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What is geriatrics and the importance of this specialization in the care plan for the elderly

Time never forgives anyone, and as our bodies go through the changes that come with aging, so do our medical needs. Sometimes hospitalization in certain centers for the elderly may be sufficient, but at other times follow-up of the patient by a geriatrician or other specialists is also recommended.

Each period needs specific care, adapted to the diseases and conditions for which there is a greater risk. Older people may need permanent assistance, especially if they are totally or partially bedridden, suffer from memory loss or dementia. Being a vast field, it requires trained and dedicated people to face the challenges of the field, but above all to show compassion and patience.



What is geriatrics?

Geriatrics is the medical specialty that focuses on the health and care of elderly patients. There is no specific age at which adult people can fall into geriatrics, but a threshold can be considered the age of 65.

Geriatrics aims to improve the health and lifestyle of elderly patients. From doctors to nurses to caregivers and more, they can all specialize in geriatrics, offering comprehensive and comprehensive services in both private practices and senior care centers.

Geriatrics studies the entire aging process from several perspectives, such as premature, mental, functional, somatic and social aging.

What are the benefits of a geriatric specialist?

A medical specialist has the ability to care for elderly people whether or not they have a medical condition. He improves the lifestyle of elderly patients, can prescribe treatments for various existing conditions or for prevention.

Geriatrics doctors, in collaboration with specialist doctors in various branches, can control and even treat a lot of conditions specific to old age such as: dementia, osteoporosis, incontinence, cancer, loss of visual acuity, diabetes, insomnia, heart disease and can offer care for people who need assistance.

The importance of geriatrics in the care plan of the elderly

While we are young, active and healthy, we can hardly imagine that our powers will slowly decline. However, how we age matters a lot, and one of the main goals of geriatrics is to give people an active old age, good health and a long life.

More than 50% of the elderly need medical care, either at home or in a hospital or aged care facility. Because of this high percentage, it is necessary to create a uniform system at country level for the development of this branch of medicine related to geriatrics and gerontology.

Geriatric care involves geriatric care, general consultations, complex analyses, and direct and active collaboration with medical specialists from other areas, such as neurology, internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, and more. In general, in the third age, people suffer from several ailments. The aging process is complex and must be understood in depth to reduce the effects of aging.

That is precisely why it is necessary for the elderly to have the support of a team made up of the family doctor, the specialist doctors (depending on the conditions in question) and the geriatrician. Through joint efforts, they will increase people's life expectancy and its quality.

When should you see a doctor specializing in geriatrics and gerontology?

With advancing age, concern for the state of health should become a priority, even if no specific symptomatology is present. Calling a geriatrician can help support an active and independent lifestyle.

It is advisable to go to a geriatric consultation or encourage your elderly loved ones to do so if you notice certain changes such as:

  • a decrease in the ability to concentrate;

  • episodes of memory loss;

  • difficulty in carrying out common everyday tasks (cooking, eating, washing clothes, cleaning the home);

  • decreased muscle strength, etc.

Retirement, reduction of usual activities, isolation from family members and friends can lead to the development of depression that many seniors are not aware of. A specialist doctor can make a correct diagnosis and help the person concerned with treatments tailored to their needs.

Old age should be peaceful and health care a priority so that maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is no problem.

Call a specialist in geriatrics with confidence, because life deserves to be lived with joy at any age!



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