What matters most to older adults?

If you think older adults are most concerned about their health, you would be missing something. A new national study from Case Western Reserve University has found that senior citizens value social activities and inclusiveness even more than their physical health.

Researchers reviewed responses from nearly 388,000 patients aged 65 and older who visited walk-in ambulatory care clinics, those neighborhood medical offices that treat minor illnesses and injuries without an appointment. The study, published October 6 in JAMA Network Open, sheds new light on what truly matters to older adults in today’s healthcare system.

Nearly half of the respondents said that being socially active and included in community life was their top priority. Health came next at 21%, followed by independence at 17% and family togetherness (10.5%).

Surprising results

“I would have thought health would have been a little bit higher since this is an acute-care setting,” said Nicholas Schiltz, an assistant professor at Case Western’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and co-lead of the study. “But I think it just shows that older adults, like everybody else, are very complex and have other needs that are just as much a priority.”

The researchers say understanding these priorities can help healthcare providers offer better, more personalized care. If a patient values independence, for instance, clinicians might focus on preventing falls or improving mobility. If social connections are most important, they might suggest community activities or support groups alongside medical care.

“This is important work that’s part of the Age-Friendly Health Systems movement,” said Mary Dolansky, the Sarah C. Hirsh Professor at the nursing school and co-lead of the study. “The goal is to ensure all older adults receive evidence-based care that aligns with what matters most to them.”

A broader picture of successful aging

The study included patients treated between January 2021 and March 2024 across 900 clinics in 35 states. About two-thirds of respondents were women, and nearly three-fourths were white, but researchers found that the answers didn’t differ significantly across gender, race, or ethnicity.

Beyond medical care, the findings suggest that staying active, maintaining independence, and nurturing relationships are key to healthy aging.

As America’s population grows older, experts say the takeaway is simple: Living well is about more than living long. For many seniors, the best medicine might be a lunch date with friends, a community class, or a walk in the park with family.