What Matters Most to Senior Citizens: Beyond Health Priorities

Contrary to common assumptions, health isn't the top priority for many senior citizens visiting walk-in care clinics. A comprehensive study conducted by researchers at Case Western Reserve University reveals that social activities and a sense of inclusion are considered most important among older adults. The research, analyzing responses from approximately 388,000 patients aged 65 and above across a nationwide network of about 900 clinics in 35 states, found that social engagement topped their list of priorities. This was followed by health concerns, independence, and family connection.

Nicholas Schiltz, an assistant professor at Case Western Reserve's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and co-leader of the study, expressed surprise at these findings. He noted, "While health is undeniably significant, these results highlight how complex older adults' needs are, emphasizing the importance of social inclusion just as much."

The purpose of understanding such priorities is to enhance patient-centered care and improve health outcomes. Tailoring healthcare plans to what truly matters to older adults—such as reducing fall risks for those valuing independence or supporting social activities—can lead to more effective and empathetic care delivery.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, utilized electronic health records from a diverse demographic of seniors seeking outpatient care between January 2021 and March 2024. Nearly 50% of participants cited social activities and inclusiveness as their primary concern, with others prioritizing health (21%), independence (17%), and family bonds (10.5%). The demographic composition was predominantly women (around two-thirds), mostly white (75%), with smaller representations of Asian, Black, and Hispanic populations. The data indicated that these preferences were consistent regardless of sex or ethnicity.

Mary Dolansky, a co-leader of the research and professor at the nursing school, emphasized that this work supports the broader initiative of creating Age-Friendly Health Systems, which aim to provide evidence-based, holistic care to older adults. She stressed the importance of addressing various dimensions of aging, including safe medication use, mental health assessments, and mobility support, to ensure the well-being of an aging population.

This research underscores the importance of listening to older adults' voices to shape healthcare that aligns with their values and priorities, fostering a more inclusive and effective healthcare environment.