Elderly Care

Geriatrics is a branch of medicine which focuses on health care of older people. Geriatrics has gained importance in the later part of the 20th century due to a rapid rise in life expectancy and a subsequent increase in the number of the geriatric population. Geriatric population is now one of the fastest growing segments of the population worldwide. Geriatric patients are vulnerable and frail, and have multi-morbidity which is further complicated by the physiological changes of ageing. A geriatric patient therefore requires a holistic and comprehensive evaluation and management to maintain their independence and dignity.

Geriatric Medicine is a specialty of medicine concerned with physical, mental, functional and social conditions in acute, chronic, rehabilitative, preventive and end of life care of older patients. In developed countries the geriatric population consists of people above 65 years of age, whereas in developing countries like India the population above 60 years is considered as geriatric.