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MyGeneration• Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019 Page 5
Understanding ageism in the current age of healthcare
Healthcare is a central piece in the
puzzling journey of a happy and healthy
life. We all require quality medical care
for everything from stitches to chronic
disease, and each life stage brings new
issues that require unique forms of care.
With older age, one might begin to feel
the strain of strenuous activities or re-
quire more frequent check-ups to main-
tain sound health.
While these concerns are normal, they
may receive inadequate medical atten-
tion.
We commonly think of ageism in
terms of media and workplace issues,
but ageist attitudes can also manifest
in healthcare. Geriatric medicine, the
branch of medicine focusing on seniors’
medical care, has become a much less
popular specialty throughout the years,
despite the rapidly growing older popu-
lation. While medical school rotations
almost universally require pediatric and
gynecological rotations, it has been re-
ported that only 27% of medical schools
require a geriatrics rotation. This means
that 73% of medical school students are
not gaining the experience or inspiration
to passionately care for older adults.
The growing shortage in geriatric spe-
cialists likely stems from negative stereo-
types surrounding older adults. Medical
providers may view seniors’ cases as less
interesting or rewarding than others,
simply because they lack suffi cient ex-
posure to the vastly complex issues that
older adults can face. In healthcare, the
generalization of older adults’ experi-
ences and issues can lead to inadequate
treatment of medical concerns.
What is important to remember, both
for medical providers and individuals of
any age, is the unique nature of every
person’s experiences, needs and medical
history. While it is true there are medi-
cal issues common to seniors, the same
could be said for children and middle-
aged adults. Older adults’ problems are
just as worthy of individualized atten-
tion and proper diagnosis.
DEB
TAYLOR
SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICES
So how can we help?
Firstly, remember to recognize ev-
eryone’s value at each stage of life: re-
ject the notion that because someone is
older it is okay to be depressed, isolated
or in acute pain. While we must accept
some of the changes that come with ag-
ing, there are services available to sus-
tain a joyful community and active life.
Engaging with those around us is also
essential. Ask medical providers ques-
tions, give what you can to research and
nonprofi ts that fund senior services, and
interact with those from other genera-
tions. Although ageist attitudes are com-
mon, they are usually unintentional. By
educating and advocating through your
own example, you are helping those
around you grow and improve.
As the aging population increases, so
does the need for awareness and action.
By the end of next year, it is projected
that there will be more adults over the
age of 65 than school-age children in
Minnesota. Resisting aging as a “prob-
lem” is no longer productive; rather, we
should be embracing it as normal life
progression.
Each of us has a stake in improving
care for older adults. When we advocate
for adequate care and resources for old-
er adults, we also advocate for ourselves.
We all age, and the compassion we have
for seniors now is simultaneously con-
sideration for all of our well-being.
Deb Taylor is the CEO of Senior Com-
munity Services, a nonprofi t that helps older
adults and caregivers navigate aging to main-
tain independence and quality of life.
Confused by the removal of the mossyhorn mount
When Bob Garcia removed that old
mossyhorn mount from its place over
the fi replace, we were a bit confused.
That huge buck had been his pride and
joy for more than 30 years. But Bob put
it back in his offi ce, behind the kitchen.
The spot of honor over the fi replace
now belongs to a young forked-horn
buck, the one he took last year on the
other side of the hayfi eld. It’s the kind
of buck you expect to get for your fi rst
buck, and not really the kind you hon-
or like that after a lifetime spent hunt-
ing in the autumn woods.
When he was asked, Bob just said it
was a special buck, and he smiled.
But you know there’s always more to
a story than that.
On that special day a year earlier
… Bob heard the deer before he saw
him, and he got ready. He looked to the
sound of the deer and checked what
was on the other side of the animal.
A large dirt bank. Good. That’s safe
enough. Can’t have that old .45-70 slug
sailing around the country.
Bob felt the breeze coming right to
his face, slightly chilling his nose, and
carrying with it the promise of a crisp
fall later on. These days still held some
late summer heat. The wind was right,
and he wore dull clothing, he had a
clear shot with a safe backdrop. There
was nothing to do now but wait.
SLIM
RANDLES
HOME COUNTRY
Then the little forked-horn buck
stepped out. It would never replace the
huge buck Bob took years back, but it
was a good eating deer and the situa-
tion was right, so he aimed carefully
and shot.
The sound of the massive cartridge
going off started the snake at Bob’s
feet rattling. Bob jumped back out of
danger and fi nished the snake. Another
step forward … just one more step and
life would’ve changed forever.
The taxidermist was surprised when
Bob told him he wanted a really nice
mount of what was, to all other eyes, a
fairly routine meat deer. But he prom-
ised to give the mount the full treat-
ment.
It hangs over the fi replace now.
When other outdoorsmen ask him
about that deer, Bob just says it is a
special buck, and he smiles.
YOU ARE INVITED!
Please join us for desserts and refreshments with your neighbors.
You are cordially invited to Evans-Nordby Funeral Homes’
Pre-Planning Seminar. Our goal is to show you how, by advance
planning and directives, “you can have your cake and eat it too!”
Please join us for either session at our location at
6000 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 6:00pm
Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 10:00am
Advance registration is requested but not required. Please call
763-533-3000 to make a reservation.
We look forward to seeing you at our seminars.
6000 Brooklyn Blvd
Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
F u n e r a l
H o m e s
CARE
You Can Count On
Assisted Living and Professional Care
Comfortable Living Options | Many Unit Amenities | 24 Hour On-Site Resident Staff
Activities & Fun | Spacious Dining Room | Healthy Dining Options
On-Site LPNs and RNs | Social Activities and Entertainment
Residents at Osseo Gardens enjoy peaceful surroundings highlighted by
manicured grounds, flower beds maintained by both staff and residents, and a
patio area for enjoying the changing seasons. Every resident has access to the
beautifully decorated common spaces designed to accommodate social and
family gatherings, television viewing, reading, games, entertainment and crafts.
www.evansnordby.com
Assisted Living Community
525 2nd Street SE
Osseo, MN 55369
[phone]