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The AGS was founded in 1942 and its members are dedicated to improving the health, independence and quality of life of all older people through initiatives in clinical practice, professional and public education, research and public policy.
Geriatricians are physicians who are experts in caring for older persons; they are initially trained in family practice or internal medicine and then complete at least one additional year of fellowship training in geriatrics.
Geriatric medicine promotes wellness and preventive care that helps patients maintain functional independence in performing activities of daily living.
The nation's aging population is growing rapidly. By 2030, the number of adults age 65 and older will nearly double to 70 million. Americans are living longer and older adults can now live for many years with multiple chronic illnesses.
Twenty percent of the Medicare population has at least five chronic conditions i.e. hypertension, diabetes, arthritis. Geriatricians have the expertise and leadership skills needed to coordinate services among multiple specialty care providers.
A shortage of geriatricians exists in the United States and is projected to worsen over the next 20 years. Currently, there is one geriatrician for every 5000 adults age 65 and older. In 2030, it is estimated that there will only be one geriatrician for every 7,665 older adults, representing a 50% decline over the next 25 years.
An interdisciplinary approach to medicine lies at the heart of geriatric medicine. Geriatricians work with teams of nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, surgical specialists, pharmacists, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists to ensure the best care for their patients.
The benefits of geriatric care have been proven to include increased patient and family satisfaction; decreased time as an inpatient in a hospital or nursing home; improved social functioning; decreased rates of depression and preservation of physical function.
The AGS has long championed efforts to expand the national work force of clinicians with the knowledge, skills and attitude to care for our aging population.
In 1999, the AGS launched the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) to pursue initiatives in public education, research and public policy. FHA resources include a physician referral service, public education materials, a dedicated website and consumer tools.
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