Attitudes on aging hamper good care

In my observation, older adults are often portrayed at either end of a continuum. They are frail and dependent or, at the other extreme, attractive and accomplished even phenomenal — the energetic 72-year-old who plays water volleyball, for example. Think about it — some truth here.

Consumer Reports on Health expands on this topic in its April publication. The magazine suggests that the dependency problems associated with aging don’t have to exist. The contention is that problems thought to be age-related can be managed or eliminated. The article acknowledges that age-related problems are common, but emphatically states "they’re not inevitable" and we are "never too old."

What is clear to me is there’s much work to be done on our attitudes about aging.

A recent study by the nonprofit RAND Corp. found older patients received barely half the diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic care necessary for effective treatment. It’s well-supported in research that without appropriate interventions, "frail" is more likely to become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The RAND research finds that many (not all) health providers assume cognitive decline or physical weakness are inevitable and don’t look for ways to address the identified problems.

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The study’s findings show that health providers frequently over-treated ("let’s add a couple more medications…") or under-treated ("nothing we can do here … it’s just old age").

Let me share a powerful illustration. It’s been repeatedly documented that almost 50 percent of people over age 85 have some type of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common.

Sadly, I attended a statewide gerontology conference last week where recent findings were announced that suggested less than 4 percent of individuals over 85 are being treated for dementia. And this is at a time when there’s a variety of medications to effectively address mild cognitive impairment and/or early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Another vivid illustration, 38 percent of older Americans have never been immunized against pneumonia. An astounding one-third of seniors didn’t get a flu shot last year. Simple measures to support active aging aren’t occurring.

I say, let’s change that — you and me. Our "declining years" don’t have to be a downhill slope. We might consider using the word "redefining" rather than declining. (I just made that up, but I like it). Whatever we do, it probably starts with a having a better attitude.

There’s a body of strong research that suggests if we envision our old age as active and healthy, it’s more likely to be. My mother never envisioned herself to get to be 91 but now that she is, she’s approaching most days with expectation and optimism.

She’s both fragile and phenomenal and, of course, fully immunized. She has a competent health provider, a strong faith and a daily exercise regimen that involves a walker with a little flip- down seat.

I envision myself like that when I’m her age. Well, I actually envision myself being a little more physically active than that. A game of volleyball, anyone?

Sharon Johnson is an assistant professor in family and community development at OSU Extension and a member of the Senior Advisory Council. Reach her at s.johnson@oregonstate.edu.