The 5 Questions Seniors Should Be Asking Their Doctor

We all want to age well and remain healthy for as long as possible. And staying on top of your medical care is a big part of accomplishing that goal. Many age-related concerns can be staved off or alleviated with preventative practices. And many health conditions respond better to treatment when they are caught early. 

That’s why it’s so important to have a good relationship with your physician and remember to ask questions at your appointment. Here are the five questions seniors should be asking their doctor.

1. Should I take Supplements and Will They Interact With My Medicine?

Many supplements can be helpful for seniors. For example, glucosamine may help with aches and pains, multivitamins could make up for a limited diet, and calcium can strengthen your bones. But not everyone needs supplements. And in some cases, supplements can be dangerous.

Additionally, supplements can make medicines more or less effective or interact to cause unwanted side effects. So always tell your doctor about all the supplements you are taking and ask whether they will interact with your medicine.

2. Are My Symptoms a Normal Part of Aging?

Many seniors are quick to assume their symptoms are a normal part of aging. For example, they may accept joint pain, incontinence, or being forgetful as just a part of getting older. But these symptoms could be a sign of something more serious going on.

So any time you develop a new symptom, always ask your doctor whether it’s a normal part of aging. They may need to investigate further to determine the cause. 

3. Do I Need Any Vaccinations?

It can be tough to keep track of whether your immunizations are up to date, especially with changing guidelines for COVID vaccines. So be sure to ask whether you need any vaccinations at your appointment.

Staying up to date on vaccinations helps keep you healthy and lowers the risk that you’ll have serious complications from viruses like influenza and COVID-19. 

4. Would You Recommend This to Someone In Your Family?

New treatments can feel frightening, particularly if you are facing a serious disease like cancer. And sometimes, you need to make hard decisions about your care. 

In these cases, it can help to ask your doctor whether he or she would recommend the proposed treatment to someone in their own family. This question gives your doctor an opportunity to relate to you on a more personal level and may help you understand the overall risks and benefits of the treatment.

5. How Will This Treatment Impact What Matters Most to Me?

Your doctor doesn’t know what is most important to you if you never discuss it. Do you care most about staying active? Living as long as possible? Being pain-free? Remaining alert? Think about what matters most to you and ask how any proposed treatment will impact those areas of your life.

For example, will your new medication make you too sleepy to drive or cause problems with nausea? Will you be able to play golf after your surgery? Or how much recovery time will you need after your procedure? Your doctor may be able to suggest alternatives that better accomplish your goals.

Asking your doctor questions during your appointment helps you play an active role in managing your health, so don’t be afraid to ask the above questions or anything else that’s on your mind. 

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