Altered Health Seeking Behaviors Related To Inadequate Trans
Altered Health Seeking Behaviors Related To Inadequate Transpor
Topic: Altered health seeking behaviors related to inadequate transportation services for senior citizens -Develop at least one program goal and two related outcomes. -Discuss the rationale for your selection of the priority problem. -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.
Paper For Above instruction
The issue of inadequate transportation services significantly affects the health-seeking behaviors of senior citizens, leading to decreased access to healthcare, delayed treatments, and poorer health outcomes. The primary priority is addressing transportation barriers because they directly hinder seniors from attending regular medical appointments, participating in preventative care, and managing chronic conditions effectively. Without reliable transportation, seniors often rely on emergency services or neglect necessary care, exacerbating health disparities. Therefore, improving transportation access is vital to enhancing healthcare utilization among this population. Developing a targeted program with clear goals can mitigate these barriers and promote healthier aging through increased healthcare engagement.
A specific program goal is to improve transportation accessibility for senior citizens to facilitate timely healthcare visits. The first outcome would be a 30% increase in the number of seniors attending scheduled medical appointments within the first year of program implementation. The second outcome is a 20% reduction in missed or rescheduled appointments due to transportation issues. These outcomes are measurable and directly tied to the program’s objective of eliminating transportation-related barriers. Enhanced transportation access not only improves health outcomes but also promotes independence and social engagement among seniors, thereby reducing healthcare costs and improving quality of life.
The rationale for prioritizing transportation barriers stems from extensive evidence indicating that transportation insecurity is a critical social determinant of health (Syed et al., 2019). Studies highlight that seniors with limited transportation options are more likely to delay or avoid medical care, leading to worse health conditions and higher emergency care utilization (Gupta et al., 2021). Addressing transportation needs aligns with public health strategies emphasizing equity and access, especially as the aging population continues to grow (Hwang & Park, 2020). Furthermore, improving transportation infrastructure tailored for seniors aligns with the goal of promoting health equity, ensuring that vulnerable populations do not experience preventable health declines due to logistical challenges.
In conclusion, addressing inadequate transportation services directly influences health-seeking behaviors among seniors. A structured program with specific goals and outcomes can significantly improve healthcare access, reduce disparities, and promote healthier aging. Recognizing transportation as a social determinant of health underscores the importance of integrated community-based interventions. Future policy efforts must prioritize transportation improvements to foster equitable healthcare access and optimize health outcomes for the aging population.
References
Gupta, S., Gellad, Z., & Tsai, J. (2021). Transportation insecurity and health outcomes among older adults: A systematic review. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 33(4), 382–399.
Hwang, U., & Park, Y. (2020). Transportation as a social determinant of health: Challenges and opportunities to improve healthcare access. Public Health Reports, 135(1), 11–15.
Syed, S. T., Gerber, B. S., & Sharp, L. K. (2019). Traveling towards better health: The role of transportation in healthcare access. Journal of Community Health, 44(2), 233–241.