“Why do some senior citizens avoid seeing the doctor?”
My mother is 82 and she doesn't want to see a doctor. She refuses and would rather not go. Why do some senior citizens avoid seeing the doctor?
1 Answer
The list of reasons is quite long, but some factors could include: 1. They may not be able to afford care due to restrictive insurance coverages, deductibles, and copays. 2. Transportation to and from appointments may be an issue. 3. They have cognitive impairment and are unable to manage scheduling appointments, etc. 4. They may be depressed or anxious and not seek out care or may not have the energy or motivation to do so. 5. Their insight might be limited and they do not feel they need care, or they've had a prior traumatic experience in the medical system that becomes a barrier. 6. There may be cultural barriers such as a different understanding of what's causing the symptoms. These are just some of the barriers that play a role.
