My doc has been a gerontologist for awhile now...it’s because I like his practise and his staff
Switch to a Geriatrician and you’ll find healthcare workers camped on your doorstep to make sure they become a part of every aspect of your life.
A lady in Phoenix recently turned 100 and when asked what her secret to longevity was, she replied, “Stay away from doctors.”
No. If someone who calls themselves a geriatrician happens to be a good physician and informed internist, then by all means employ them. Otherwise, ignore this designation and choose a the most informed and thoughtful internist you can find.
As our population continues to age, and fewer are having more than the ‘replacement’ number of children, that’s where the REAL money is going to be!
We have several Nieces and Nephews getting medical degrees as PAs and LPNs right now; they’ll never want for work.
Of course, WE get first dibs. :)
Any doctor who can reduce the polypharmacy (too many medicines) that plagues many older people would be doing a good deed, but in general they have no time or incentive to do so. And despite electronic medical records, not all drug interactions are recognized when they may be significantly contributing to a lower quality of life.
So are geriatricians actually better at this than your FP or internist? From what I see, not unless a family member is specific in requesting it.
“Approximately ONE in five Americans ARE over the age of 65, and that number is quickly growing.”
Approximately ten out of ten journalists are illiterate.
My doc is in her 40’s and very good looking. I’m 65 and very happy with her.
I wouldn’t be surprised if geriatric physicians are targeted during their training with propaganda about steering pts toward end of life rather than preserving life.
It sounds plausible, but I think the best thing is to find a good internist who is knowledgeable and takes you seriously at any age.
Naw...
Doc and I are the same age....so, not till he retires....
My mom is now seeing one. She adores him (she has Alzheimer’s and she love s his smile). But he lets me know that he is only offering palliative care at this point, still has her on stroke preventing drugs that I believe are unnecessary but he isn’t interested in true health for her, just keeping her comfortable. It’s ok, it is what it is, but just be careful to choose a good one that doesn’t just want to keep you comfortable until your impending doom which he assumes is day after tomorrow. It’s a little unpleasant.
My doctor is 80, does that qualify?
My PCP is an internist is specializes in old folks though she doesn’t use the designation gerontologist. I’ll stay with her.
I’m only 65 and the wife is only 67 - way too young to be going all “geriatric”.....when the Bow Flex/Treadmill/Bike start gathering dust and sex becomes a chore, we might reconsider letting some idiots telling us we’re getting old and have to start acting it....
Our doctor is one of those, but I get sick and tired of listening to him just say to me, “Hey, you are 70, now. You just can’t expect to live that much longer.”
He is younger than me and I expect to see him in the ground, first. I am going to live, really live forever, or die trying!
So far, so good!
Wow, that really WOULD make me feel old.
No thanks.