What is geriatric medicine?
Geriatric medicine is a medical specialty focused on the health care of older adults, typically those ages 65 and older. It addresses the unique physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs that arise with aging.
Geriatric medicine is practiced by geriatricians, who are doctors trained in internal or family medicine with additional expertise in caring for older adults.
Geriatricians work to:
- Help seniors maintain independence
- Improve quality of life
- Manage preventive medicine and chronic conditions
How memory loss occurs
Memory loss refers to difficulty remembering information, events or experiences that were previously known. It's especially common among older adults.
Types of memory loss include:
- Acute memory loss (amnesia)
- Dementia
- Mild cognitive impairment
- Normal age-related forgetfulness
We’ll evaluate you for memory loss signs and identify any underlying conditions.
How to support a caregiver
Supporting caregivers requires a mix of emotional, practical and educational strategies:
- Take care of yourself first.
- Ask for help, take breaks and recharge.
- Stay organized and plan for emergencies.
- Understand the condition.
- Ask questions at doctor visits.
- Join a caregiver support group.
- Take time to appreciate moments of joy and connection.
Hear from our patients
Our patients share stories of overcoming long-term health problems with the help of their care teams to live healthier, happier lives.
I finally found someone that’s going to help me. I couldn’t believe someone actually cared enough about me. [Dr. Gokal] wanted to listen to my story and understand.
Laurie, 69, Optum patient with Medicare Advantage
Everybody is working together to get me better. That’s my goal. Optum helps you talk with all your medical teams.
Mickey, 70, Optum patient with Medicare Advantage
Optum was here for me, so I could be here for my family.
Linda, 67, Optum patient with Medicare Advantage
Geriatric medicine FAQ
Certain screenings are especially recommended for seniors to help catch issues early. Common screenings for older adults include:
- Bone density
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
It’s recommended to have regular medication reviews with your primary care doctor to avoid:
- Interactions
- Side effects
- Unnecessary prescriptions
To have a medication review, make a list of all your current medications, schedule an appointment and bring the list with you.
Many seniors live with chronic conditions and are looking for ways to manage them effectively.
Some conditions that are common among older adults include:
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
There are many ways you can support healthy aging. Start by making changes to your:
- Daily habits
- Exercise routine
- Nutrition
Trouble getting enough sleep is common with age, and seniors are often interested in learning how to sleep better without relying on medication.
The field of sleep medicine involves specialists who study sleep patterns and can offer guidance and support in getting better rest.
Fall prevention is a major concern for older adults, especially those with balance or vision issues. Check with your doctor if you’re experiencing these issues.
Certain mental health conditions are common for some seniors, especially after major life changes. These can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loneliness
Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing these issues.
Many older adults want to stay socially connected and informed about local programs or services. Ask your doctor to help connect you with resources in your area.
You can also learn more about Optum Community Centers and see if there is one in your neighborhood.
An advance care directive is a legal document that lets you state your preferences for medical treatment in case you become unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself due to illness or injury.
This is a key part of advance care planning, especially for older adults who want to ensure their health care wishes are respected.
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Optum arranges for or provides medical and other clinical services in accordance with laws in each state it operates. Physicians or providers referenced on this website are to those who are either part of independent practices or to those medical practices managed by or owned, where permitted, by Optum. In all circumstances, physicians and other licensed professionals have complete authority for all medical decision-making and patient care. Optum does not determine or set the methods, standards, or conduct of the practice of medicine or health care provided by any of the practices or their physicians or other licensed professionals.