Alcohol Use
Anyone at any age can have a drinking problem. Alcohol can have a greater effect as a person grows older because the aging process affects how the body handles alcohol. Someone whose drinking habits haven’ t changed may find over time that he or she has a problem. People can also develop a drinking problem later in life because of major life changes like the death of loved ones. In fact, depression in older adults often goes along with alcohol use disorder. Talk with your doctor if you think you may be developing a drinking problem. You could say:
Lately I’ ve been wanting to have a drink earlier and earlier in the afternoon, and I find it’ s getting harder to stop after just one or two. What kind of treatments could help with this?
Feeling Unhappy With Your Doctor
Misunderstandings can come up in any relationship, including between a patient and a doctor or the doctor’ s staff. If you feel uncomfortable with something your doctor or his or her staff has said or done, be direct. For example, if the doctor does not return your telephone calls, you may want to say something like this:
I realize that you care for a lot of patients and are very busy, but I feel frustrated when I have to wait for days for you to return my call. Is there a way we can work together to improve this?
Being honest is much better for your health than avoiding the doctor. If you have a long-standing relationship with your doctor, working out the problem may be more useful than looking for a new doctor.
Grief, Mourning, and Depression
As people grow older, they may lose significant people in their lives, including spouses and cherished friends. Or, they may have to move away from home or give up favorite activities.
A doctor who knows about your losses is better able to understand how you are feeling and can make suggestions that may help you.
Although it is normal to mourn when you have a loss, later life does not have to be a time of ongoing sadness. If you feel sad all the time or for more than a few weeks, let your doctor know. Also, tell your doctor about symptoms such as lack of energy, poor appetite, trouble sleeping, or little interest in life. These could be signs of depression, which is a medical condition. Depression may be common, especially when people experience losses, but it is also treatable. It is NOT a normal part of aging. Let your doctor know about your feelings and ask about treatment. You may want to say,
I haven’ t been feeling like myself lately. I think I might be depressed.
Sexuality
Most health professionals now understand that sexuality remains important in later life. If you are not satisfied with your sex life, don’ t just assume it’ s because of your age. In addition to talking about age-related changes, you can ask your doctor about the effects of an illness or a disability on sexual function. Also, ask your doctor about the influence medications or surgery may have on your sex life.
If you aren’ t sure how to bring up the topic, try saying:
I have a personal question I would like to ask you... or
30 Difficult but Necessary Conversations