Abstract
Implementing positive aging ideas developed in Western Europe may be difficult to achieve in Eastern European contexts such as the Romanian health system. This might result in inequalities between EU countries in what positive aging is concerned. How health professionals construct old age reflects in the health communication with their aging patients. To analyze how old age and older patients as well as active aging promotion happens, we conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with Romanian general practitioners, the gatekeepers of Romanian health care system. Thematic coding revealed that constructions of the irresponsible old patient prevail. Doctors perceive themselves either as helpless helpers, or as a kind of social worker, performing duties that are outside the range of medical services. Implications of the findings for practice and active aging policy implementation are discussed.
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Craciun, C. “They Do Not Know How To Use Their Health Insurance Card”: Implementation of Active Aging Policy and Aging Perceptions in Romanian General Practitioners. Ageing Int 41, 254–264 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-015-9239-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-015-9239-x