What is a significant challenge for older adult patients regarding access to care?

The significant challenge for older adult patients regarding access to care is often higher morbidity related to socio-economic factors. Many older adults face a range of socio-economic barriers that can impede their access to health services. This includes lower income levels, limited access to transportation, and inadequate insurance coverage, which all can lead to higher rates of chronic diseases and greater healthcare needs.

As older adults may have multiple comorbidities, the impact of socio-economic status can compound health issues, leading to increased hospitalizations and complex health management needs. Understanding these socio-economic dynamics is essential for healthcare providers to effectively address and improve care accessibility for older populations.

The other options do not encapsulate the primary barrier as effectively. Although lower engagement with healthcare providers may be a concern, it is often influenced by those socio-economic factors. High levels of health literacy are generally less common among older adults, leading to confusion about health management rather than aiding access. Lastly, optimism about health risks can sometimes cause older adults to underestimate their health issues, but it does not directly signify a challenge in accessing care like socio-economic factors do.