Geriatric Medicine, or geriatrics, is a specialized field of medicine focused on the health and well-being of older adults. It addresses the unique medical, social, and functional needs of individuals as they age, aiming to optimize their health and quality of life. Geriatricians, physicians specializing in this field, are trained to manage the complex health challenges that often accompany older age.
Key aspects of geriatric medicine:
- Focus on older adults
- Geriatrics specifically deals with the health of older people, often those over the age of 65, but the specific needs of each individual determine when geriatric care is appropriate.
- Geriatricians consider not only physical health but also mental, functional, and social well-being when developing care plans
- Geriatric care often involves a team of healthcare professionals, including nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and other specialists, to address the diverse needs of older adults.
- Prevention and management of age-related conditions
- Geriatricians focus on preventing and managing common age-related conditions, such as frailty, falls, urinary incontinence, and cognitive decline.
Optimizing function and quality of life - The primary goal of geriatric medicine is to help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.
Addressing unique challenges - Older adults may experience illnesses differently than younger adults, and they may be more susceptible to the effects of medications. Geriatricians are trained to recognize and address these differences.
Not defined by age alone - While many geriatric patients are over 65, the need for geriatric care is determined by individual health needs and the complexity of their medical conditions.
- Geriatric medicine is a vital field that helps older adults navigate the challenges of aging and maintain their health and
