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How old does a patient need to be to be considered geriatric? An assessment of age and health

While age 65 is the most commonly cited chronological benchmark for geriatric care, experts agree there is no single age that determines if a patient is considered geriatric. Instead, the definition focuses on a patient's overall health, physical functioning, and the presence of complex medical needs and conditions. This shift in focus acknowledges that many individuals over 65 remain highly functional and do not require specialized geriatric care.