Strong bones and muscle a must in the face of ageist healthcare

As our population ages, ensuring healthcare is inclusive, effective, and tailored to the needs of older adults has become more urgent than ever.

Musculoskeletal health is one area where ageism—discrimination based on age—can sometimes negatively affect care and outcomes.

Common conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness are prevalent among older adults, but they are sometimes dismissed or misunderstood due to stereotypes about ageing.

By recognising these challenges and empowering older adults to take an active role in their healthcare, we can create a system that supports everyone’s musculoskeletal health.

Ageism in healthcare refers to the bias or discrimination older adults may face, leading to low-quality healthcare or the invalidation of genuine health concerns. For musculoskeletal issues, this can mean healthcare providers downplaying symptoms like joint pain or stiffness, labelling them as “normal signs of ageing,” rather than identifying treatable conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis. Sadly, this ageist perspective can sometimes result in a diminished quality of life for many older adults.

While there are many healthcare professionals who do not allow ageism to influence their practice, unfortunately, it’s not always the case.

Empowering older people to be well-informed and engaged in their healthcare decisions, increase their health literacy and drive decisions in consultation with their healthcare team are some of the key steps in overcoming the barriers posed by ageism.