04 May 2021

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GoHealth survey: Older Americans cautious post-COVID-19

Katherine E. Pfaff

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A survey of older American adults (≥65 years) finds that they are hesitant to return to normal activities. The survey asked how respondents’ lives and behaviors had been altered by the pandemic, with 68% sharing that they would visit with other vaccinated individuals. Those fully vaccinated indicated they would begin to return to routines, including 34% who would eat indoors at a restaurant, 28% who would visit a doctor, and 24% who would visit a dentist after putting off care during the pandemic. 

Health insurance and digital health company, GoHealth, Inc., conducted a survey of 1,000 adults in April 2021. At that time, about 65% of adults 65 and over were fully vaccinated, and 12% received one of two doses.  

Key findings include:

• Of those fully vaccinated, 68% said they will make at least one change to their lifestyle, topped by visiting indoors with fully vaccinated friends and family (42%) and indoor grocery shopping (39%).

• Twenty-five percent of fully vaccinated older adults have or intend to travel within the United States. 

• Ninety-three percent of fully vaccinated older adults said they would continue to wear masks and socially distance in public.

• These statistics reflect a cautious optimism among seniors, said GoHealth Chief Medical Officer, Paul Hain, M.D.

"On the one hand, older adults are getting the vaccine and want to visit with friends and family and get back to doing the things they enjoy. On the other hand, many recognize that they still have a responsibility to follow health guidelines," said Hain. "The vaccine is new, and people have a lot of questions. There's a lot of good information available for older adults and our seniors, and we know that they're on the path back to the things they enjoy."

Getting Back to Normal: Post-Covid Life for Older Adults

Now that all U.S. adults are eligible for a Covid vaccine, older adults are slowly returning to their pre-pandemic behaviors. Aside from visiting with other fully vaccinated people and shopping indoors, fully vaccinated older adults have either started, or are planning to start, the following activities:

• 34% said they would eat inside at a restaurant or bar

• 30% said they would shop indoors for non-grocery items

• 28% will visit doctors or specialists they didn't see during the pandemic

• 24% will visits dentists or hygienists they didn't see during the pandemic

On the Road Again: Older Adults Making Post-Covid Travel Plans

Traveling was another popular option for both of the vaccination groups. Among the fully vaccinated:

• 25% said they'd travel within the U.S.; 4% will travel outside the country

Those who are partially vaccinated, or not yet vaccinated, were slightly more willing to travel:

• 28% plan to travel within the U.S.; 8% will travel outside the country

Among all Medicare Advantage beneficiaries that have plans to travel, many incorrectly believed their plans will cover them wherever they go. Medicare Advantage plans often provide limited benefits and coverage when you're outside your provider network. This generally means emergency and urgent care are covered anywhere in the U.S., but little else. When asked if their Medicare Advantage plans would follow them when they travelled:

• 71% believe their plan will cover them when they travel

• 8% said it would not cover them when they travel

• 21% didn't know

Vaccines Block Covid -- but not Caution

Ninety-one percent of fully or partially vaccinated older adults said they'll continue to wear masks and practice social distancing in public.

Among those planning to get vaccinated, or who are still unsure whether they'll get vaccinated, fewer expected to wear a mask or social distance once they were fully vaccinated:

• 8% will not wear a mask after they are fully vaccinated

• 23% don't know if they will wear a mask after they are fully vaccinated

• 8% will not practice social distancing after they are fully vaccinated

• 13% don't know if they will practice social distancing after they are fully vaccinated                      

Anti-Vaxx Sentiments Remain: Reasons for Hesitancy Among Older Adults 

Though 65% of respondents were fully vaccinated and another 12% partially vaccinated, a sizable portion of respondents expressed skepticism about receiving the vaccine; 13% have not received a COVID-19 vaccine and don't plan to. There were several reasons for this.

• 53% "don't trust the vaccine will work" or believe "vaccines do more harm than good"

• 44% said they are worried about side effects

• 29% said they don't trust the government

• 23% said they "want to wait and see what happens to others before I decide"

"It's interesting to see how this population is redefining 'normal,'" said Hain. "It's understandable to be cautious, and even hesitant, after everything they have been through for the past year. Our hope is to help them make the best possible decisions about their health. That means answering questions and providing guidance when needed.

"This study shows that normal is going to mean different things to different people. The best thing we can do is provide reliable information and guidance so they can make the right decisions for themselves and their loved ones."

Full report: https://www.gohealth.com/survey-covid-19-vaccine-and-social-changes-among-older-adults/

About GoHealth, Inc.

As a leading health insurance marketplace and Medicare-focused digital health company, GoHealth's mission is to improve access to healthcare in America. Enrolling in a health insurance plan can be confusing for customers, and the seemingly small differences between plans can lead to significant out-of-pocket costs or lack of access to critical medicines and even providers. GoHealth combines cutting-edge technology, data science and deep industry expertise to match customers with the healthcare policy and carrier that is right for them. Since its inception, GoHealth has enrolled millions of people in Medicare and individual and family plans. For more information, visit https://www.gohealth.com/

Contacts:

Media Relations, pressinquiries@gohealth.com
Investor Relations, IR@gohealth.com

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survey-older-adults-balance-caution-with-lifestyle-changes-amid-vaccine-progress-301274944.html