Ask the doctors: Ageism is prevalent in medical care

Ageism in Medical Care: Overcoming Stereotypes and Improving Patient Experience

By Eve Glazier, M.D., and Elizabeth Ko, M.D.

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Introduction

The term “ageism” refers to the various stereotypes, assumptions, and preconceptions that are connected to someone’s older age, which result in their being treated differently.

Ageism in Medical Care

Unfortunately, as with many other areas of life, ageism is present in medical care. Age bias shows up in the way that health care providers talk to their patients, the degree to which they listen, the range of diagnostic tests they offer, and the scope of treatments they are willing to make available.

A number of recent studies have focused on the growing prevalence of ageism in health care. Not surprisingly, they have found it leads not only to a lower quality of life for older patients, but can also result in missed or delayed diagnoses, more emergency room visits, more frequent hospitalizations, and a shorter lifespan.

Elderspeak: A Common Form of Ageism

A common form of ageism is “elderspeak.” Nurses, doctors, and support staff may address older patients as “honey,” “dear,” or “young lady”; limit the vocabulary they use and dumb down explanations; or even use a sing-song voice, as when soothing an infant. This type of communication is not only embarrassing, but it is patronizing and can be isolating. Patients with poor hearing or eyesight say they are often treated as cognitively impaired. Some older adults find that treatable conditions – such as chronic pain, arthritis, and neuropathy – are dismissed as a feature of older age.

The Importance of Shared Decision-Making

While it is true that guidelines for screening tests and therapies change as we grow older, the intent is not to limit care. Rather, it reflects the shift in risks and benefits that can take place in older age. In our own practices, we do embrace a more conservative approach with older patients in diagnostics and management. For instance, our approach to a 40-year-old with knee arthritis differs from that of a 90-year-old. Our goal is not to over-diagnose or over-treat. That said, we strongly believe that shared decision-making is even more paramount with older adults. We will explain a diagnosis in detail, and in outlining treatment options, we always ask our patient, what matters to you? Is it symptom management, quality of life, fewer interventions, longevity? The answers become the starting point of our treatment.

Strategies for Overcoming Ageism

Some older adults may benefit from a geriatrician as a primary care physician. Geriatricians have advanced training in health issues that affect older adults, and they often have more time for appointments. If you are otherwise happy with the care you are receiving, you may have to firmly but politely alert a health care provider to their ageist behavior. A matter-of-fact statement like, “I am older, but I am mentally sharp, I’m interested in all of my medical options and I need our appointments to reflect that,” can be quite effective.

Conclusion

Ageism in medical care is a concerning issue that can negatively impact the well-being and outcomes of older patients. By raising awareness about ageism and advocating for shared decision-making, patients can work towards overcoming ageist stereotypes and improving their overall medical experience.

References:

1. Glazier, E., & Ko, E. (Year). Article Title. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page-Page. DOI/URL
2. Glazier, E., & Ko, E. (Year). Article Title. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page-Page. DOI/URL
3. Glazier, E., & Ko, E. (Year). Article Title. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page-Page. DOI/URL

Send your questions to askthedoctors@mednet.ucla.edu.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article addresses the issue of ageism in medical care, which is connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Ageism can lead to lower quality of life, missed or delayed diagnoses, more emergency room visits, more frequent hospitalizations, and a shorter lifespan for older patients.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

The article highlights the impact of ageism on the health and well-being of older patients. Age bias in medical care can result in missed or delayed diagnoses, leading to potentially preventable premature mortality from non-communicable diseases.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
• Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate.

The article mentions that ageism in medical care can lead to a shorter lifespan for older patients. Indicators such as mortality rates attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and suicide can be used to measure progress towards reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promoting mental health and well-being.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: spokesman.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.