Medical Decisions in Older Age: Managing Complexities, Uncertainties, and Social Relationships

Abstract

Medical decisions in older adulthood frequently entail consideration of a variety of health issues and social relationships relevant to the decision (Hummert & Nussbaum, 2001). The case presented illustrates the decision-making process of a 69-year-old woman considering a surgical procedure. Although not immediately life threatening, her decision arouses anxiety and uncertainty which are revealed and managed through her interactions. By examining her decisionmaking process from an ecological perspective, an understanding of the profound complexities, uncertainties, and influences associated with medical decisions in older adulthood can be realized. Making decisions involving one’s health and medical care can be a complicated and challenging process. Persons facing a major medical decision may cope with illness-related uncertainty, process complicated medical information, and consider numerous treatment alternatives. The complexities associated with medical decisions are amplified for older adults, who often experience multiple diseases, disability, and frailty concurrently (Fried, Ferrucci, Darer, Williamson, & Anderson, 2004), which may require management of numerous treatment regimens.