Geriatrics is the medical specialty focused on healthcare for older adults. This field addresses the unique health needs and challenges that develop as people age. Geriatricians receive specialized training to understand how aging affects the body and mind, allowing them to provide targeted care for adults 65 years and older. Here is more information on geriatrics:
Managing Physical Health
Geriatrics addresses numerous physical health challenges that become more common with age. Cardiovascular conditions, arthritis, osteoporosis, and diabetes frequently affect older adults. The geriatric approach focuses on managing these conditions while maintaining functional ability.
Medication management represents a significant component of geriatric care. Older adults typically take multiple medications, which increases the risk of drug interactions and adverse effects. Geriatricians regularly review medication lists, adjust dosages based on age-related changes in metabolism, and eliminate unnecessary prescriptions.
Fall prevention becomes a priority in geriatric care. Age-related changes in balance, vision, and muscle strength increase fall risk. Geriatricians assess home environments, recommend safety modifications, and prescribe appropriate exercise programs to maintain strength and balance. They also evaluate medications that may increase fall risk and make necessary adjustments.
Boosting Cognitive Health
Cognitive changes represent another area where geriatric medicine provides specialized care. Normal age-related cognitive changes differ from dementia and other serious cognitive impairments. Geriatricians conduct cognitive assessments to distinguish between normal aging and pathological changes.
Depression and anxiety affect many older adults, often going unrecognized or untreated. Geriatricians screen for mental health conditions and provide appropriate treatment options. They understand how physical health conditions can impact mental wellness and address both aspects of health simultaneously.
Sleep patterns frequently change with age, and geriatricians address sleep-related issues that affect older adults. Changes in circadian rhythms, medical conditions, and medications can disrupt sleep quality. Geriatricians evaluate sleep patterns and recommend interventions to improve sleep hygiene and overall rest quality.
Enabling Functional Independence
Maintaining independence represents a primary goal in geriatric care. Geriatricians assess activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. They work with patients to develop strategies for maintaining these functions as long as possible.
Geriatricians evaluate gait, balance, and overall physical function to identify areas of concern. This is a central part of their evaluation. They recommend appropriate interventions, including physical therapy, assistive devices, and home modifications to support safe mobility.
Advanced care planning becomes increasingly relevant as people age. Geriatricians discuss healthcare preferences, end-of-life wishes, and decision-making with patients and families. These conversations help establish care goals that align with individual values and preferences. Geriatricians also coordinate care among multiple healthcare providers. Older adults often see several specialists, and geriatricians serve as the primary coordinators to manage overall health and prevent conflicting treatments.
Learn More About Geriatrics
Geriatric medicine provides a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex health needs of aging adults. This specialty focuses on managing multiple conditions while preserving function and quality of life. The geriatric model recognizes that successful aging involves more than treating individual diseases; it requires a holistic approach that addresses physical, cognitive, and social aspects of health. Find a qualified geriatrician to see how they can help.
