GERIATRICS / HEALTHY AGING

Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on the health care of the aging within our community.  It aims to promote health and to prevent and treat diseases and disabilities in older adults. Assisting someone in aging healthfully requires understanding that the body of an aging person becomes substantially different physiologically from that of a middle age adult. Aging brings on a period of manifestation of decline of the various organ systems in the body.  

Aging people have specific issues regarding medication as well.  They are particularly at risk for “polypharmacy” for many causes.  Some elderly people have multiple medical disorders; some use many over the counter medicines and herbal remedies; This polypharmacy may result in many drug interactions and may cause some drug adverse reactions. 

Aging adults also require special attention to preventative health care a specific immunizations.  Your geriatric family physician will help work through these and other aging related issues.