Gerontology and Geriatrics in Medical Education

Abstract

The elderly are receiving more attention because of their increasing numbers and because of the substantial public funding for their health and welfare. This article summarizes the findings of an Institute of Medicine committee, whose recently completed report concludes that gerontology (study of aging) and geriatrics (care of the aged) are not covered adequately in medical education. Suggested remedies include increased attention to these subjects in existing medical-school courses, establishment of a complementary required course integrating information from diverse disciplines and emphasis in house-staff training programs on continuous care of the aged in settings other than acute-care facilities. Although an academic discipline of geriatrics is necessary to enhance teaching, research, and specialized patient care, development of a practice specialty would be unwise. More funds for training and research in gerontology and geriatrics are essential to increase the science base and to encourage the development of knowledgeable faculty.

Vitamin Profiles in Elderly Persons Living at Home or in Nursing Homes, versus Profile in Healthy Young Subjects

“…The B 6 and folate deficits frequently seen in this group (Figs. 9, 11) may play an important role in the well known susceptibility of older persons to severe bacterial and viral infections (49). Also, as in our study, the extensive degree of subclinical vitamin deficits noted among the elderly may contribute to physical and mental dysfunction far more than has been previously recognized; this possibility needs more study.…”

“…11); in animals, vitamin B 6 and folate deficiency impairs antibody responses (48). Such results may apply to man, since the aged are especially prone to show a diminished response to immunologic challenge (49). The B 6 and folate deficits frequently seen in this group (Figs.…”

Precision and Discriminatory Ability of Calcaneal Bone Assessment Technologies

“…In the United States, there are more than 250,000 hip fractures annually at a cost of over $10 billion 1,2 . Because women over the age of 65 are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, 3 it is expected that the number of hip fractures alone will double or triple within the next quarter century 4 . Along with established agents, such as estrogen replacement therapy, additional therapeutic alternatives are available to treat osteoporosis 5 .…”

Geriatric Medicine: A Multidisciplinary Training and Education Model in an Acute Care Medical Center

“…The training and education program at the VAWMC GRECC has three major goals: (1) to provide clinical training in geriatric health care delivery to physicians, nurses, social workers, and allied health personnel and to students of these respective disciplines; (2) to teach health care professionals about the medical and psychosocial aspects of aging; and (3) to deliver information concerning current research developments in geriatrics and gerontology.…”

“…The elderly, by living longer and surviving diseases or maladies of childhood and early adulthood, experience physiologic changes of aging, diseases associated with aging, and a general decline of health and wellbeing. Consequently, as a group, the geriatric population utilizes more health services and requires more health‐care dollars 1,2 . Internists and primary care physicians are caring for an increased number of elderly people, both in their offices and in the hospital 3 .…”