Have you ever heard that ageism in healthcare costs billions annually? One reason is that age bias often causes individuals—and their care providers—to write-off aches and pains as insignificant, and to handle treatable symptoms as something to be ignored. In truth, these early indications are often signs of problems that could be nipped in the bud—or greatly improved—with proper and timely care. Instead, they grow into thornier (and more costly) issues. "What do you expect at your age?" is a common refrain in the face of pain. But don’t ignore the problem. Ignore that ridiculous question. #100wordsoneverydayageism
David Hadley
2mo
Absolutely agree—addressing health concerns early on can make a significant difference in quality of life and long-term costs. In your experience Margaret McDonald, what are some effective strategies for advocating for proper care when facing age-related bias in healthcare?
I too am on this topic bigtime. 1st as a professional in the field of populations aging, longevity , health & aging care, medical ageism & the future —most especially advocating for & about women & the future for almost 6 decades. As an aging woman myself, I’ve dealt head on with ageism in the medical field. But now arriving at a bold age 80, I’m even more revved up on this topic of medical care ageism personally as well as professionally! I just emerged from a very serious major surgery two weeks ago that was totally successful🙏🏻 but should have happened decades ago! Due to a combo of sexism & ageism over decades I was told over & over that my chronic pain was a “no thing”! There’s more to my story of being “ medically ignored”! , so much more on this to share with you & widely to shift this paradigm. But first I heal. Then more! So Margaret give me a couple more weeks to heal & no pain brain fog!. Then I’d love to put our minds together cause I’m not stopping now! Plus great news for me as my world famous robitics surgeon & his team tell me my vitals & presentation are of a 60yr old woman in an 80yr old frame! I teared up on that byte of new info.! Watch out world, I’ll be back on this pronto! K
Kudos Margaret for initiating this important and timely topic of conversatiion. For me the opportunity for inter generational conversations on women’s health/aging reminds me of the early days of the “Women’s Movement— 1972 was the first issue of Ms Magazine. We can be “Wiser Together”.
Coach, Consultant and Facilitator for Retirement Life Planning
2moAnd the other side of the conversation, when clinicians either say 'that's typical for your age' and decline to act, or the more insidious 'prioritisation ' of scarce NHS resources meaning older people are rild treatment is not available