Differences in the way of thinking about health and infectious diseases between the elderly and medical staff

Abstract

The majority of our inpatients and outpatients are senior citizens. They are in marked contrast to the majority of current medical workers who are far younger than their patients. We investigated the problems which may arise due to this age gap using a questionnaire asking about viewpoints on "health" and "infectious diseases among the elderly" Interest in general health was lower among medical workers than common citizens. Lifestyles which the public may consider to be good for health are more specific and cover a wider range than those of medical professionals. Medical staff thought home care is important for infectious diseases among the elderly. They were concerned with the appearance of resistant bacilli and considered that the type of treatment should vary in accordance with the patient's age and stamina, whereas the elderly citizens cared more strongly about the treatments result. Medical workers should understand that the general citizens have a different way of thinking about health and infectious diseases from their own.