Top five reasons seniors avoid preventative care

A recent study by AARP asked midlife and older adults about vaccinations and health screenings. About 60 percent said they’ve had a flu shot in the last three years, and older respondents were generally more likely to have a vaccination or screening than their younger counterparts, according to the survey. The cost of care and health insurance weighed heavily among those who said they did not take these preventative measures. Here’s what survey respondents said when asked why they did not get a vaccination or health screening.

1. It costs too much. – 28 percent
2. They can’t afford co-pays or deductibles. – 22 percent
3. They aren’t sure if their insurance covers screenings. – 21 percent
4. Health screenings aren’t that important. – 21 percent
5. They do not have health insurance. – 20 percent