DISEASES IN THE ELDERLY
Scientific studies of the causes of death in aged individuals indicate clearly that in the majority of cases, the fatal disease originated when they were in their middle years. This is one more of the many arguments for regular medical examinations and health education.
As people age, they are less apt to suffer from infectious diseases. This is true not only because they cannot catch certain diseases that they had in the past, but also because they have acquired a partial immunity to other infections without ever being ill—and even some immunity to colds.
When older persons do develop one of these illnesses, it is usually less severe than it would be in a young adult. For example, tuberculosis is less dangerous to an elderly person than to an adolescent.
The fact that the symptoms are less acute and severe is not an unmixed blessing. An elderly person with tuberculosis may think he has just a bronchial cough, and may infect a young member of the family— with serious consequences.
Surgery in the aged
The fact that older people are able to withstand operations extremely well in these days of improved surgical techniques has, in my opinion, done more than anything to rob old age of its greatest tribulations. It is now possible to carry out a four-hour operation on an 80-year-old patient with practically no danger.
Among the disorders of old age that can be corrected by surgery are enlargement of the prostate, hernia, cataracts, and a prolapsed, or fallen, bladder, rectum, or uterus. For an old person to break a bone once spelt disaster. Today, operations have been perfected for nailing the bones together so that they heal adequately.
Old people need to be thoroughly reassured about impending surgical operations. All possible details should be explained to them, even those that seem to be quite insignificant. If it is feasible, the person should visit the hospital to see the room he or she will occupy and to meet the nurses. If the family doctor is calling in a surgeon, the elderly person should become acquainted with him well in advance of the scheduled operation.
Partial restoration of function
I want particularly to emphasize the importance of partial restoration of function, as far as old people are concerned. Physicians understandably hesitate to take money from elderly people for prolonged therapy that may produce a return so small as to be barely measurable. Make it clear to your doctor that you will be grateful for a small improvement. For example, an elderly person may be quite miserable when confined to bed, whereas being able to get up for meals and go for an occasional drive or short walk will make life happier and much more interesting.
People who do not have children and grandchildren will find a trusted doctor one of the greatest comforts of their old age. Like their clergyman, he can always be depended upon. Older people, especially, should stick to one doctor and get to know him well—and let him know them, too, not only as patients but as individuals.
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