Factors influencing healthcare access among older adults in Southeast Asia: a scoping review guided by the levesque framework

Background Access to healthcare among the aging population in the WHO Southeast Asia (WHO-SEARO) encounters several challenges, resulting in unmet healthcare needs in this region. These challenges are associated with adverse health outcomes, including the growing prevalence of multimorbidity (also referred to as multiple long-term conditions), and heightened economic and systemic burdens on healthcare infrastructures. Method This study aimed to identify factors influencing healthcare access among older individuals in the WHO-SEARO, adopting a Scoping review methodology based on the Arksey and O’Malley Framework (2005) and the Levesque conceptual framework for access to healthcare. Results Multiple databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL, were screened, resulting in the identification and analysis of 39 articles. The findings highlight significant progress in healthcare access among older adults in WHO-SEARO. However, inadequate health information, heightened economic dependency and treatment cost, limited accessibility and social support, often impede optimal healthcare utilization among older adults. Conclusion Sustained and improved healthcare access for older adults demands prioritising proactive policies, targeted aged care incentives and, decentralized programs targeting older adults across different socio-demographic milieus.