The Age-Old Question: How to Provide Better Care for the Growing Older Population-The Age-Old Question: How to Provide Better Care for the Growing Older Population

The Age-Old Question: How to Provide Better Care for the Growing Older Population

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The article addresses the growing necessity for improved healthcare for an aging population. By 2030, 21% of Americans will be 65 or older, with significant increases projected globally. As people age, they face numerous health issues like diabetes, dementia, and cancer, exacerbating frailty and social challenges.<br /><br />Geriatric medicine, which focuses on older adults' health, becomes crucial, particularly for those over 65—most needing such care by 75. Health systems like UC Davis Health's Healthy Aging Clinic are innovating by integrating multi-disciplinary teams including geriatricians, primary care physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and more.<br /><br />Effective geriatric care centers around the "4Ms" framework: What Matters (aligning care with personal goals), Medication (using age-appropriate drugs), Mentation (handling cognitive issues), and Mobility (maintaining functional movement). Collaborative efforts through programs like “Age-Friendly Health System” and “Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE)” are highlighted to set high-quality care standards.<br /><br />Barriers to adequate geriatric care include a shortage of geriatricians and ageism within healthcare. Solutions include training non-specialist healthcare providers in geriatric care methods and ensuring all medical staff are skilled in the 4Ms. UC Davis Health’s initiatives underscore the importance of integrating comprehensive geriatric education into medical curricula.<br /><br />Improving communication and respect towards older adults, avoiding patronizing behavior, ensuring clear understanding of medical instructions, and adapting to unique physical needs are emphasized. Leveraging simple tools like hearing enhancers and incorporating key information icons into electronic health records can significantly enhance patient engagement and care outcomes. <br /><br />Finally, practices are advised to assign patient advocates to assist older adults with understanding their insurance and healthcare navigation, ensuring a more patient-centered approach is maintained across various healthcare settings. <br /><br />Overall, the key to better care lies in a collaborative, respectful, and well-informed approach to address the multifaceted healthcare needs of the aging population.

Keywords

aging population

geriatric medicine

healthcare

4Ms framework

diabetes

dementia

collaborative care

geriatricians shortage

patient engagement

UC Davis Health