Great article, Don. You raise valid points about our skewed expectations for healthcare and aging in a society that promotes eternal youth, when in fact, we're all going to die.
But there's another pressing question, posed by the latest (January/February 2025) AARPBulletin's screaming headline: "WHERE HAVE ALL THE DOCTORS GONE?" Their answer: Doctors are leaving the profession (cutting hours or retiring early) because the healthcare system has been taken over by corporations whose driving interest is their financial bottom line. Doctors only have 15 minutes to spend with each patient and half that time is spent filling out electronic files on that patient! So much for adequate, much less excessive care.
Worse? AARP is a major purveyor of the youthful aging myth in its advertising and articles.
Thank you, Don! I’d never thought of it as doctors copping out on older patients versus older patients refusing to accept their aging bodies. It goes both ways! I appreciate that insight.
The services provided by primary health care centers represent a key instrument in combating the increasing prevalence of chronic disease and associated disabilities, as well as supporting the quality of life of older people.
There are poor quality primary healthcare services provided to older people, especially in rural areas. The most of these premature deaths as well as associated disabilities can be reduced through the application of active and healthy ageing principles, and by governments leading the way in prevention through the delivery of effective primary healthcare services
Yes, Ehrenreich was one of the greatest sociologists of the modern era. And she was right about health and aging like she was right about everything else she put her mind to. We could sure use her now!
Very insightful. My favorite doctor back in the Berkshires (a contemporary) always reminded me that I was in fact getting older and might want to think about adjusting my expectations accordingly. I really appreciated his attitude as against that of some providers who assault you with medications and stratagems for staying young. Staying young is not the same as being a healthy 80 year old. My favorite doctor was accepting, realistic and compassionate.
Great article, Don. You raise valid points about our skewed expectations for healthcare and aging in a society that promotes eternal youth, when in fact, we're all going to die.
But there's another pressing question, posed by the latest (January/February 2025) AARPBulletin's screaming headline: "WHERE HAVE ALL THE DOCTORS GONE?" Their answer: Doctors are leaving the profession (cutting hours or retiring early) because the healthcare system has been taken over by corporations whose driving interest is their financial bottom line. Doctors only have 15 minutes to spend with each patient and half that time is spent filling out electronic files on that patient! So much for adequate, much less excessive care.
Worse? AARP is a major purveyor of the youthful aging myth in its advertising and articles.
(Sorry for the long response.)
Jackie, thanks for adding this to the conversation. All true.
Thank you, Don! I’d never thought of it as doctors copping out on older patients versus older patients refusing to accept their aging bodies. It goes both ways! I appreciate that insight.
Thank you!
The services provided by primary health care centers represent a key instrument in combating the increasing prevalence of chronic disease and associated disabilities, as well as supporting the quality of life of older people.
There are poor quality primary healthcare services provided to older people, especially in rural areas. The most of these premature deaths as well as associated disabilities can be reduced through the application of active and healthy ageing principles, and by governments leading the way in prevention through the delivery of effective primary healthcare services
Ermira, thanks for adding this information.
Yes, Ehrenreich was one of the greatest sociologists of the modern era. And she was right about health and aging like she was right about everything else she put her mind to. We could sure use her now!
Very insightful. My favorite doctor back in the Berkshires (a contemporary) always reminded me that I was in fact getting older and might want to think about adjusting my expectations accordingly. I really appreciated his attitude as against that of some providers who assault you with medications and stratagems for staying young. Staying young is not the same as being a healthy 80 year old. My favorite doctor was accepting, realistic and compassionate.
Susie, a wise doctor and a wise patient.