Should My Elderly Parent Have Surgery?

Can an 80-year-old have spine surgery? — A guide to making the decision based on more than age alone

What You'll Learn

• Why age alone should not determine whether surgery is an option
• When surgery is — and isn't — necessary
• Types of surgery, their risks, and recovery timelines
• What "choosing not to have surgery" looks like
• How to play a helpful role in your parent's surgical decision