Study: Many Seniors Will Lose the Ability to Make Their Own Health Decisions, Would Benefit from Advance Directives

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a large proportion of seniors will eventually be unable to make their own healthcare decisions and might want to consider creating an advance directive to ensure that they receive care consistent with their wishes.

The study's authors, based at the University of Michigan, reviewed the records of 3,746 seniors (aged 60 or older) who died between 2000 and 2006. Of those subjects, 42.5 percent needed healthcare decisions made. Of that 42.5 percent, 70.3 percent lacked the capacity to make decisions for themselves. Of the 70.3 percent, 67.6 percent had advance directives. The seniors who prepared advance directives were more likely to want limited care or comfort care than aggressive life-prolonging care.

The authors found that patients who prepared advance directives received care that was strongly associated with their preferences, supporting the continued use of advance directives.

To view the study's abstract, click here.