Why Do Older Adults Disengage From Routine Medical Care? Psychological Distress, Wealth Stratification, and Health System Disengagement in Later Life

Sunkanmi Folorunsho, Michael Ameyaw Somuah, Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Economics, The George Washington University

Journal of Aging and Health

Published online on July 27, 2026

Abstract

Journal of Aging and Health, Ahead of Print.
ObjectiveMany older adults stop seeing a doctor despite having insurance and significant health needs. This study asks whether psychological distress predicts disengagement from care, beyond structural barriers.MethodUsing three waves of the Health and ...