A new cross-national study reveals that older adults with disabilities are significantly less likely to receive preventive care, such as flu vaccinations, eye exams, and dental checkups. This gap remains the same for eye exams and dental care but is eliminated for flu vaccinations in countries that invest more in public healthcare. Based on data from nearly 47,000 individuals across 27 high- and middle-income countries, the study shows a strong correlation between higher government health spending and increased access to preventive services, particularly among vulnerable populations. The findings highlight the critical role of healthcare funding in promoting equitable preventive care and point to the need for targeted policies that combine investment with disability support to ensure healthier, more inclusive aging.

A discrete choice experiment with 1,166 Australian adults revealed preferences for medicinal cannabis (MC) access, administration, and funding. Participants favored oral formulations, lower THC levels, earlier access with strong clinical evidence, and government subsidies. Preferences often diverged from current policy, suggesting the need for broader access and support for MC as a complementary therapy.