Addressing Healthcare Inequities for Older Adults: Challenges and Pathways to Equitable Healthcare Services
A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Care Sciences".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2025) | Viewed by 4879
Special Issue Editors
Interests: ageing; disability; social epidemiology; access to healthcare; health inequities; sustainable development
Interests: disability in older people; public policy; programs and services for older people; multicomponent interventions in older people; comprehensive gerontological assessment; physical activity and exercise; sustainability in older people; telehealth in older people
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue focuses on the intersection of health inequities and equitable access to healthcare services for older people, with a particular emphasis on the social determinants of health. Older people face unique challenges in accessing equitable healthcare services, which can lead to worse health outcomes for this population. Factors, such as declining physical and cognitive abilities, the increased prevalence of chronic conditions, geriatric syndromes, disability, and a greater dependency on long-term care, place older adults at a higher risk of encountering healthcare barriers. Additionally, socioeconomic disparities, rural isolation, and limited access to digital technologies, such as telehealth, further exacerbate these challenges. The social determinants of health—including income, education, housing, and social support—also play a crucial role in shaping the healthcare experiences of older adults, often contributing to the creation of health inequities. Addressing these barriers requires tailored health policies, improved care coordination and accessible healthcare solutions to ensure that older individuals can receive the necessary care and support to maintain their well-being.
The Special Issue will explore themes such as economic disparities, sociocultural aspects that have an impact on older people's access to healthcare services, and the effect of multiple structural disadvantages—such as disability, race, and migration status—on the creation and perpetuation of health inequities for older people. It will also explore the barriers and facilitators in accessing healthcare services, as well as policies that can promote equity in healthcare. The goal is to shed light on the systemic factors contributing to health inequities and propose solutions for more inclusive healthcare for older people.
Dr. Elena S. Rotarou
Dr. Rafael Pizarro-Mena
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- ageing
- older people
- disability
- health inequity
- access to healthcare services
- social determinants of health
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