By Nancy Thomas


Geriatrics is also referred to as geriatric medicine. It is a branch of medicine that deals with the health care of elderly individuals. The aim of this specialty is to promote health through prevention and treatment of disabilities and diseases affecting old people. The medical practitioners who specialize in the provision of health care to old people are called geriatric physicians of geriatrician. In Ann Arbor Geriatrics has many specialists who offer high quality care.

Geriatrics and gerontology are different medical specialties. The process of aging is studied under gerontology while medical conditions that result from aging are treated and prevented under the field of geriatric medicine. Anyone qualifies to be treated by a geriatric doctor because there is no specific limitation on age. The Greek language is the origin of the term geriatrics, which when translated into the English language holds the meaning old man.

Old and young people are physiologically different in their bodies, making the study of Geriatrics very crucial. As aging progresses, decline in body organs manifests. Previous lifestyles play a role in the kind of symptoms and diseases one experiences. Different people experience different symptoms depending on the healthy organ reserves remaining in the body.

Geriatricians are adequately trained to be able to differentiate illnesses from ordinary aging effects. For instance, renal failure and incontinence are signs of disease while impairment of the renal is a normal aging effect. Geriatricians therefore promote healthy and proper aging.

The decline in physiological reserve in organs results in complications and disease which may range in complexity from mild to severe. Some suffer from multiple medical disorders. These makes old people to require specific attention to medications. Usually they are subjected to taking multiple medications. Some people decide to prescribe themselves several over-the-counter drugs and herbal medications. This often results in the risk of adverse drug reactions or drug interactions.

Elderly people suffer from diseases that mostly present themselves in a vague and non-specific way. They may include delirium and falls sometimes. For example, pneumonia may result in confusion and low-level fever. This is not happens in younger people where pneumonia causes high-level fever and cough. Description of symptoms is often a problem to the old individuals, if cognitive impairment and confusion is being caused.

The term geriatric giants is used to describe the major categories of impairment appearing in old people. These four categories are impaired intellect/memory, incontinence, instability, and immobility. Hearing loss and impaired vision are very common. Loss of hearing causes depression, dependence, and social isolation. Vision impairment causes falls, incorrect taking of medication, and financial mismanagement.

This profession is faced with some serious concerns on issues to do with functional abilities, independence, and quality of life. Generally, it is the wish of most old people to be as independent as long as they can manage. Geriatricians should offer information concerning referrals and options for older care as needed. Some options for older care include assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home care, and hospice.




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