Tradeoffs How New York Times Columnist Paula Span Navigates ‘The New Old Age’
Oct 16, 2025
Paula Span, a seasoned journalist and The New Old Age columnist for the New York Times, shares her insights on aging and healthcare choices. She discusses how her column evolved from caregiving to encompass broader topics like policy and relationships. Span highlights a Stanford study on the trade-offs of dialysis, emphasizing quality of life. She also offers advice for older patients to advocate for themselves and questions trends in medical interventions. With a focus on improving aging policies, Paula aims to inform and inspire change for a healthier future.
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Georgia Outlaw Chose Symptom Care Over Dialysis
- Georgia Outlaw, a retired social worker and pastor, declined dialysis and managed symptoms through VA care.
- She remained active and preached while avoiding weekly dialysis center visits.
Home Dialysis Is Growing Slowly
- At-home peritoneal dialysis is increasing but remains uncommon; only about 13% use it.
- Medicare incentives favor home dialysis, yet physical ability and living situation limit uptake.
Mixed Evidence For Spinal Stimulators
- Spinal cord stimulators are widely implanted but evidence of benefit is mixed and often industry-funded.
- Some studies show little opioid reduction and independent reviews question the stimulators' effectiveness.