Combating Ageism in Healthcare: A $63 Billion Opportunity

Ageism in healthcare, a largely overlooked form of discrimination, has a significant impact on the quality of care received by older adults. According to a recent study, this issue costs the U.S. economy approximately $63 billion annually. An expert has proposed eight strategies to combat this problem and improve the care provided to the elderly.

Ageism in healthcare can manifest in various ways, including biases in medical research, underdiagnosis or overdiagnosis of conditions, and lack of access to appropriate care. These factors contribute to the high cost of ageism, which is estimated to be around $63 billion per year in the U.S. alone.

To address this issue, an expert has suggested eight ways to combat ageism in healthcare:

1. Increase awareness and education about ageism in healthcare among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public.

2. Promote age-friendly healthcare policies and practices, such as geriatric-friendly hospital design and staff training.

3. Encourage research focused on the unique needs and health conditions of older adults.

4. Implement evidence-based guidelines for the care of older adults, such as those developed by the American Geriatrics Society.

5. Promote interdisciplinary care teams that include geriatricians, nurses, social workers, and other specialists.

6. Encourage patient-centered care that takes into account the individual preferences and goals of older adults.

7. Address social determinants of health, such as poverty, housing, and nutrition, which disproportionately affect older adults.

8. Promote age-friendly communities that support the health and well-being of older adults, including access to transportation, parks, and cultural activities.

By implementing these strategies, healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities can work together to reduce ageism in healthcare and improve the quality of care for older adults. This will not only benefit the elderly but also contribute to a more efficient and cost-effective healthcare system.