To introduce first-year medical students to the importance of older patient-physician communication, the utility of an enhanced social history and functional assessment, and the pitfalls of ageism in the medical setting.

Knowledge:

• Identify ageist behaviors that might occur within the physician-older patient relationship
• Understand how ageist behaviors might lead to misdiagnosis
• Recognize that disease may present atypically in the elderly
• Identify common key interventions that might enhance physician-older patient communication
• Identify areas that should be included in an enhanced social history of an older patient
• List Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) 

Skills:

• Administer the Simple Geriatrics Screen/Functional Assessment tool
• Demonstrate an enhanced social history of an older adult
• Modify interviewing skills to avoid ageist behaviors
• Communicate effectively and empathetically with older adults, with an awareness of the barriers that frequently impede communication

Attitudes:

• Appreciate the distinct culture – as well as the heterogeneity – of the older population
• Reflect on one’s own attitudes toward older adults, including caring for the chronically ill
• Develop appreciation of the courage, stamina, and strength required to “age well” in America