The doctor that is best for seniors is a geriatrician who specializes in treating the unique health needs of older adults.
Geriatricians have specialized knowledge and expertise in areas such as age related conditions, drug interactions as well as palliative care.
Geriatricians also usually have longer appointment times to address the complex needs of older adults and they also work closely with other caregivers and specialists.
A primary care physician is also beneficial for seniors, depending on the seniors preferences and individual needs.
Geriatrics and gerontology are closely related fields and both focus on aging and older adults but with distinct focuses.
Gerontology is a broad multidisciplinary study of aging and encompasses physical, psychological and social aspects.
And Geriatrics is a specific medical specialty that focuses on health and care of elderly people, treating illness and disease that are related to age.
The difference between a gerontologist and a geriatrician is a geriatrician is a medical doctor that specializes in the care of older adults and a gerontologist studies aging as well as the various aspects of aging.
Basically a gerontologist is a specialist in aging and a geriatrician is a specialist in long term care.
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.