Barriers to access healthcare among the elderly population in rural regions of India

Abstract

Aging care is critical. Hence, the best-known newly developed technologies must be provided to the older population. This paper explains the need for mapping of strategies that must address preventive and promotional care and sickness management, empowering geriatric services, and guaranteeing optimal rehabilitation for the elderly population of India. Databases considered to carry out the literature review was Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science. Scientific articles published in English were only considered. Apart from scientific articles, government report, and newspaper articles, were also reviewed. Data was managed in Mendeley software. Articles based on elderly residing in urban populations and other age groups were excluded from the study. There are multiple barriers between the elderly beneficiaries and the healthcare services which stop the utilization of healthcare services. It can be demographic, aging, geographic, economic, accessibility, psychological, housing, transportation, medical, and social. Financial security is the top reason for not availing of healthcare services, followed by the perception that the ailment is not serious enough. The second reason was the unavailability of accessible healthcare facilities. Therefore, elderly people residing in rural regions, are more prone to varying diseases and are vulnerable to health inequity among other age groups in India. Considering the projected demography, it will only get worse until there is an intervention and feasible infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and services are provided in collaboration with local stakeholders and program monitors.