Geriatrics
Geriatrics is a type of healthcare concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and management of a wide range of illnesses in older adults, particularly diseases that are specific to old age.
Ageing is inevitable, and as we get old, our bodies and organ function decline even in the absence of any injury, diseases, or any other environmental risks. Usually, it begins with reduced functionality of one or two organs when the body is exposed to stress or in case of an injury. The weakest and the most vulnerable parts are the central nervous system, the renal, and cardiovascular systems. Old age is often considered to begin at the age of 65 years. However, most people are strong and healthy and do not require geriatrics care until the age of 70 to 75, while others can extend up to 80 years of age.
Just like paediatricians who focus on children’s needs, geriatricians are also specially trained to address the health needs of older adults. They have special knowledge and skills concerning old age and the ageing process. They are well conversant with the diagnostic, therapeutic, and management of diseases common in old age. They mostly offer care services in patient’s homes, but can also perform in special care facilities, or hospitals.
Common medical conditions in old age include heart diseases, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, more than half of the people above 65 years of age are more likely to be living with at least three of these medical problems. Older adults above 85years are even more likely to develop severe additional health conditions that limit their mobility and ability to perform simple basic tasks such as cooking and cleaning. Geriatricians should look out for the above health conditions to enable them to understand the complexity of the diseases and take the right approach, especially when they co-exist in a patient.
Geriatrics is a holistic care approach that not only focus on the illness, but rather on the person and their family as a whole, helping them manage old age-related conditions and other geriatric syndromes like falls, dementia, delirium, and polypharmacy. The main role of geriatricians is to help the patients maintain functional status and enhance the quality of life.
The current increase in the ageing population demands for changes in the healthcare system to accommodate their health needs. Geriatric is rewarding. It is a holistic approach that has a tremendous impact on older adult’s quality of life and their families altogether.
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