1. INTRODUCTION TO THE OLDER PATIENT

2. Overview of Morning Introduction Movie clip Dramatic Scenes
Actors’ Studio
Small Groups
Evaluation

3. Themes
Ageism
Communication
Function

4. Cocoon - Your Thoughts…..
List 2 things that surprised you about the behavior of the older adults.
Is this a positive or negative view on aging?
How would older individuals feel watching this film clip?
Ronnie: introduce “paper” questions; Carol introduce movie.
AFTER Cocoon? WHY were you surprised by those behaviors?
Why positive or negative?
Define ageism…..(give Butler’s-- from book)
Is this clip ageist?
Ageism influences self-view (like other prejudices) -- older adults adopt negative definitions of themselves.

5. Ageism
A process of systematic stereotyping of and discrimination against people because they are old….
When physicians adopt ageist attitudes, it can greatly impact patient care outcomes.
For instance, we know that 75% of diagnoses can be made by history alone. If drs. Exhibit ageist behaviors….incomplete histories and miss the correct diagnosis. Equally, failure to properly assess psychosocial issues can lead to increased morbility and mortality.
COMMUNICATION: Pearl 1: Physicians who communicate better will have patients who understand more about their illness and will be more likely to adhee to regimens.
Pearl 2: In 77% of interviews, pt. problems are not fully elicited.

6. Ageism in the Healthcare System
Lack of training of geriatric professionals
Less likely to receive preventative healthcare
Less likely to be tested or screened for diseases
Inappropriate or incomplete treatments
Exclusion from clinical trials

7. Assessing Function It predicts outcomes. It helps in making diagnoses.
It helps determine level of care needed.
It allows physicians to monitor responses to treatment.
It facilitates exchange of information between healthcare providers.
Introduce skit