Dr. Bob Ross, a 75-year-old doctor in Ortonville, Minnesota, is an expert in the “unwanted side effects of old age.” He has been caring for the town’s residents for nearly five decades, delivering babies, tending to injuries, and specializing in treating the symptoms of aging. As his patients age alongside him, he grapples with questions about aging, cognition, and decision-making. Despite facing his own health issues, he continues to work five days a week, finding purpose and community in caring for his aging patients.
The majority of Dr. Bob’s patients are white, geriatric individuals who are facing a range of health issues associated with aging, such as cancer, diabetes, memory loss, and dementia. Bob conducts routine exams on these patients, checking for signs of circulatory problems, masses in organs, and diabetes. He stresses the importance of exercise and healthy living to maintain physical and mental health as patients age. Despite his own age-related challenges, he continues to provide compassionate care to his patients.
As Dr. Bob reflects on his own mortality, he recalls the tragedies and losses he has experienced in his life, including the death of family members and his own children. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to preserving his health and longevity, starting each day with medications and maintaining a healthy routine. He struggles with the idea of retirement, finding purpose in caring for his patients and creating connections with the community.
The issue of cognitive decline becomes more prevalent in Dr. Bob’s practice as his patients face memory loss, confusion, and cognitive impairment. He conducts cognitive assessments and offers referrals to support groups for patients dealing with dementia. The emotional toll of caring for patients with cognitive decline weighs heavily on Dr. Bob and challenges his own perceptions of aging and decline.
In an effort to cope with the challenges of aging and caring for his patients, Dr. Bob leans on his family and creates a plan for his own end-of-life care. He and his wife, Mary, discuss their mortality openly and make decisions about their estate and end-of-life wishes. Dr. Bob continues to navigate the complexities of aging and death, finding comfort in facing these realities head-on.
As Dr. Bob grapples with the inevitable decline of his own health and the challenges of caring for aging patients, he finds solace in his work and his connections with the community. Despite the challenges he faces, he remains committed to providing compassionate care and support to his patients as they navigate the complexities of aging and end-of-life care. Dr. Bob’s story is a testament to the resilience and dedication of healthcare professionals who continue to care for others despite their own struggles and challenges.
