Geriatrics

Geriatrics is the branch of medicine focused on the health care of older adults, particularly those managing multiple chronic conditions at the same time. Rather than centering on a single organ system, this branch addresses the combined effects of aging, such as frailty, mobility changes, and cognitive decline, alongside conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

A central concern in this branch is managing several medications safely at once, since older adults are more likely to be prescribed multiple drugs that can interact or cause side effects. Falls, memory changes, and a general decline in daily functioning are also common reasons an older adult is referred for geriatric evaluation.

Because aging affects each person differently, care in this branch is typically built around a comprehensive assessment that looks at physical health, cognition, mobility, and daily living needs together, rather than treating each condition in isolation. This approach often involves close coordination with other specialists managing a patient’s existing conditions.