Geriatrics The emerging role of geriatrician for elderly people

Geriatrics - The emerging role of geriatrician for elderly people
Dr. Sajesh Asokan, a Senior Consultant Physician at MCS Hospital, Kerala, in a conversation with Healthy Wrinkles, explains Geriatrics-The emerging role of geriatrician for elderly people. In the evolving landscape of healthcare, geriatrics emerges as a crucial specialty dedicated to addressing the unique medical needs of the elderly. Dr. Sajesh Asokan, in his comprehensive YouTube video on Healthy Wrinkles, sheds light on the emerging role of geriatricians and the transformative impact they have on elderly healthcare. Watch our YouTube playlist on care for seniors to know more.

Understanding Geriatrics:
Geriatrics, as Dr. Sajesh Asokan explains, is the specialized branch of medicine focused on the medical management and prevention of diseases associated with aging. It encompasses a broad spectrum, including the study of aging (gerontology) and the practical application in geriatric medicine. While in Western nations, geriatrics is considered a subspecialty of internal medicine, India is witnessing a shift with professionals transitioning from internal medicine to specialized geriatric training.
Challenges and Opportunities in India:
Dr. Asokan highlights the unique challenges and opportunities in the Indian healthcare scenario. With a distinct pattern of medical education catering to the diverse population, geriatrics is becoming increasingly relevant. The shortage of time in outpatient departments poses challenges, emphasizing the need for extended consultations to comprehensively address the health concerns of geriatric patients.
The Geriatrician's Focus:
The geriatrician's role, unlike traditional specialists, is centered around the patient. Dr. Asokan emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive geriatric assessment that takes into account the aging factors specific to each patient's age group, whether they fall into the young old (60 to 70 years), mid-old (70 to 80 years), or old-old (80 plus years) category. This personalized approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the patient's health status and comorbidities.
Community and Hospital-Based Geriatrics:
Geriatric care extends beyond hospital walls to the community. Family physicians with specialized training in geriatrics play a pivotal role in reaching elderly individuals who may not actively seek medical attention. Community geriatrics, involving house visits, becomes a crucial bridge to connect seniors with necessary healthcare services. In hospitals, geriatricians collaborate with other specialists to guide and manage elderly patients, even if initially admitted for a different condition.
Points of Encounter:
Dr. Asokan elucidates the various points of patient encounters, underscoring the significance of understanding and studying the patient at each juncture. From outpatient departments (OPD) to emergency care and inpatient settings, geriatricians navigate these encounters with a focus on patient-centric care, often requiring more extended consultation times than the standard.
Conclusion:
As Dr. Sajesh Asokan eloquently articulates, geriatrics is not just a medical specialty but a transformative approach to elderly healthcare. The emerging role of geriatricians in India and beyond signifies a paradigm shift towards comprehensive, personalized, and community-centric care for our aging population.

Whether you are searching for informative articles, or looking for healthcare providers, Healthywrinkles is an excellent resource for all your senior care needs. We also have a great compilation of all the medical expert talks for healthy aging on Healthy Wrinkle YouTube channel.

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