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Understanding the Role of Geriatric Doctors to Help Elderly Health

As we get older, physical and mental health will decline. This causes the elderly (elderly), ie people over the age of 60 years, to be more vulnerable to disease. If stricken with the disease, the elderly are advised to consult a geriatric doctor. Geriatric doctors are specialist doctors who deal with various health complaints experienced by the elderly. The geriatric doctor is in charge of helping the elderly maintain their health, in order to minimize the risk of aging. The geriatric doctor is also responsible for handling various health problems suffered by the elderly, both physical and mental health.

Various Conditions Treated by Geriatric Doctors

Conditions in the elderly that are treated by geriatric doctors include:

1. Diseases associated with decreased bodily functions

There are various types of diseases that often occur in the elderly, ranging from inflammation of the bones and joints or osteoarthritis, heart disease, cancer, senile disease (such as in dementia and Alzheimer's disease), bone loss or osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, to stroke .

2. Decreased ability to move (immobilization)

Decreased mobility or immobilization makes the elderly need the role of geriatric doctors to improve their quality of life. The geriatric doctor will help elderly patients be able to stand, walk, move the body, and carry out activities in a safe manner.

3. Cognitive disorders

Cognitive disorders in the elderly can sometimes be avoided. Cognitive disorders can be caused by an illness, side effects of drugs, or hormonal and metabolic disorders.

4. Side effects of consumption of certain drugs

The geriatric doctor is in charge of recognizing the side effects and interactions of drugs consumed by the elderly. This is because with age, body function and metabolism tend to decrease, so the elderly can be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.

Treatment or Treatment Geriatric Doctors Can Do

Before determining treatment or care for elderly patients, geriatric doctors will generally evaluate the patient's health condition first. From the results of the evaluation, the geriatric doctor will collaborate with other medical teams to determine the right treatment or treatment, so that the quality of life of elderly patients becomes better. The medical team that is usually involved in the care or treatment of the elderly are medical rehabilitation specialists, nutrition specialists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses. Medications or treatments that are commonly given by geriatric doctors with the medical team are:

Physical therapy or physiotherapy

The geriatric doctor will encourage elderly patients to undergo physiotherapy to improve and maintain flexibility, balance, and mobility. Physiotherapy is usually given to elderly patients who suffer from arthritis, stroke, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.

Psychotherapy

In collaboration with psychiatrists and psychologists, geriatric doctors will endeavor to improve the mental health of elderly patients. This is because a decrease in health, limited bodily functions, and stress can reduce the mental health of the elderly.

Management of drug administration

Certain medical conditions can cause the elderly to consume large amounts of the drug. To minimize the side effects of consuming too much medicine, the geriatric doctor can re-evaluate the drugs consumed by the elderly, and sort out which drugs need to be taken or not.

When to Visit a Geriatric Doctor?

Although there is no standard age, people over 60 years are advised to consult a geriatric doctor if:
  • Having certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, asthma, bronchitis, Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, pneumonia, injury, or obesity.
  • Having a weak physical condition or decreased body function.
  • Taking several types of drugs.
  • Experiencing nutritional problems, including weight loss for no apparent reason.
  • Having difficulty in carrying out daily activities.
  • Requires long-term health rehabilitation.

What Must Be Prepared Before Meeting a Geriatric Doctor?

Before visiting a geriatric doctor, you must prepare a doctor's referral in advance so that the geriatric doctor knows what treatment or treatment needs to be given. The referral letter usually includes a detailed patient's medical history and the therapy needed to maintain or improve the quality of life of the patient. Living in old age, you are encouraged to always implement a healthy lifestyle, in order to minimize the risk of various diseases. A healthy lifestyle that is recommended for the elderly is to maintain weight, eat foods according to doctor's recommendations, and routinely do light exercise to keep the body fit.

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