A geriatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the healthcare needs of older adults, typically those aged 65 and over. Geriatricians have the same training as regular primary care doctors, with usually one to two years of extra specialized geriatric education and training. They can be a primary care doctor, a consultant, or work as part of a team of doctors and caretakers for older adults. Geriatricians are trained to recognize and treat conditions that are unique to older adults, and they can help manage a wide range of problems for healthy aging.

Geriatricians can help older adults with multiple or complex health matters that need specialized care. They can diagnose and treat various conditions, and help patients maintain a high quality of life. Geriatricians also pay more attention to overall quality of life and goals, and their consultations usually take longer because they take the time and care to address any and all issues patients may have. They’ll also likely collect more information, like lifestyle, family, and other community-related questions to get a fuller picture of patients lives.

Geriatricians often work as part of a treatment team with other primary care providers, focusing on helping older patients who have multiple health problems or complex conditions. They manage and coordinate overall care with other physicians and guide the patient in making treatment choices. Geriatricians can categorize the issues affecting their patients into five primary areas: medical, functional, psychological, social, and environmental. This approach allows geriatricians to take advantage of evidence-based, point-of-care tools and resources that they can integrate into their practice to improve care for older adults.

Patients who are 65 and older can benefit from seeing a geriatrician, especially if they are managing multiple medical conditions, are experiencing functional decline, are becoming increasingly frail, or have a disease or syndrome associated with aging. Geriatricians can also be helpful if patients are balancing multiple medications, especially if they’re causing side effects that interfere with their well-being. Geriatricians can conduct a comprehensive assessment to help them understand patients physical and mental condition, as well as their social situation, and they might refer patients to other specialists and/or to sup...