Press Room

Do Americans age 50 and older discuss the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with their physicians? In spring 2006, AARP and NCCAM partnered on a survey to help answer this question. The consumer survey found that among the 1,559 adults surveyed age 50+ nearly two out of three reported using some form of CAM, yet only one in three of those who have used CAM said they have discussed it with their physicians.

NCCAM Press Release and Audiofiles

Time To Talk About CAM: Health Care Providers and Patients Need To Ask and Tell
NIH Audio File Dr. Briggs Speaks About Time to Talk
Older Americans Not Discussing Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use with Doctors
NIH Radio Interview with Dr. Chesney about the AARP Report
2:08 | 2.0 MB | Transcript | Get RealPlayer | Right-Click to Download MP3 File

Report

Complementary and Alternative Medicine: What People 50 and Over Are Using and Discussing with Their Physicians (AARP)

Videos (B-roll)

Videos featuring older Americans

Traditional Chinese Medicine;
7 minutes 42 seconds
Qi Gong;
6 minutes 48 seconds

Other Resources

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

National Institute on Aging

Talking With Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People (National Institute on Aging)
Dietary Supplements: More is Not Always Better (National Institute on Aging)

Office of Dietary Supplements

What Dietary Supplements Are You Taking? (Office of Dietary Supplements)