Determinants of Health Care Utilization among the Elderly in India: An Evidence-Based Review

Health services for the elderly include preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care, addressing age-related needs such as screenings, chronic disease management, and mobility support. With India’s elderly population expected to exceed 300 million by 2050, understanding healthcare access barriers is crucial for effective policy. This paper reviews empirical evidence from national surveys (LASI, NSSO) and studies (2008–2024) to examine how income, gender, education, residence, and policy coverage influence healthcare utilization. Findings show lower utilization among women, rural residents, and the poor due to cost, low awareness, infrastructure gaps, and systemic neglect. Recommendations include strengthening geriatric care at the primary level, expanding insurance to cover outpatient services, improving elderly health literacy, and adopting gender- and region-sensitive policies.