Everyday symptoms
What NOT to Say to Your Doctor After 60: 6 Phrases That Get You Brushed Off
Educational only, not medical advice. Talk to your own doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist. In an emergency, call 911.
What this video covers
Researchers found that patients were interrupted after about 11 seconds, so what you say first at an appointment matters most. In this video, a nurse explains six sentences older adults say all the time in those first seconds, and the exact words to use instead. It is not about blaming you or your doctor. It is about making all 15 minutes of a short visit count.
Instead of “I’m fine,” try “I have three things today, and the main one is this.” Instead of “I didn’t want to bother you,” say the frightening thing first. Instead of “I only take what you prescribed,” bring the bag, with everything in it. Instead of “whatever you think is best,” ask about the benefits, the risks, the alternatives, and what happens if you do nothing. Instead of “I’m too old for that,” ask “Am I a candidate, and if not, why not?” And instead of “it’s just old age,” describe what changed, when it started, and what you cannot do now. If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side or sudden confusion, call 911. Do not wait for an appointment.
Key points
- Instead of "I'm fine": "I have three things today, and the main one is this."
- Instead of "I didn't want to bother you": say the frightening thing first
- Instead of "I only take what you prescribed": bring the bag, everything in it
- Instead of "whatever you think is best": benefits, risks, alternatives, and what if I do nothing
- Instead of "I'm too old for that": "Am I a candidate, and if not, why not?"
- Instead of "it's just old age": what changed, when it started, and what I cannot do now
Chapters
- 0:00 The study: 11 seconds
- 0:52 The six sentences
- 1:28 This is not about blaming you
- 2:13 No. 6 "I'm fine."
- 3:24 No. 5 "I didn't want to bother you."
- 4:53 No. 4 "I only take what you prescribed."
- 6:29 No. 3 "Whatever you think is best, doctor."
- 8:00 No. 2 "I'm too old for that."
- 9:08 No. 1 "It's just old age."
- 11:12 Let me be honest with you
- 11:58 Write this down: the six swaps
- 12:45 Use all fifteen minutes
