Why Do Old People Refuse to Go to the Doctor?

Why Do Old People Refuse to Go to the Doctor? Learn why elderly parents resist medical care and how to be a more empathetic caregiver.

In this video for caregivers, expert Pamela D Wilson shares how fear can prevent getting needed medical care no matter your age and why being proactive is better.

If you’re serious about learning how to care for aging parents or yourself, my E-courses might be exactly what you’re looking for—caregiver education, knowledge, and tips all in one place. Find the videos in the playlist here on my YouTube Channel called Caregiver Education Programs.

Find more information about the webinar courses, modules, research, slides, and more on my website at:

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[laurenell]

I think it is also good to start talking about the importance of seeing a Dr early on in one's life, like teen years, then it will condition the mind about seeking help when first symptoms appear.

I started having petit mal seizures when I was 21. I knew something was wrong but did not know anything about healthcare and did not tell my parents because I thought I would be a burden on them. No one had ever talked to me about health problems or healthcare at that point, neither my family or school. Then the petit mal seizures became grand mal seizures, as you said, a small problem becomes a bigger problem. By that point there was no hiding seizures and my family became very worried. If I was more conditioned in discussing health issues and more knowledgeable I am sure I would have sought help.

[peterreed]

I'm 58 and I'm no longer registered with a doctor and haven't seen one for over 10 years. My problem is (1) I don't trust the medical profession and (2) I have a morbid fear of needles, therefore I see no good reason to visit a doctor. I used to see the doctor occasionally when my wife was alive, but I only went because nagged me, but after she died in 2011 I decided I would never see a doctor again. Hopefully the next doctor to see me is the one writing my death certificate.

[checkeredsunglasses]

My mum would get incredibly angry if my dad suggested going to the doctor - she didn’t want to put her life in their hands.

I don’t know if her anger was from fear, or if she was just too proud?

We lost her and I beat myself up everyday for not having asked her or comforted her more to help her to go :(

[jessman]

I'm 50 and terrified of doctors.
1. I'm terrified of a diagnosis. Something simple as hypertension is guaranteed to permanently destroy your life.

2. I'm so ashamed to be seen in a doctor's office. I'd rather be seen with a prostitute than a urologist.

3. I'm terrified of the "ugly stuff" (exams and procedures designed to humiliate patients).

4. Masks. Since when did it become offensive to allow your patients to see the faces of healthcare staff. Let us be as human as possible.

5. Along with number 3, get rid of the "chaperones." The "ugly stuff" is already humiliating enough, why do we insist on making the finger up the butt a public spectacle?

Doctors are truly evil sadists. If they aren't, then give us privacy and figure out a way to not destroy our lives.