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The Student Loan Crisis Is an Unseen Burden on Older Americans

On Oct. 1, the nation faces a daunting challenge, one that threatens the financial stability and well-being of older adults. That’s the day when the temporary pause in federal student loan repayments, a lifeline for some during the pandemic, will end. Although this change has garnered considerable attention, one aspect remains conspicuously under-discussed: the disproportionate impact on older Americans. It is crucial to recognize the unique burdens placed on those who should be enjoying their r
Kevin Pho, MD •

Breaking barriers in health care: the power of cultural competency training

Join us for an insightful podcast episode as we delve into the significance of cultural competency training for physicians in providing health care for LGBTQ+ individuals. Our guest, Michael Pessman, a  gerontologist, shares his expertise on the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community when accessing health care. We discuss the importance of addressing discrimination and stigma, and the consequences these have on trust and patient care. Michael highlights the benefits of cultural competency training, including reducing health disparities, improving patient satisfaction, and increasing access to care. We also explore the impact of Illinois HB 4654, a bill that mandates cultural competency training for physicians, on promoting equity, social justice, and inclusive health care practices. Join us as we uncover the path towards creating a more understanding and accepting health care system for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Michael Pessman is a gerontologist.

He shares his story and discusses his KevinMD article, "Breaking down barriers: Illinois bill calls for cultural competency training for physicians to improve health care for LGBTQ+ community."

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Queerty •

Most people with HIV in the US are over 50 – here’s why that matters

Most people living with HIV in the US are now aged over 50, and the figure is only set to rise. The CDC says just over 50% of those with HIV are over 50, but by 2030, that figure may climb to 70%.

This is largely a testament to the success of anti-retroviral medication. People diagnosed with HIV are dying in far fewer numbers.

Therefore, it makes sense that people diagnosed in their 30s or 40s in the last couple of decades are now more likely to still be around but are now in the 50+ age brack
Next Avenue •

HIV and Older Adults

Most people with the virus are now age 50 and above, which is why we need to spend more to understand how it affects that age group

For over 40 years, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been one of the world's most serious public health crises. While significant progress has been made in the treatment and prevention of HIV, there are still many challenges to overcome. One of them is the growing number of HIV patients over 50 years old.

The life expectancy of people with HIV has increased significantly
KevinMD.com •

Breaking down barriers: Illinois bill calls for cultural competency training for physicians to improve health care for LGBTQ+ community

Illinois HB 4654 is a bill requiring physicians to undergo cultural competency training focusing on caring for patients who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and two-spirit LGBTQ2S+, or questioning LGBTQ+. This training is critical for ensuring that all patients receive the best possible care, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity in the state of Illinois. Even though the bill has been dead since January of this year, hardly any momentum has developed to bring
The Hill •

Breaking the age barrier: Public policy must change to combat age discrimination

To protect older individuals from age discrimination, there is a growing need for policies that promote age diversity in the workplace. It is unfortunate that ageist attitudes and stereotypes remain prevalent in many workplaces, making it difficult for older people to obtain and maintain employment. It is important to note that this has negative consequences not only for older workers themselves, but also for society. Age discrimination in the workplace requires public policy changes.

Older wor
Clinton Herald •

Why wouldn't we reelect JB as Illinois governor?

In his television ads, JB Pritzker speaks about his mother. From how openly he speaks about his relationship with his mother, people can see that she was a very important part of his life.

It was his mother who showed him how politics affects people's everyday lives. The inspiration she provided him is evident in his determination to make Illinois a better place to live for everyone. Throughout his career, JB has been open about his mother's struggles with alcoholism, which he believes taught h
The Hill •

Older Americans need action on mental health and behavioral health crises

Many older Americans face age-related mental health issues and substance abuse disorders that were exacerbated by COVID-19. This is fueling a national health crisis that requires action by policymakers, health care providers and insurers.

Older adults commonly reported depression, anxiety and trouble with sleep during the pandemic. Since March 2020, one in five adults ages 50-80, or 19 percent, reported worse sleep patterns than before the pandemic.

The pandemic made it increasingly difficult
Next Avenue •

We Have a Short Time to Fix Long-Term Care

Policymakers urgently need to address the absence of insurance coverage for the long-term-care needs of our rapidly aging society

In addition to reminding us of the high cost of long-term care, the COVID pandemic has exposed shortcomings in how we manage the care itself, including the quality of facilities, quantity of beds, scheduling of staff and a lack of commitment to improving the system.

Long-term care reform must be at the top of the federal government's policy agenda if we as a society
Kevin Pho, MD •

A shortage of geriatric doctors

"Policymakers and educators can introduce incentives and new educational programs to recruit more physicians to fill the care gaps for elderly patients. Perhaps one solution is raising Medicare reimbursements to doctors at the same rate that private insurance pays. Another avenue might be recruiting doctors that are licensed in other countries offering citizenship opportunities.

Health care professionals and pharmacists may help address the gaps in care for elderly individuals by using innovative approaches involving collaboration between physicians, pharmacists, and sometimes nurses have demonstrated reductions in inappropriate medications. These approaches build on growing evidence that highlights the importance of team-based care delivery in ensuring that care practices are patient-centered, safer, timelier, and more effective.

Providing the aging adult population with high-level care is crucial in building a just and equal society where all vulnerable categories of people are protected, and their needs are recognized."

Michael Pessman is a gerontologist.

He shares his story and discusses his KevinMD article, "The forgotten crisis: a shortage of geriatric doctors in the U.S."
https://www.kevinmd.com/2022/07/the-forgotten-crisis-a-shortage-of-geriatric-doctors-in-u-s.html

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Hosted by Kevin Pho, MD, The Podcast by KevinMD shares the stories of the many who intersect with our health care system but are rarely heard from. Welcome to The Podcast by KevinMD.

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KevinMD.com •

The forgotten crisis: a shortage of geriatric doctors in the U.S.

The scarcity of geriatricians in the United States is a severe problem in the public health sphere due to the increased number of older adults and the lack of health care professionals who specialize in this demographic.

Approximately 7,000 geriatricians are practicing in the United States, and around half of them are full-time. Research shows that 30 percent of people 65 years old and older need care from a geriatrician, and each geriatrician can care for up to 700 patients.

This translates t