Financial Inclusion, Health-Seeking Behavior, and Health Outcomes Among Older Adults in Ghana

PURPOSE: This study examines the associations between financial inclusion, health-seeking behavior, and health-related outcomes in older persons in Ghana. METHOD: = 1,200; mean age = 66.2 years [standard deviation = 11.9], we estimated regression models of self-rated health (SRH), psychological distress (PD), and health-care use (HCU) on a variable representing compositional characteristics of financial inclusion. CONCLUSIONS: Financial services inclusion profoundly appears to buffer against and retard health-related challenges in later life. Social and health policies targeted at improving the health outcomes of older people should include and build on the growing recognition of the importance of inclusive financial services and strategies.