Journal: Journal of general internal medicine
This publication addresses the pervasive issue of ageism in healthcare, illustrating its impact through the case of a 72-year-old woman whose cancer diagnosis was delayed because her symptoms were dismissed as normal aging.
It emphasizes how unconscious ageist assumptions lead to:
- Missed diagnoses
- Undertreatment
- Misaligned care priorities
The article critiques the reliance on age rather than individualized assessment, which undermines patient-centered care and clinical precision.
It also explores the roots of ageism in medical culture, education, and healthcare systems, calling for clinicians, educators, and institutions to actively dismantle these biases.
Addressing ageism is presented as both an ethical necessity and a clinical and financial priority.