Hospitalized older adults prioritize independence, family relationships, and dignity over medical interventions, with values-centered care improving outcomes. This finding shifts clinical strategy from disease management to preference-aligned treatment, a critical variable in longevity planning for aging populations.
Key Points
- Older adults value independence and autonomy above symptom management
- Family relationships and social connection rank as primary health priorities
- Values-aligned care reduces hospitalization burden and improves adherence
Longevity Analysis
The tension between what medicine can do and what patients actually want to live for determines treatment success in later life. When clinicians decode what matters to an individual—rather than defaulting to standardized protocols—adherence improves, unnecessary interventions decrease, and psychological resilience strengthens. This directly affects stress response, emotional regulation, and regeneration capacity. Patients whose care aligns with their values show better recovery trajectories and lower readmission rates, not because the medicine changed, but because the intent behind treatment matched lived experience.
Original published by SAGE Research on Aging, by Nikhil Satchidanand, Zachary B. Wikerd, Anna Hobler, Brittany LaDue, Jihae Lee1State University of New York Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA2Department of Palliative Care, 2070Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.