It's Because You're Old
08/17/09, East Hartford

Unfortunately, our society generally concentrates on mental and physical deficits of the older population. This attitude tends to dimish the value of older people in the eyes of those who are still employed and perhaps raising a family. A good many individuals think that pain and reduction of daily functioning is natural and normal in an older adult.

It's true that as we age we are at risk for developing chronic conditions, however, age alone does not mean that physicians shouldn't treat older individuals based on age. Subconsciously, some physicians have adopted the idea that old age is an untreatable condition unto itself.

It sometimes happens that a 70, 80 or 90 year old individual has a condition that might otherwise be treatable, but instead, the physician will blame their age on the pain, instead of the bone spur that might easily be removed. Of course, there are many things that factor into the ability to operate or otherwise treat a condition in an older adult, so this must be considered.

A recent survey of physicians revealed that 35% of doctors considered high blood pressure to be a natural result of aging. Twenty-five percent were reluctant to treat them because it "...would cause more harm...." than benefit.

High blood pressure can occur at any age. Treating the older person's hypertension might prevent stroke or heart attack.

Therefore, it's time for our society to emulate other cultures who revere their elders. We need to treat them physically, as well as with respect.

To paraphrase Freud, sometimes a bone spur is just a bone spur.

Let's treat based on facts and not on attitude.

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