The gerontologist does not treat patients directly like a doctor treats patients and instead what the gerontologists do are they are experts in the study of the aging process and aging and focuses on understanding of how it impacts individuals, society and groups.
Gerontologists educate, research and even develop interventions to aging instead of just providing direct medical care.
The reason why you should go to a gerontologist is for your physical health, mental health and social health as well as for your well being as an older adult.
Gerontologists take a comprehensive view on older adults health and consider the older adults overall well being instead of just treating individual symptoms and they are also trained to diagnose and treat conditions that are commonly seen in older adults, which include dementia, osteoporosis, heart failure and other age related issues.
Gerontologists also coordinate care with other specialists and also ensure that older adults receive the most effective and most appropriate treatment.
Gerontologists are well versed in potential risks of multiple medications in older adults and help to ensure that the older adult is taking the correct dosages of medication and the right medications as well.
The age that you should see a gerontologist is age 65 although some may not need to see a gerontologist until age 75 or older.
And in some cases you may need to see a gerontologist as early as age 50.
When it comes to when to see a gerontologist it's more about the complexity of your health issues and not just age.
The reasons why you would see a gerontologist is for age related changes or conditions or if you're concerned about the health and well being as an older adult.
Other common reasons you would see a gerontologist is for chronic diseases, cognitive decline, mobility and balance issues, as well as depression and anxiety.
The benefits of a gerontologist includes comprehensive care for older adults, the ability to improve an older adults quality of life and well being and also the gerontologist is specialized in aging.
Gerontologists can also diagnose and treat age related conditions as well as provide personalized care plans to address individual needs and research and prevent diseases.
Gerontologists have a deep understanding of the process of aging and how aging affects someone, including socially, mentally and physically.
The three main areas of gerontology are social aging, psychological aging and biological aging which are areas of gerontology that encompasses the physical, social and mental aspects of aging.
An example of a gerontologist is a geriatrician who is a medical doctor that is specially trained to meet the unique healthcare needs of older adults, both while they are sick in the hospital and in the outpatient setting.
Gerontologists work in various types of settings which include social services, healthcare and research as well as focusing on the psychological, physical and social aspects of aging.
The work of a gerontologist can include researching of the aging process, providing direct support to older adults and educating the public about aging.
Other examples of a gerontologist include.
Gerontological nurses and geriatric nurses who focus on the medical and physical health of older adults.
Gerontological social workers who work with older adults to address their social and emotional needs as well as provide counseling, support and access to resources.
Geropsychologists who study the cognitive and emotional aspects of aging and helping older adults to adapt to life changes and maintain their mental health.
Gerontology researchers who study the aging process, investigating factors that influence healthy aging and developing interventions to improve the older adults quality of life.
And gerontological educators who teach courses on aging and older adults and preparing future professionals to work in the field of gerontology.