Ethics and healthcare in the older adult population

Aryan  Ayati; Moloud  Payab; Zhaleh  Shadman; Amirahmad  Shojaei; Mojgan  Asadi; Farshad  Sharifi; Mahbube  Ebrahimpur; Bagher  Larijani

doi:10.18502/jmehm.v17i12.18664

Aryan Ayati Research Center for Advanced Technologies in Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Moloud Payab Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Zhaleh Shadman Elderly Health Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Amirahmad Shojaei Medical Ethics and History of Medicine Research Center, Tehran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mojgan Asadi Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Farshad Sharifi Elderly Health Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mahbube Ebrahimpur Elderly Health Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Bagher Larijani Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmehm.v17i12.18664

Keywords: Older adults; Geriatrics; Disability; Ethics; Medical justice

Abstract

Aging is a natural process involving the loss of several abilities, including cardiovascular, neurologic, musculoskeletal, and social capabilities. In addition to the usual needs, older adults face specific physical and mental challenges. Considering the increase in life expectancy and the large percentage of older adults in most populations, societies should be prepared for the ethical challenges associated with high-demand older generations. A search was conducted across the three main databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Next, 57 qualitative studies were selected to evaluate the ethical concerns and solutions in providing healthcare and treatment for older generations. Two independent researchers screened and assessed the studies, and the results were reported. Our findings showed that the main concern of policymakers and healthcare planners should be observance of principles such as autonomy, dignity, and fair and balanced distribution of medical resources while not prioritizing others over older adults due to their age. The elderly have specific needs, and considering their increasing prevalence and physical and emotional fragility, countries should be prepared to meet their rapidly growing needs.