III.Conclusion: What Does This All Mean at the End of the Day?   Return to the Beginning

Now that you know what is most important for the long life and health of your patients you can encourage those habits of body, mind and spirit that are of most value. You can also unravel the sometimes very complex relationships that can show up in physical health problems.

You truly benefit when you can enjoy your older patients as the fascinating and wise people that they are. Learning about their life experiences and experiencing their personal qualities can give a lift to your day and teach you much more than their medical charts. Elders have always passed on traditions, given advice, and made sure that the next generation’s lives were better than their own. As health care professionals, you may be among the few people who come into contact with elders who have much to give and little opportunity in our culture to give it. While you may not have much time to spend with each patient, the few moments you have with each whole human being you encounter may be among the most valuable to you of your career.

 

Take Post Examination
for Credit