The Primary Name: Geriatric Medicine
While 'geriatrics' is the formal term, the field is most commonly known as geriatric medicine. A geriatrician is a doctor who specializes in caring for older adults, particularly those with complex or multiple health issues. This medical discipline is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disabilities in later life, and is focused on promoting health, independence, and overall quality of life for older people.
Why the Emphasis on Specialization?
Aging bodies respond differently to illnesses, diseases, and medications than younger ones. Older patients often have several overlapping health conditions, which can lead to complex medication regimens and unique care challenges. Geriatricians are specially trained to manage these complexities, focusing on patient-centered care and addressing the special health problems that come with aging. The field aims to manage chronic conditions, preserve function, and address common issues like frailty, falls, and dementia.
Gerontology vs. Geriatrics: A Crucial Distinction
It is common to confuse geriatrics with gerontology, but they represent two different fields of study and practice.
Gerontology: The Broader Field
Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of the aging process itself. This broader field is not strictly medical but encompasses biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging. Researchers in gerontology might study everything from cellular changes in the body to the societal impact of an aging population.
Geriatrics: The Medical Application
Conversely, geriatrics is a specific medical specialty that applies the knowledge gained from gerontology to provide clinical care for older adults. Think of gerontology as the science of aging and geriatrics as the medicine of the aging. While the two disciplines overlap and inform one another, their focus is distinct. In some academic and clinical settings, geriatrics may be referred to as 'medical gerontology', but this is less common in a general context.
Other Terms and Contexts
Older Adults' Health and Diseases
Some public awareness campaigns have shown a preference among patients for more descriptive terminology. A study found that many people preferred the phrase "older adult's health and diseases" over the more clinical term "geriatrics". While this is not an official synonym, it reflects a public effort to make the field more accessible and understandable, drawing a parallel to how pediatrics is sometimes explained as "child health and diseases".
Geriatric Care Management
Another related, but distinct, term is Aging Life Care™, which is also known as geriatric care management. This field involves a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults facing ongoing health challenges. Professionals in this area, often called Aging Life Care Professionals®, help coordinate services and resources for families.
The Interdisciplinary Team Approach
A hallmark of modern geriatric care is the use of an interdisciplinary team. Geriatric healthcare professionals include more than just doctors. A comprehensive team can include nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, and social workers, all with specialized skills for managing the health of older adults. This collaborative approach ensures that the patient's physical, mental, and social needs are all addressed to maximize their well-being.
Common Conditions Treated
Geriatric care addresses a wide range of issues common in older age. A geriatrician might manage conditions such as:
- Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease
- Increased risk of falls
- Multiple chronic illnesses, like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis
- Delirium and confusion
- Side effects and interactions from multiple medications
- Decline in mental or physical capacity
Comparison Table: Geriatrics vs. Gerontology
| Feature | Geriatrics | Gerontology |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Medical and clinical care of older adults | Multidisciplinary study of aging (biological, social, psychological) |
| Goal | Improve health, independence, and quality of life for older people | Understand the aging process in its entirety |
| Practitioners | Doctors (geriatricians), nurses, pharmacists, social workers | Researchers, scientists, social workers, therapists, and medical professionals |
| Scope | Clinical application of knowledge | Broad research and theory |
Conclusion: The Importance of Geriatric Care
The increasing percentage of older adults in the global population underscores the growing importance of geriatric medicine. While the term "geriatrics" may not be as widely known as "pediatrics," the specialized, person-centered care it provides is essential for maintaining health and functional independence in later life. By understanding what geriatrics is also known as—most notably, geriatric medicine—individuals and families can better navigate the healthcare system and advocate for the specialized support needed for healthy aging.
To learn more about the field and its professionals, you can visit the About the AGS page on the American Geriatrics Society website.
