This statement highlights the high prevalence of depression and cognitive decline among elderly individuals living in institutional settings, such as nursing homes. It emphasizes that these symptoms are not only common but also crucial considerations when assessing the overall health and functioning of this population. The authors are suggesting that mental health and cognitive status should be integrated into evaluations of institutionalized older adults, as these factors may interact with nutrition, medication use, and functional ability

I thought this paragraph was strong because it ties things together with how patients may feel in a health care setting. Everyday ageism can hurt older people’s health in different ways. It can make doctor visits less helpful if providers don’t take them seriously, and it can also cause older adults to believe negative stereotypes about aging. Over time, these attitudes and experiences can lead to stress, lower confidence, and worse overall health.