geriatrics

(jĕrēă`trĭks), the branch of medicine concerned with conditions and diseases of the aged. Many disabilities in old age are caused by or related to the deterioration of the circulatory system (see arteriosclerosisarteriosclerosis
, general term for a condition characterized by thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the walls of the blood vessels. These changes are frequently accompanied by accumulations inside the vessel walls of lipids, e.g.
..... Click the link for more information. ), e.g., mental deterioration and disturbances of motor and sensory function are often associated with an insufficient blood supply. Older persons are more prone to gastrointestinal disturbances, partly because of a reduced blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract and partly for other reasons, such as poor dentition. Changes in bone tissue, primarily osteoporosisosteoporosis
, disorder in which the normal replenishment of old bone tissue is severely disrupted, resulting in weakened bones and increased risk of fracture; osteopenia results when bone-mass loss is significant but not as severe as in osteoporosis.
..... Click the link for more information. in postmenopausal women, create susceptibility to fractures. There may also be diminished pulmonary function due to degenerative changes in the lungs. Elderly males may suffer from prostatic enlargement (see prostate glandprostate gland,
gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is an organ about the size of a chestnut and consists of glandular and muscular tissue. It is situated below the neck of the bladder, encircling the urethra.
..... Click the link for more information. ), often accompanied by urinary obstruction. Obesityobesity,
condition resulting from excessive storage of fat in the body. Obesity is now usually defined using a formula known as the body mass index (BMI), in which weight (in kilograms) is divided by height (in meters) squared.
..... Click the link for more information. , causing increased strain on the heart and blood vessels, is also a serious problem of the aged.

The exact cause of agingaging,
in biology, cumulative changes in an organism, organ, tissue, or cell leading to a decrease in functional capacity. In humans, aging is associated with degenerative changes in the skin, bones, heart, blood vessels, lungs, nerves, and other organs and tissues.
..... Click the link for more information. is unknown, but genetic factors are known to influence longevity. Moreover, it is believed that highly reactive substances called free radicals can cause cumulative damage to body cells and tissues, and that aging cells are more susceptible to malignant changes. These factors have made geriatrics an important specialty, particularly since the proportion of elderly persons in the population is increasing steadily. Geriatrics is one of the fields included in the general study of old age, or gerontology, which covers psychological, economic, and social factors as well. Both public and private institutions are spending large sums of money for research in geriatrics and gerontology.

Bibliography

See R. Andres et al., ed., Principles of Geriatric Medicine (1985); W. Cunningham and J. Brookbank, Gerontology (1987); L. Hayflick, How and Why We Age (1994); J. Carter, The Virtues of Aging (1998).

geriatrics

[‚jer·ē′a·triks] (medicine) The study of the biological and physical changes and the diseases of old age.

geriatrics

the branch of medical science concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting elderly people
www.asaging.org

geriatrics

[jer″e-at´riks] the branch of health care dealing with the problems of aging" >aging and diseases of the aged; it is related to the science of gerontology" >gerontology, which is the study of the aging process in all its aspects, social as well as biologic. Geriatrics grows increasingly important as modern medicine and a rising standard of living lengthen life expectancy and increase the proportion of aged persons in society.
An important part of geriatrics is helping older persons live happy and satisfying lives. Geriatric specialists encourage their patients to follow useful and interesting pursuits and to adopt a sound mental attitude toward aging itself. The prevention of disease is also important in geriatrics, and stress is placed on suitable exercise, rest, and nutrition, and on maintenance of proper body weight. Regular and thorough medical examinations are another essential factor in the control of illness.
In geriatrics, there is also concern for the older person's psychological welfare, such as social contacts, economic security, interest in living, work opportunities after retirement, and continuing sense of belonging to society. Geriatrics recognizes that health of mind is essential to the health of the body.

ger·i·at·rics

(jer'ē-at'riks), The branch of medicine concerned with the health care of the elderly. [G. gēras, old age, + iatrikos, healing]

geriatrics

(jĕr′ē-ăt′rĭks)n. (used with a sing. verb) The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and problems specific to elderly people.

Healthcare of the Elderly

Healthcare of the Elderly
Generally refers to a department of geriatric care in the UK.
healthcare of the elderly
Refers to a range of specialist services for older people.

geriatrics

The specialty dedicated to the care and management of the elderly; life expectancy–LE in 1900–US, 45 yrs; LE in 2002, 77 in ♂; 81 in ♀. Cf Gerontology, Todeserwartung.

ger·i·at·rics

(jer'ē-at'riks) The branch of medicine concerned with the medical problems and care of old people. [G. gēras, old age, + iatrikos, healing]

geriatrics

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Bibliography

geriatrics

geriatrics

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ger·i·at·rics

geriatrics

Healthcare of the Elderly

geriatrics

ger·i·at·rics

geriatrics

Synonyms for geriatrics

noun the branch of medical science that deals with diseases and problems specific to old people

Synonyms

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