Skip to content
Healthy Aging Hub

:

Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.

5 min

Why are colonoscopies not recommended after 75?

According to the American Cancer Society, for adults aged 76-85, the decision for colorectal cancer screening should be personalized based on overall health, prior screening history, and life expectancy. Understanding why are colonoscopies not recommended after 75 is crucial for making informed decisions with a healthcare provider.

Read Healthy Aging
5 min

How does age affect patient decision-making?

According to the CDC, by 2040, the number of adults age 65 years and older is expected to grow to 22% of the population, leading to higher healthcare service use. This growing demographic raises a critical question: How does age affect patient decision-making? The answer is complex, involving cognitive changes, evolving priorities, and external influences that shape healthcare choices.

Read Healthy Aging
5 min

How can we encourage people to participate in their own care?

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, patient participation is a core element in improving the quality and safety of healthcare. But how can we encourage people to participate in their own care? The answer lies in a multi-faceted approach focusing on effective communication, shared decision-making, and empowering individuals with knowledge and support.

Read Healthy Aging
4 min

Why are colonoscopies not done after age 80?

Official guidelines from major health organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, no longer recommend routine colorectal cancer screening, such as a colonoscopy, for most individuals over age 85. This practice stems from a careful evaluation of the benefits versus the risks in the very elderly population. The decision of why are colonoscopies not done after age 80 is a complex one, involving factors far beyond chronological age.

Read Healthy Aging
4 min

Does a 90 year old woman need a mammogram? The personalized decision for older adults

While the incidence of breast cancer increases with age up to about 80, the need for continued screening mammograms for a 90-year-old woman depends heavily on her individual health, preferences, and life expectancy. For this reason, major health organizations recommend moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach in favor of shared decision-making with a doctor.

Read Healthy Aging
4 min

How do you engage older patients in their care?

According to the CDC, patient engagement can lead to better health outcomes and higher satisfaction rates, particularly for seniors dealing with complex health needs. Knowing how do you engage older patients in their care is a crucial skill for healthcare providers and family caregivers to enhance well-being and respect patient autonomy.

Read Healthy Aging
4 min

Why is there no PSA over 70? Understanding Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), routine PSA-based screening for prostate cancer is not recommended for men 70 years and older. This shifts the focus from aggressive screening to personalized care, providing important context for anyone asking **why is there no PSA over 70** as a standard procedure.

Read Healthy Aging
5 min

What is overtreatment of the elderly?

According to a 2023 study of multimorbid older patients with Type 2 diabetes, more than one-third were overtreated, highlighting the high prevalence of this problem. What is overtreatment of the elderly, and what factors lead to this complex issue? It refers to medical care that provides little or no clinical benefit and can instead lead to significant harm.

Read Healthy Aging
3 min

How often should a 78 year old woman have a mammogram? Personalizing the decision

Breast cancer risk increases significantly with age, with the highest incidence occurring in women between 75 and 79 years old. However, the question of **how often should a 78 year old woman have a mammogram?** is nuanced, with recommendations depending heavily on a woman's individual health status and life expectancy, rather than a fixed age cutoff.

Read Healthy Aging
5 min

Should an 80 year old man get a PSA test? Weighing the benefits, risks, and personal choices

According to a 2023 study published in JAMA Network Open, nearly 40% of men aged 80 and older were overscreened for prostate cancer, highlighting the persistent debate around its value in this age group. The question, "**Should an 80 year old man get a PSA test?**" requires a careful discussion with a healthcare provider, considering the potential benefits, significant risks, and personal health circumstances.

Read Healthy Aging
Load More