Geriatric Medicine

Older adults represent the most rapidly growing demographic in the U.S. and in many developed countries around the world.  The field of geriatric medicine is still relatively young, and is only recently seeing a significant increase in peer reviewed literature. Medicare and Medicaid expenditures related to older adults are nearly a trillion dollars/year in the US.  How our healthcare system cares for older adults, and how those older adults navigate an increasingly complex system, is of the utmost importance.  According to the Institute of Medicine, physicians and other healthcare professionals receive an inadequate amount of training in geriatric medicine.  Geriatric medicine is based on the concept of delivering person centered care with a focus on function and quality of life.  It is essential that physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, social workers and other health care professionals all be knowledgeable about thegeriatric approach to care.