A Geriatrician is a physician who is expert in caring for older people...

Geriatricians are initially trained in family practice or internal medicine and then complete at least one additional year of specialized training in Geriatrics to be a Geriatrician for the aging and elderly.

The Geriatrician medicine specialist promotes wellness and preventive care that helps older patients maintain functional independence in performing the activities of daily living.

The nation's aging population is growing rapidly. By 2030, the number of adults age 65 and older will nearly double to 70 million. Americans are living longer and older adults can now live for many years with multiple chronic illnesses.

25% of the Social Security Medicare population has at least 5 chronic conditions i.e. hypertension, diabetes, arthritis. Geriatricians have the expertise and leadership skills needed to coordinate services among multiple specialty health care providers.

Unfortunately, a geriatrician shortage exists in the United States and is projected to worsen over the next few decades as the nation ages and people live longer.

Currently, there is one more geriatrician for every 5000 adults age 65 and older. In 2030, it is estimated that there will only be one geriatrician for every 7,700 older adults, representing an expected 50% decline over the next two decades.

An interdisciplinary approach to medicine lies at the heart of geriatric medicine. Geriatricians work with teams of nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, surgical specialists, pharmacists, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists to ensure the best health-care for their patients.

The benefits of geriatric care have been proven to include increased patient and family satisfaction; decreased time as an inpatient in a hospital or nursing home; improved social functioning; decreased rates of depression and preservation of as much physical function as possible thanks in part to upcoming popularity involving home health care monitoring.

A strong national work force of geriatricians with the knowledge, skills and a good attitude to care for our aging population is desired.

The mission of Geriatrician.net is to provide free information and knowledge for elderly persons well-being starting today about elderly medical care and geriatric health.