People make numerous decisions each day, including decisions about their health care. Learn how patients make health care decisions and the strategies you can use to help your patients make the best possible decisions.

"What is Ageism?" is a brief video that explores how stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination directed towards oneself or others based on age can impact the health, quality of health care received, and overall well-being of older adults. The common ways ageism manifests in medical settings, including assumptions about health and treatment, underrepresentation in clinical research, and communication barriers, are highlighted. It also sheds light on how ageism in health care can result in overutilization and increased costs of health care, with billions spent annually on avoidable health care costs. By recognizing and addressing biases, health care professionals can provide equitable, patient-centered care that prioritizes a person’s needs and not assumptions based on age.

Support provided by AARP.

"Communicating with Older Adults" is a concise and engaging video designed to help health care professionals improve their communication techniques with older adult patients. This video highlights common barriers caused by age-related biases, emphasizing how poor communication can lead to misdiagnoses, delayed diagnoses, improper treatment, medication mistakes, distrust, and patient dissatisfaction. Through practical communication strategies—such as speaking directly to and facing patients, asking open-ended questions, monitoring body language, using visual aids, and minimizing distractions—health care providers can foster trust and ensure effective, person-centered care. As the aging population grows, mastering clear communication and building trusting relationships with patients are essential for delivering high-quality health care that is free of age bias.

Support provided by AARP.

Effective communication between a health care provider and a patient is a key element of quality health care. It is vital for building trust, ensuring patient understanding, and encouraging treatment adherence. With the US population living longer, providers must be able to adapt their communication styles and strategies to meet the diverse and individual needs of today’s older patient population. This approach can improve diagnostic accuracy, boost patient satisfaction, and enable more effective, person-centered care.

Support provided by AARP.

This GSA Momentum Discussions webinar, “Addressing Ageism in Health Care,” is an engaging session designed to raise awareness and drive meaningful change in health care education and practice. This critical conversation will explore the widespread impact of age discrimination in medical settings, including its effects on health care outcomes, economic costs, and patient well-being. Expert panelists will discuss key topics such as the various forms of ageism in health care, its financial and societal consequences, and strategies for change through advocacy, education, and policy reform. Additionally, GSA has introduced its initiative to develop an interdisciplinary curriculum that promotes age-inclusive health care.

Support provided by AARP.