More Isn't Always Better When It Comes to Healthcare, Older Americans Say

New findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging indicate only 14 percent of people older than 50 believe more is usually better when it comes to healthcare, reports ScienceDaily . However, 25 percent said their health providers frequently order tests or prescribe drugs that they do not think they need. One in six noted it had happened in the last year, but about 50 percent still followed through with the test or filled the prescription. Meanwhile, about 10 percent of respondents said their doctor or other health provider informed them that a test or medication they had requested was unnecessary, with most noting the provider explained why, although 40 percent did not fully understand the explanation. Overall, 54 percent of respondents think health providers often recommend tests, medications, or procedures that they do not really need. "These survey results show us that more attention needs to be focused on improving communication between care recipients and doctors," says AARP's Alison Bryant. "Encouraging recipients and doctors to routinely discuss the need for recommended procedures and medications should help prevent unnecessary treatments and cut healthcare costs."