Geriatric Medicine

Geriatric Medicine was recognized as separate discipline of medicine in the year 1950. When we become old is a big question with multiple answers? It is 65 years of age arbitrarily in majority of the countries of the world. Depending on the physical and emotional state of health, most people above the age of 75-80 years do fall in the category of old. Quality of healthcare measures has changed the global scenario and extended life span is a global feature now. Special efforts are needed to be mounted to ensure the independence of elderly for as long as possible in their family/home environment.

In many countries geriatric medicine has become one of the largest medical specialties in terms of number of consultants. Geriatricians believe that they are more efficient and better trained in the healthcare of elderly patients than the general physicians. You would find that average length of stay of a geriatric patient in a geriatric ward is less than in a general medical ward. The integration of geriatric medicine with other medical services is necessary to provide appropriate medical expertise to elderly patients.

The old age people suffer unduly from incapacitating illness. Many people suffer from a decline in their higher functions when they get old. Personal cleanliness and comfort is must for the old people. We do not yet have geriatric wards for the old in majority of our hospitals, leave aside the specialty of geriatric medicine. Significant age related financial facilities should be made available from the public exchequer for the healthcare of elderly people. The cultural traditions in many nations include the care and respect of elderly people of the family. In early eighties the then Director General of the World Health Organization (W.H.O.), Dr. Halfdon Mahler, quoted the fifth commandment "To honour thy father and mother". The specialty of geriatric medicine needs to be fully developed worldwide to overcome the crisis of old age.