Work

Assessing the Incremental Health Care Utilization and Expenditures Associated With Serious Psychological Distress by Living Arrangements Among Older Adults

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Older adults suffering from serious psychological distress (SPD) have higher health care utilization and expenditures. However, it is unknown whether living alone might further amplify differences in health care usage and costs among older adults with SPD. Using pooled data from 2007-2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we estimated the incremental care expenditures and utilization associated with SPD among older adults living alone and living with others. The results show that in both living arrangements, having SPD is associated with increases in emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and prescription fill-ups, which leads to higher total prescription expenditures. However, the incremental differences of SPD-related incremental usage and expenditures between older adults living alone and living with others were similar. Our findings call for targeted community programs for older adults that go beyond eliminating physical loneliness, and innovative care coordination strategies that prioritize mental health and preventative care among older adults.

Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology

DOI: 10.1177/07334648251323022

Authors: Jun Chu, Christine A. Mair, Takashi Yamashita, Jie Chen

Institutions: University of Maryland, Baltimore County, University of Maryland, College Park

Language: English

Topic: Mental Health Treatment and Access

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Aging