Older Americans are often willing to travel considerable distances for medical care, sometimes far more than policymakers and experts assume. This insight comes from researchers at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, highlighting how access to care remains a priority even when it requires significant effort. As hospitals close in some areas, healthcare services consolidate, and telehealth continues to expand, older adults may accept longer journeys for care, though not all are equally able or willing to do so. Socioeconomic factors play a key role in shaping these decisions.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that many Americans aged 65 and older would travel more than an hour for both routine and specialised care. Conducted by researchers at the USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research, the study surveyed a nationally representative sample of older adults. Participants were asked about their current travel times for medical visits and how much farther they would be willing to go before deciding to delay or skip care.
On average, respondents indicated they could tolerate about an hour or more of travel time, particularly for specialised services. For primary care visits, they were willing to travel approximately 68 minutes, while diagnostic tests such as MRIs could justify journeys of around 113 minutes. Specialist consultations prompted the greatest tolerance, with an average of 128 minutes. These findings suggest that older adults place a high value on accessing needed care, even when it involves extended travel.
However, these averages conceal important differences. Individuals in poorer health, those living in large metropolitan areas, and those who had previously experienced transportation challenges were less willing to travel long distances. In contrast, respondents with higher incomes, more education, and reliable access to a car reported a greater willingness to spend additional time travelling. These disparities highlight how health status and resources influence access to care and raise important concerns about equity.
The findings also have implications for how healthcare is delivered. As health systems increasingly consolidate services into regional hubs rather than neighbourhood clinics, understanding patient tolerance for travel becomes more important. While telehealth can reduce the need for travel, it cannot fully replace in-person care, particularly for diagnostic procedures or specialist consultations that require equipment or physical examination. This underscores the need for a balanced approach that considers both virtual and in-person care options.
Transportation policy also plays a critical role in shaping access. Programmes that provide ride services, improve public transit, or partner with community organisations could help reduce barriers for more vulnerable populations. Interestingly, older adults living in large cities were less willing to travel long distances, likely due to traffic, parking, and other logistical challenges that make even short trips burdensome. In contrast, rural residents, who are often accustomed to travelling farther for care, appeared more accepting of longer journeys. Overall, while many older Americans are willing to travel surprisingly far for medical care, their ability to do so depends heavily on health, resources, and transportation access, all of which should inform future healthcare planning.
More information: Jeremy Burke et al, Willingness of Older Adults to Travel for Medical Care, JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.60280
Journal information: JAMA Network Open Provided by University of Southern California
