'Another stage of life': Utah couple embraces aging with help from geriatric care

TAYLORSVILLE — When someone gets older, the changes can seem subtle — a missed name, a little imbalance, moments that are easy to brush off as "just aging."

But for one Utah couple, getting specialized care has made this stage of life one that they're embracing.

In August, Jim and Donalee Davis will celebrate 65 years of marriage. Now in their 80s, the couple said they've started noticing the physical and mental changes that come with age.

"Even though we thought we weren't old, we are," Donalee Davis said.

Jim is 86. Donalee is 84. Over time, they say small concerns began to add up, like balance issues and memory lapses.

"I forget my children's names sometimes," Jim said.

That's when they turned to a geriatrician — a doctor who specializes in the health of older adults. Geriatric specialists focus on those age 65 and older, helping manage medications, mobility, memory and chronic health conditions. They work in a range of settings, from hospitals and outpatient clinics to assisted living and nursing homes.

"Aging is one of those things that until we're there, we don't quite realize what that means for us," said Tim Sellers, a nurse practitioner in senior medicine at Intermountain Health Utah Valley clinic.

He explained that just as children benefit from pediatricians early in life, older adults can benefit from doctors trained specifically in aging. Geriatric specialists help identify the changes that come with aging and work with patients to maintain their independence, including using screenings and early detection to address potential health problems before they become serious.

"It is a very vulnerable place to realize, 'Hey, my life is changing, and there are things that I can't control, I can't do what I always used to do,'" Sellers said. "We hopefully improve quality of life, helping them live longer, healthier, happier."

For the Davises, having a plan and a specialist in their corner has brought them peace of mind.

"It makes you feel secure," Jim said. "Somebody taking that good care of me, I'll get the grandkids in my lap a little longer."

"We're starting to realize that it's just another stage of life," Donalee added. "And it's a good one."

Experts say loved ones are often the first to notice when something seems off, whether it's memory problems, balance issues, or changes in behavior. Starting those conversations early can help older adults get the care they need before those concerns become bigger problems.

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