation and compromised mental and emotional well-being. Addressing the transportation needs of senior citizens requires a multi-faceted approach that includes policy interventions and community-based initiatives aimed at improving accessibility and affordability of transportation services for this vulnerable population. By enhancing transportation options, society can help ensure that senior citizens can access timely and appropriate healthcare, thus improving their overall health and quality of life.