Seniors delay doctor visits to their own detriment
A recent survey by the Mesothelioma Center found that 62 percent of seniors put off going to the doctor after noticing symptoms, a worrying trend for a population that is highly susceptible to chronic diseases requiring fast treatment.
The study of approximately 1,000 people aged 65 and older was conducted in December using Google Surveys and found 10 percent of seniors avoid seeing a doctor because they can’t afford care. The survey also found 17 percent wait more than a week to visit a doctor – and in some cases, more than a month – while 16 percent never visit a doctor after noticing symptoms.
“Due to high health care costs in America, some patients may see cost as a deterrent to receiving the care they need,” said Karen Selby, RN, patient advocate at The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com. “However, it’s usually financially smarter to get checked right away, as delaying care may result in more expensive medical bills later on.”
The National Council on Aging has found that approximately 80 percent of older adults have at least one chronic disease and 77 percent have two or more. Seniors are particularly susceptible to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes, all of which can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. That is why
Selby said it is imperative that older populations visit health care professionals as soon as possible when symptoms arise.
The Mesothelioma Center survey found two-thirds of seniors preferred waiting to see if their symptoms would disappear before visiting doctor. Others preferred self-diagnosing, said they did not have the time or money, lacked transportation or feared receiving bad news, according to the study.
“Fear of receiving a scary diagnosis also hinders people from visiting a doctor — but if you suspect something is wrong, it’s better to get checked out sooner rather than later,” Selby said. “Early detection of many diseases like the flu can help prevent them from spreading.”
While the thought of a doctor visit may cause feelings of dread and anxiety, the study says, regular checkups are necessary to address common health concerns among seniors, such as chronic diseases, physical injures, mental or cognitive health issues, and issues associated with aging, like bladder control or sensory impairments.
“Being aware of the elevated risks of these conditions as you age will help you make more informed health care decisions and healthier lifestyle choices,” the report states. “Ignoring signs of illness may only worsen a condition, cause other health complications and call for unnecessary medications.”
The report also suggests scheduling regular screenings, as some serious health conditions may not produce symptoms. Early detection of silent killers like cancer and heart disease may prove key in improving survival rates among seniors, so it is important for doctors to regularly review any changes in health and have information like family history at the ready.
The report notes that regular screenings of breast cancer helped reduce deaths by 39 percent percent after mammograms became routine, indicating women should begin getting a yearly mammogram starting at age 45.
Colorectal cancer is also a leading killer of both men and women, and those over the age of 50 should receive regular colonoscopies to help detect it, especially if there is a family history of the disease. But the report notes the American Cancer Society has found only about 60% of people receive colonoscopies every 10 years, as recommended.
Mesothelioma, “the asbestos cancer,” has a particularly long latency period, between 20 to 50 years, putting seniors at higher risk if they were in contact with asbestos or asbestos products earlier in life. Early mesothelioma detection can improve the prognosis and life expectancy of those affected, so even those who lived with someone who was regularly exposed to asbestos should request a cancer screening from their doctor or a doctor specializing in mesothelioma.
Selby notes that February is notoriously the worst month for the flu. Because seniors are more susceptible, she said they should take extra precautions to avoid getting sick by avoiding crowds and public spaces, sanitizing frequently-touched surfaces such as counters, doorknobs and phones, avoid touching their faces and wash their hands.
“Preventative actions are also extremely important,” said Selby. “The (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reports that getting a flu shot can reduce your risk of getting the flu by up to 60 percent. Couple this with staying healthy by exercising regularly, drinking adequate fluids, and eating nutrient-dense foods.”
For caregivers and family members of seniors, the United Hospital Fund has put together a guide to help them navigate doctor visits.
The guide suggests trying to schedule appointments when patients have the most energy, such as mornings, before daily activities have worn them down. Those attending the visits should also have a list of questions or topics to discuss, and be knowledgeable about medications their loved one is currently taking.
Those taking seniors to appointments should talk with the patient ahead of the visit to determine any changes in health or symptoms, as well as the mental wellbeing of the patient. If sensitive issues such as incontinence or memory loss are at issue, figure out how and when to discuss those concerns with the doctor.
The guide suggests being upfront about concerns and questions at the start of the visit and taking notice of verbal and nonverbal cues from the patient, such as inaccurate information, frowning, looking away, or other indications of discomfort.
Following up with treatments, medication and testing is equally important to ensure the patient is complying with prescribed regimens and recommendations. It is also important to make sure the patient is receiving the quality of care they deserve and require by asking questions after the visit.