Editorial

Discussing Social Activity with Older Adults: It’s More Than Small Talk

Authors: Samuel C. Durso, MD, MBA

Abstract

Consider this vignette: An 89-year-old retired teacher and widow lives alone in her own home. She is an ex-smoker with mildly symptomatic coronary artery disease. Her knees are problematic, painful to stand on, and unsteady, making her prone to falling. Fortunately she has escaped injury. She is nearly blind. Boredom too is a big problem – yet she is a survivor and thrives in her environment. How does she do it? What accounts for her success?

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1.Durso SC. A survivor’s way. JAMA 2002;288:287–288.
 
2.Arborelius E, Bremberg S. What does a human relationship with the doctor mean? Scand J Prim Health Care 1992;10:163–169.
 
3.Roter D. The outpatient medical encounter and elder patients. Clin Geriatr Med 2002;16:95–107.
 
4.Themessl-Huber, Hubbard MG, Munro P. Frail older people’s experiences and use of health and social care services. J Nurs Manag 2007;15:222–229.
 
5.Ory M, Yuma PJ, Wade A, et al. Physician discussion about social activities in primary care encounters with older adults. South Med J 2008;101:718–724.
 
6.Tinetti ME, Fried T. The end of the disease era. Am J Med 2004;116:179–185.
 
7.Cooper L, Roter D, Johnson R, et al. Patient-centered communication, ratings of care, and concordance of patient and physician race. Ann Intern Med 2003;139:907–915.