Aims: Whilst biological age can be clinically relevant, views about ageing may influence treatment decisions. In this qualitative research study, we aimed to identify the experiences of older people with respect to the use of patient age in clinical decision making, explore their views on age in general and their moral intuitions on the use of age in clinical decisions.
Methods: Utilising the methodology of phenomenology and interpretivism, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 older people aged over 65 living near Geelong, Victoria. Interview data was analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (Braun and Clarke 2022).
Results: The main themes were i) Older age, closer to death ii) A good doctor is terribly important iii) An older person is many things iv) Older person, heal thyself. Older participants viewed an older person as a combination of negative and positive attributes and both valuable and burdens within society. Although not all participants had experienced age use in the health setting, they were aware older people could be treated differently. They were conscious of physical changes of ageing and mortality and took actions to keep themselves fit and healthy and maintain relationships with their doctors.
Conclusion: Older participants in the study were mindful of the health implications of ageing. Participants considered it may be ethically appropriate to use an older person’s age in clinical decision making when it is evidence based, in keeping with the person’s wishes and communicated well within a good relationship between doctor and patient.