Tips for getting parents to talk about the health problems of the elderly

One way to maintain the health of the elderly (elderly people) is to invite them to regularly consult a doctor. Unfortunately, not all elderly people want to visit a doctor. If you are worried about your parents' health condition, start a conversation that can encourage them to consult a doctor, change their habits, or encourage them to pay more attention to their health. How to? Find out the tips in this article.

Most of the elderly are reluctant to see a doctor regarding their health

If you are worried because your parents often refuse to see a doctor every time you ask him or her, you are not alone. The reason is, most people also often complain if their parents refuse to consult a doctor.

Reporting from the Verywell page, the results of a national survey in the United States (US) conducted by Orlando Health, there are several main reasons parents, especially men, refuse to see a doctor. Beirkut the most common reasons.

22 percent of the elderly said they were too busy to have time to visit the doctor.
21 percent of the elderly said they were afraid to know their health condition.
8 percent of the elderly feel uncomfortable doing a series of physical tests conducted by doctors, especially examinations around the genital area.
8 percent of the elderly feel afraid that doctors will ask questions that make them feel uncomfortable to answer (for example, feeling guilty for having unhealthy habits such as smoking).
Another 7 percent said they did not want to know how severe the diagnosis given by a doctor was related to their health.

Fathers are considered to be more private about their health than mothers

Based on a 2014 survey conducted by the CDC in the US, it was found that older people who refused to go to the doctor were usually men than women. In other words, it is easier for older women to be asked to see a doctor than elderly men.

Not only that, a survey conducted in 2016 by the Cleveland Clinic found that as many as 53 percent of men chose not to talk about their health problems with others. The survey also found as many as 22 percent of men never even discussed their health conditions with anyone, including their spouses and children.

Tips for inviting parents to talk about health problems in the elderly

As mentioned above, if your parents often refuse to see doctors, and often say that there is no point in seeing a doctor, this may be the answer because they are uncomfortable seeing a doctor. The stubborn attitude they show is a way to cover up all their fears.

Even so, there are several ways you can talk to your parents about the health problems of the elderly so that they are more concerned about their health.

1. Show facts related to his health condition

If your parents refuse to talk about their health, it could be because you didn't offer them the right solution. However, in other cases parents refused to be talked to about their health because they still did not accept that their body's abilities had started to decline as they got older.

Try to always have regular conversations with your parents regarding their health. Hold on to the facts that appear from him. If you notice changes in your parents' health, slowly show them the facts.

Say something like, “Daddy, this is the second time you have fallen this month,” or “I see, Mom has been getting short of breath a lot lately,”. The various facts that you disclose can help them increase their awareness that there are problems related to their health.

However, don't be surprised if your parents argue or try to change the subject.

2. Ask what made her hesitate to see a doctor

Apart from the various reasons mentioned above, some parents may be confused about the cost issue and should consult what specialist doctor for the best treatment. Well, here is your role to help solve the problem.

So that parents are more sure to see a doctor, immediately offer your help as gently and politely as possible. For example, “Mom, I have already made health insurance. Regarding costs, you don't have to worry anymore. Insurance that will providecover.”

3. Ask for help from others

Your words may take some time for your parents to absorb. Take your time, wait patiently for a few moments after your first conversation is over. Then gently share your concerns again at a later date.

However, some parents may listen more to the advice of someone they really believe, be it their spouse, closest relative, spiritual teacher, or their best friend. If your suggestion doesn't make any progress with your parents, seek help from one of the people who influenced them.

4. Be wise

After various ways you have done to persuade your parents to go to the doctor, you still have to understand if your parents are able to make their own decisions. Remember, even though parents are in their old age, they still want to determine their own attitudes. They still want to make decisions.

So in the end, your parents have the right to make their own health care decisions. If they don't want help, you can't force them to see a doctor. Suggesting to slowly change their bad habits could be another solution for maintaining the health of the elderly.