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Complementary and alternative medicine. Use in an older population
Adam T Williamson1, Paula C Fletcher, Kimberley A Dawson
1Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Canada.
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
|May 27, 2003
Summary
Older adults use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) primarily for pain relief and improved quality of life, despite low knowledge levels. Increased education for seniors and professionals is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- The aging North American population necessitates greater understanding of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) utilization among older adults.
- Existing research indicates limited usage of CAM by seniors, prompting an investigation into underlying attitudes and motivations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the attitudes and motivations of older adults towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use.
- To identify factors contributing to the limited usage of CAM therapies in the senior population.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative survey and interview approach with senior citizens aged 66 to 100 years.
- Forty-two participants completed a questionnaire, and 10 engaged in in-depth interviews.
- Investigated motivations, prevalence, knowledge of CAM, and physician attitudes.
Main Results:
- Primary motivations for CAM use included pain relief (54.8%), improved quality of life (45.2%), and health/fitness maintenance (40.5%).
- Knowledge of CAM was notably low across the sample, with significant differences between users and non-users.
- Frequently used CAM therapies were chiropractic (61.9%), herbal medicine (54.8%), massage therapy (35.7%), and acupuncture (33.3%).
Conclusions:
- Older adults perceive CAM treatments as highly beneficial.
- There is a critical need for enhanced CAM education targeted at both older adults and healthcare professionals.
- CAM practitioners should engage in educating seniors and understand their motivations for seeking alternative therapies.