How much do you know about geriatrics | At what age do you need to see geriatrics?

We often hear that there are different specialties in the medical field, such as internal medicine, surgery, otolaryngology, orthopedics, etc. One of the least known specialties is geriatrics.

What does the geriatric do?

Geriatrics is actually a type of internal medicine. It refers to the medical field that studies the diseases and care of the elderly and prevents, controls and treats diseases. General service areas revolve around:

1. Conduct a comprehensive and systematic assessment of the physical, psychological, social and other aspects of the elderly,
   

2. Focus on the prevention and control of common elderly diseases (cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, etc.),

3. Provide targeted sexual dysfunction assessment, exercise training, assistive devices and other rehabilitation measures,

4. Considering the physiological characteristics of the elderly, optimize comprehensive treatment plans,

5. Maintain the basic self-care ability of the elderly and prevent adverse events, 

6. Pay attention to the mental health of the elderly,

7. Conduct in-depth research on the pathogenesis and functions of geriatric diseases and promote the development of geriatric medicine.
   

Why do we need geriatrics?

Generally speaking, most elderly people are suffering from chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis, gout, obesity, sarcopenia, dementia, Parkinson's disease, stroke, etc. Some even require long-term bed rest. Their abilities in physical function, psychology, recovery, and even the side effects of drugs and complications that may arise after undergoing invasive examinations cannot be confused with the conditions of adults.

In most of the time, a disease in the elderly is caused by the accumulation of multiple causes and is not caused by a single factor. Geriatric experts can unravel the mystery and take care of the health problems of the elderly in a more professional and comprehensive manner, just like pediatricians who are responsible for the health of infants and young children.

Only elderly people over 65 years old can see geriatric medicine?

In fact, geriatric medicine does not regulate a specific age of patients, and the health status of each elderly person can vary greatly. Generally, when you enter middle age, around 50 years old or above, depending on your personal physical condition, medical conditions and the opinions of your family doctor, you can consider seeking treatment in a geriatric department.

Appointment at Qualigenics for geriatric services

Qualigenics has a geriatric department, with special focus on common geriatric diseases such as cognitive impairment, brain degeneration-related diseases, osteoporosis, and cardiopulmonary diseases. Geriatric specialists will provide the elderly with medical assessment and diagnosis (such as dementia, sleep apnea), professional treatment referral, nutritional consultation, daily living and nursing care, and rehabilitation treatment (intensive muscle training, pain treatment, stroke, etc.), witness or certificate (safety certificate, advance medical directive) consultation services. If the elderly have limited mobility, Qualigenics also provides home consultation services to facilitate the elderly to receive more appropriate medical services.

If you want to learn about or inquire about geriatric specialist services, please click on <Make Appointment at Qualigenics>.

Disclaimer: This article is prepared by an independent third party and is not sponsored. The content provided is solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not represent any specific viewpoint. In the event of any discomfort or health issues, it is advised to seek medical attention promptly.