What is a doctor of aging called?
The medical specialist for aging is called a geriatrician. These physicians are certified in internal or family medicine and complete extra training specifically focused on the health needs of older adults. They are experts at managing the complex, multi-layered health concerns that often arise with age, from physical frailty and cognitive decline to managing multiple medications and chronic diseases. A geriatrician's approach is holistic, considering not only the medical conditions but also the patient's overall quality of life, independence, and personal goals.
The difference between a geriatrician and a gerontologist
It's common to confuse the terms geriatrician and gerontologist, but they represent distinct professions.
- Geriatrician: A medical doctor who treats the unique health needs of older adults. A geriatrician has a clinical, hands-on role in diagnosing, preventing, and treating disease, just like a pediatrician does for children.
- Gerontologist: A professional who studies the aging process itself. Gerontology is a broader, multidisciplinary field that can involve sociology, psychology, public policy, and research. A gerontologist may not be a medical doctor and often works in areas like social services, academia, or long-term care management, without providing direct clinical care.
Understanding this distinction is crucial when seeking the right type of support. If you or a loved one needs a physician to manage multiple health conditions, a geriatrician is the correct specialist to consult.
When should you see a geriatrician?
While many healthy older adults can continue seeing their regular family doctor, a geriatrician can be particularly beneficial for those with more complex needs. Consider consulting a geriatrician if you or a loved one:
- Manage multiple chronic health conditions: If several conditions are interacting and affecting overall well-being.
- Take numerous medications: To help prevent dangerous drug interactions and minimize side effects.
- Experience functional decline: Issues with mobility, memory, or daily activities can indicate the need for specialized care.
- Have an age-specific disease: Conditions like dementia, osteoporosis, or recurring falls may warrant a geriatric specialist.
- Need coordinated care: Geriatricians often work with a team of specialists to provide comprehensive, integrated care.
What does geriatric medicine involve?
Geriatric medicine is a specialized field that addresses the multifaceted needs of older adults. It goes beyond treating a single illness to consider the patient's entire health picture. A geriatric assessment typically includes:
- A review of all current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements.
- Screening for common age-related issues like memory loss, depression, and sensory impairments (hearing and vision loss).
- Assessing mobility, balance, and fall risk.
- Evaluating home safety and daily living activities.
- Discussions about advance care planning and the patient's health goals.
This comprehensive approach is designed to help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.
Comparison of geriatrician vs. gerontologist
To further clarify the roles, here is a helpful comparison table.
| Feature | Geriatrician | Gerontologist |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Title | Medical Doctor (M.D. or D.O.) | Professional with an advanced degree (e.g., MS, PhD) |
| Focus | Clinical medicine, treating diseases of old age | Broader study of the aging process (biological, psychological, social) |
| Patient Interaction | Provides direct medical care | May or may not work directly with older adults; role is non-clinical |
| Primary Goal | Diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease in older patients | Researching, educating, and advocating for policies related to aging populations |
| Scope | Disease-focused; manages complex medical issues | Research and policy-focused; addresses big-picture societal issues of aging |
| Example Work Setting | Hospitals, clinics, private practice, nursing homes | Universities, government agencies, non-profits, care facilities (management) |
Finding a geriatrician
If you believe a geriatrician is right for you or a loved one, here are some steps to take:
- Ask for a referral: Your current primary care physician is a great resource and can often provide a list of local geriatric specialists.
- Check your insurance directory: Most insurance plans have online directories to search for board-certified geriatricians in your network.
- Contact academic medical centers: Major hospitals often have dedicated geriatric medicine departments with experienced specialists.
- Use professional resources: The Alzheimer's Association offers a Community Resource Finder to help locate aging-related services and providers.
- Interview potential candidates: Schedule a brief meeting to ask about their experience, treatment philosophy, and communication style to ensure it's a good fit.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of healthcare in later life can be challenging, but understanding the role of specialized professionals is a crucial first step. A geriatrician is the doctor of aging—a medical expert dedicated to optimizing the health, function, and independence of older adults. For those with multiple medical conditions, complicated medication regimens, or age-related concerns like memory loss, consulting a geriatrician can lead to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life. Meanwhile, a gerontologist works behind the scenes, studying the broader aspects of aging to inform policy and practice. Together, these professionals contribute significantly to the field of senior care, but only the geriatrician can provide the specialized medical attention required to age well.
For more information on finding a geriatrician and tips for healthy aging, a great resource is the National Institute on Aging at https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/tips-boost-your-health-you-age.
