geriatri

Geriatrics, or geriatry, is the branch of medicine dedicated to the health care of older adults. It addresses medical, functional, cognitive, and social aspects of aging with the goal of preserving independence, quality of life, and comfort. As populations age, geriatrics emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care that accounts for the diversity of aging and the common co‑occurrence of multiple conditions.

A cornerstone of geriatric practice is the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), an interdisciplinary evaluation of medical problems, mental status, daily living skills, mobility, nutrition, medications, and social supports. Management often involves physicians, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and social workers collaborating to optimize function, prevent decline, minimize adverse drug events, and coordinate care across settings. Prevention, rehabilitation, and appropriate palliative or end-of-life care are integral when aligned with patient preferences.

Common concerns in older adults include frailty, falls, delirium and dementia, chronic pain, hearing or vision loss, and multimorbidity. Decision making frequently requires balancing risks and benefits, avoiding unnecessary treatments, and focusing on patient goals. Geriatrics spans hospital care, primary care, long-term care, and community-based services, adapting to different health systems and cultural contexts.