While health is important, seniors visiting walk-in care clinics place even higher value on social activities and inclusiveness. This insight comes from a new study conducted by researchers at Case Western Reserve University, which examined responses from approximately 388,000 patients aged 65 and older across the United States.
Walk-in ambulatory care clinics, such as those located in pharmacies or retail centers, provide medical services for minor illnesses and injuries without appointments. Researchers sought to understand what matters most to older adults in these settings to improve patient care and outcomes.
Health, Independence, and Family Also Matter
After social connection, health came next, followed by independence and family togetherness. Nearly half of respondents listed social activities and inclusiveness as their top priority, 21% cited health, 17% valued independence, and 10.5% emphasized family togetherness.
Nicholas Schiltz, an assistant professor at Case Western Reserve’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and co-lead author, noted that the results were somewhat surprising. He explained that even in acute-care settings, older adults’ needs are multidimensional, reflecting a balance between physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Aligning Care with Seniors’ Priorities
Understanding what matters most to patients allows clinics to tailor care plans more effectively. For example, if independence or participation in social activities is a priority, clinicians may adjust medications to reduce fall risk or provide mobility aids. This approach aims to improve overall quality of life alongside medical treatment.
Mary Dolansky, co-lead author and Sarah C. Hirsh Professor at the nursing school, emphasized the importance of integrating evidence-based care with other key aspects of aging, including safe medication use, brain health, depression screening, and mobility assessments.
Study Details and Demographics
The study, published on October 6 in JAMA Network Open, used electronic health records from nearly 900 walk-in clinics across 35 states. Patients who received in-person care between January 2021 and March 2024 were asked the open-ended question, “What matters most to you?”
Demographically, two-thirds of participants were women, three-quarters were white, 2.7% were Asian, 5% were Black, and 4.7% were Hispanic. Interestingly, priorities did not vary significantly by sex, race, or ethnicity, highlighting universal needs for social engagement and inclusiveness among older adults.
Implications for Age-Friendly Health Systems
This research contributes to The John A. Hartford Foundation Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, which seeks to ensure that older adults receive evidence-based, patient-centered care. By considering seniors’ priorities, clinics can better support their physical health while addressing social, emotional, and functional needs.
The study underscores that aging populations require holistic approaches to care that go beyond treating illness. Social engagement, inclusiveness, independence, and family connections are vital for improving overall quality of life and well-being among older adults.
