As the 2024 election approaches, a recent study sheds light on the top health concerns among people aged 50 and older, a crucial demographic for candidates at all levels of government. The study, published in JAMA by researchers from the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, analyzed data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted in February and March 2024.
The study revealed that the cost of healthcare is a major worry for older adults, with issues such as medical care, prescription drugs, long-term care, health insurance, and dental care ranking among the top concerns. Financial scams and fraud also made the list of top health concerns, highlighting the mental distress caused by such schemes.
Interestingly, the study found variations in concerns based on factors such as age, gender, and political ideology. Self-identified liberals were more likely to express very high levels of concern about healthcare costs compared to moderates and conservatives. Women also showed higher levels of concern than men when it came to medical care and prescription drug costs.
Moreover, the study highlighted differences based on age and location, with those in their 50s and early 60s expressing more concern about healthcare costs than older age groups. Additionally, individuals living in rural areas were more worried about the cost of medical care compared to those in metropolitan areas.
The findings underscore the importance of candidates being well-informed about the healthcare concerns of older voters. While efforts have been made to reduce healthcare costs for older adults, the study suggests a strong desire for more action across different demographic groups and political ideologies.
In addition to healthcare costs, the study identified access to quality care in homes or facilities, healthcare quality, misleading health information, and access to affordable healthy foods as other top concerns among older adults.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the health-related worries of older adults ahead of the upcoming election. It emphasizes the need for policymakers to address these concerns and prioritize the healthcare needs of this vital demographic.
For more information on the study, you can refer to the original publication in JAMA and explore additional reports from the National Poll on Healthy Aging. The University of Michigan played a key role in conducting this research, highlighting their commitment to understanding and addressing the health concerns of older adults.
