Title: Are the Elderly a Vulnerable Population?
Headings: Are the Elderly a Vulnerable Population?
Are the Elderly a Vulnerable Population?
Content: I have made assumptions that a patient’s quality of life was lacking, simply based on the patient’s age. When I have seen a surgeon contemplating a procedure on a 90 year old, I have said to myself, “What’s the point?” There is often a common thought that there is a complete lack of health and well being once one reaches a certain age. The idea of living well, stamina, virility, and good health often go hand in hand with youth. Often elderly patients are not offered the same treatments or options as their younger counterparts are. There is sometimes a thought that if a patient is over a certain age, they have lived their lives and should just die and not continue to try to find treatments for any ailments or illnesses they may have. There is a general non-appreciation for the elderly of the United States. We are a country that does not take very good care of our elderly, often disregarding their healthcare and placing an increased number of them in nursing homes. There are risk factors that come along with age, however, that can affect one’s health including: decreased mobility, increased incidence of chronic disease, possible social isolation, financial decline related to voluntary or involuntary retirement, nutritional needs, and a host of age related changes and illnesses that affect this group.