A new study has found that extreme weather conditions, such as intense heat and severe cold, significantly increase the likelihood of seniors missing important doctor appointments.
With the dual challenges of aging and adverse weather impacting healthcare access, experts are recommending strategies to ensure elderly Americans can continue to attend their medical visits despite these environmental obstacles.
The study, conducted by Drexel University College of Medicine and published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, sheds light on the substantial impact that extreme temperatures have on seniors‘ attendance at medical visits.
According to the research, on days where temperatures soar above 90 degrees, there is a 0.64% increase in missed appointments for every degree increase.
The situation is even more dire in cold conditions, with a 0.72% rise in missed appointments for every degree drop below 39 degrees.
Nathalie S. May, M.D., a senior author of the study and a professor at Drexel University College of Medicine, expressed concern over these findings.
“The key finding is that people are less likely to keep their doctors’ appointments when it is extremely hot or extremely cold,” she stated.
The data analyzed in the study included over one million appointments involving 91,560 adult patients from January 2009 through December 2019, all scheduled at 13 university outpatient clinics in Philadelphia.
This extensive review allowed researchers to make comprehensive observations and comparisons against temperature and precipitation data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Experts outside of the study have echoed the concerns raised by the findings.
Lakelyn Eichenberger, PhD, a gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead, noted, “For many older adults, going to a doctor’s appointment takes considerable effort, especially for those with mobility issues, chronic conditions, complex medical needs or cognitive impairment.”
She pointed out that extreme or inclement weather only adds to these challenges, sometimes making it easier for seniors to skip appointments altogether.
To combat this issue, experts suggest several strategies:
- Plan Ahead for Safety: Scheduling appointments during milder weather conditions and monitoring forecasts to reschedule if extreme weather is anticipated can make a significant difference.
- Embrace Telehealth: With telemedicine proving effective during the COVID-19 pandemic, its permanent integration could prevent appointment misses. Telehealth also offers a lifeline for those with chronic conditions, providing easy access to healthcare providers without the risks posed by extreme weather.
- Ensure Reliable Transportation: Whether it’s ensuring a well-maintained personal vehicle or arranging rides through senior transportation programs, reliable transportation is crucial.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Carrying essential items such as water, snacks, and medications can help manage delays and ensure safety during travel to and from appointments.
These adaptive strategies could reduce the disruption of healthcare services due to weather, making sure that seniors receive the consistent care they need.
As the climate continues to pose new challenges, the healthcare system must adapt to meet the needs of its most vulnerable populations.