Ageism: How Healthcare Fails the Elderly

a report by the American Alliance for Aging Research
http://www.agingresearch.org/

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Drawing upon scores of recent scientific studies this report shows how systematic bias against the elderly hurts older patients in America. The Alliance report cites serious medical short-comings in medical training, prevention screening and treatment patterns that disadvantage older patients. The report outlines five key dimensions of the ageist bias in which US healthcare fails older Americans:

• Healthcare professionals do not receive enough training in geriatrics to properly care for many older patients.
• Older patients are less likely than younger people to receive preventative care.
• Older patients are less likely to be tested or screened for diseases and other health problems.
• Proven medical interventions for older patients are often ignored, leading to inappropriate or incomplete treatment.
• Older people are consistently excluded from clinical trials, even though they are the largest users of approved drugs.

Can it happen in the UK?  Is it happening already?