As soon as I turned 65, something shifted in the exam room… and not for the better. 

In this episode, I’m sharing my personal experience with ageism in health care – how the tone of my medical appointments changed, why the attention to my symptoms dropped, and why so many of us suddenly get a pat on the shoulder instead of real care.

This isn’t just about Medicare or paperwork.

It’s about what happens when the medical system quietly decides we’re “too old” for deeper investigation.

I break down:

• The subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways ageism shows up in doctor’s offices
• Why the system often stops ordering tests after 65
• The stereotypes and assumptions that leave older adults underdiagnosed and overlooked
• How we can push back, advocate for ourselves, and get the care we deserve
• The exact phrases that shift conversations with clinicians
• And why refusing to internalize medical ageism is an act of self-respect

And because I never want you walking into a doctor’s appointment unprepared, I created a free one-page guide you can take to your next annual physical:

👉 “What to Ask For at Your Annual Physical After 65”
This checklist covers the physical, mental-health, and cognitive screenings every adult over 65 should be receiving, but often aren’t.

Grab it here and use it as your personal advocacy tool.

Growing older doesn’t mean fading into the background of the medical system.
We deserve curiosity, attention, and care at every age — and we’re not afraid to ask for it.

✨ Tap here to tune into EP 24 to hear Tami Barber's story about firing her Cancer doctor – I know you'll Love meeting this former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and Love Boat star.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-Aging!

For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help:
✨ Amplify inspiring voices
✨ Break age-related stereotypes
✨ Reach more listeners worldwide
💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee

Every cup makes a difference – thank you! 🧡

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online – I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – [email protected].

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Ande Lyons Host and Producer

Ande Lyons is a 4x founder, a former global startup mentor, serial podcaster since 2012, and currently the host of the popular Don’t Be Caged By Your Age Podcast, where Ande helps folks dissolve internalized ageist beliefs so they can thrive after 65.

Through conversations with individuals who have defied societal norms, shattered age-related expectations, and forged new and unexpected pathways that left them feeling enlivened, engaged, and visible, Ande helps listeners reimagine, repurpose and rewire their lived experiences for a vibrant life during their “Renaissance” years.