Age-related vs. disease-related: how perceptions of geriatric syndromes shape health-seeking behavior in older adults

Background Geriatric syndromes (GS) describe complex health challenges in older patients. Understanding the perceptions of geriatric syndromes as age-related vs. disease-related can help to identify different patterns of health-seeking behavior (HSB) for GS among older adults. Methods In this explorative, cross-sectional study, we investigate the prevalence and perception of various GS (falls, gait disturbance, pain, urinary incontinence, memory loss, depressive symptoms, loss of social contacts) in a geriatric cohort ( n = 94, mean age 82.5 ± 5.29 years, 62.8% female). Variables included the presence of GS, their perceived impact, and whether they were viewed as age-related or disease-related (visual analogue scale). HSB was assessed based on whether patients sought medical consultation, received diagnostics, or underwent therapy for the GS. Additional variables included a comprehensive geriatric assessment, health literacy, locus of control, and views on aging. Results The study found significant variations in HSB among different GS. Overall, 94.7% of the patients experienced at least one GS. The most frequently reported GS were falls (59.6%), gait problems (55.3%), and pain (51.1%). Incontinence (39.4%), falls (37.5%), and gait problems (32.7%) were considered the most relevant GS by the patients. Pain (89.6%), incontinence (72.7%), and gait problems (69.2%) were the primary reasons for seeking medical consultation, with therapeutic measures more commonly initiated for pain (70.8%) than for gait disorders (28.8%) and incontinence (33.3%). Symptoms of depression and memory loss received minimal medical attention. Pain was predominantly perceived as disease-related, with corresponding higher HSB, whereas memory loss was often seen as age-related, with corresponding lower HSB. There was no significant association between GS ratings (age or disease-related) and sex, living situation, social support, education level, health literacy, or locus of control. However, a positive view on aging correlated with perceiving depressive symptoms and lack of energy as disease-related. Conclusion This explorative study suggests that the individual perceptions of GS may impact the use of medical services. Future confirmatory studies are necessary to develop targeted interventions addressing these perceptions in order to improve the health behavior of older adults.