From what I read, if it weren’t for us older folks, there wouldn’t be a health-care cost/crisis in this country. Are we really using up most of the nation’s health-care resources?

I ran across an answer to your question online. Its source is the Alliance for Aging Research in Washington, D.C.

Myth No. 1: It is common for older people to receive heroic, high-tech treatments at the end of life.

Fact: Only a fraction of people over age 65 receive aggressive care at the end of life, and the older people are, the less likely they are to receive aggressive care when dying.

Myth No. 2: The majority of older people die in hospitals.

Fact: The majority of older people do not die in hospitals, and the older people are the more likely they are to die in nursing homes.

Myth No. 3: Aggressive hospital care for the elderly is futile; the money is wasted.

Fact: Many older people who receive aggressive care do well for an extended period.

Myth No. 4: If all elderly patients had living wills or other advance directives, it would resolve dilemmas of how aggressively to provide care.

Fact: Even when patients have advance directives, end-of-life decision making remains complex, with frequent controversy.

Myth No. 5: The growing number of older people has been the primary factor driving the rise in America’s health care expenditures in the past few decades.

Fact: Population aging does not so far appear to be the principal determinant of rising health care costs.

Myth No. 6: As the population ages, health-care costs for the elderly will overwhelm and bankrupt the nation.

Fact: Population aging need not impose a crushing economic burden, especially if we start now to conduct the necessary research and develop policies on health care at the end of life.

This little myth report made me feel better. Hope it works the same for you.

If you have a question for “Sense for Seniors,” write to Betty Gibb, Kansas Senior Press Service, 11875 S. Sunset, Suite 200, Olathe 66061, or call 913-477-8103, or e-mail elizabeth.gibb@jocoks.com.