One in four seniors would rather go a summer without air conditioning than visit the doctor, according to new research.
Some 2,000 Americans 64 and older were surveyed about unpleasant experiences more desirable than a doctor’s appointment. Around a third said they would prefer to let their spouse make all decisions in the home for a weekend; or to do the dishes immediately after they eat for a week; or to talk with their least favorite relative for an evening.
Conducted by OnePoll this fall and commissioned by ClearMatch Medicare, the survey found while 40% feel optimistic and calm when visiting the doctor, about one-third admitted they feel anxious or afraid — though most wouldn’t reveal those emotions to others.
Some 28% of respondents said they haven’t been to the doctor in more than a year because they don’t want to or because they can’t afford to.
“No one should put off seeing their doctors, especially mature adults,” HealthPlanOne creative director Lynn Cicchelli said in a statement. “It’s important to find a Medicare plan that includes your doctors in-network to help keep costs down.”
Meanwhile, many surveyed seniors expressed squeamishness when it comes to bloodwork or vaccines, with more respondents agreeing they’d plan as many needle pricks as possible for one visit to get them over with, rather than space them out.
On an emotional level, 41% of seniors feel unheard or like their doctor doesn’t care, while 38% are worried about hearing their doctor’s diagnoses and feedback.
Similarly, 35% have difficulty being vocal about their concerns, feeling like their doctor judges them for their eating habits or weight.
“Finding a doctor you trust can be an uncomfortable and even scary process,” explains ClearMatch Medicare CEO Ben Pajak. “When looking for a new Medicare Advantage plan, it’s important to let your agent know you want a plan that includes your current doctors to ensure your care is uninterrupted and provide you with peace of mind.”
Finding the right doctor is top of mind for the three in five who prioritize seeing someone they’re comfortable with, with a senior typically needing to visit their doctor six times before they trust them.
Seniors aren’t just avoiding their primary care doctor — seven in 10 say they haven’t been to the dentist in more than a year and 57% have put off seeing a specialist, with cost being a top factor for both decisions.