Geriatrisiin

Geriatrisiin is a Finnish term referring to topics related to geriatrics, the medical specialty dedicated to the health, well-being, and care of older adults. In English-language contexts the field is called geriatrics or geriatric medicine. The aim is to promote healthy aging, prevent illness where possible, manage multiple chronic conditions, and maintain functional independence and quality of life in later years.

Central to geriatric care is the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), conducted by an interdisciplinary team that may include a physician, nurse, social worker, pharmacist, and therapists. The CGA evaluates medical status, physical and cognitive function, mood, nutrition, caregiving resources, and living environment to develop a coordinated, person-centered care plan.

Geriatric care addresses common issues such as multimorbidity, polypharmacy, frailty, delirium, dementia, falls, incontinence, and malnutrition. Because older patients often have several conditions, care emphasizes functional goals, prevention of complications, and avoidance of burdensome treatments.

Care is delivered across multiple settings—primary care, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home-based services—with attention to transitions between settings and to advance care planning and palliative needs when appropriate.

Workforce development and policy considerations include training for geriatricians and other health professionals, integration of geriatrics into primary care, and models such as geriatric assessment clinics and home-based teams to address the growing demand from aging populations. See also: geriatrics, geriatric medicine.