KevinMD September 28, 2024
As a gerontologist, it is disheartening to engage with older adults who express disinterest in routine medical check-ups. Many of these individuals outright refuse to follow doctors’ orders or take prescribed medications. This troubling trend is not only a growing problem in America but also a critical issue that warrants our collective attention and action.
The advancements in modern medicine have significantly prolonged life spans and improved the quality of life for many. The most recent statistics from a March 2024 CDC snapshot poll reveal that the life expectancy at birth for the entire U.S. population stands at 77.5 years. Therapies for controlling blood sugar and blood pressure have been game-changers, while the development of statin medications has dramatically improved...