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What is geriatrics?
Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on health promotion and the prevention and treatment of disease and disability in later life. With more people living longer, healthier lives, AGS members are working with their patients to address needs for all stages of their lives. Members help patients maintain active, independent lifestyles for as long as possible.

What is a geriatrician?
A geriatrician is a medical doctor who is specially trained to prevent and manage the unique health concerns of adults age 65 and over. Geriatricians manage multiple disease symptoms and develop care plans that address the special health care needs of older adults and coordinate care with other medical disciplines to treat the "whole" patient. Geriatricians are generally primary care physicians who are board-certified in either family practice or internal medicine and have also acquired the additional training necessary to obtain certification.

Are only physicians trained in geriatrics?
Other trained health professionals aside from physicians have specialized training in the care of older adults, including nurses, social workers, nutritionists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, consultant pharmacists and psychiatrists. In many instances, these professionals work together with physicians as a team to evaluate and care for an older patient, taking into consideration the patient's medical history, social well-being, home environment and activities of daily living.

What does "geriatric syndromes" mean?
Geriatric syndromes refer to common health concerns that are often associated with the aging process such as incontinence, frequent falls, memory problems, and side effects caused by multiple medications.

How does geriatric medicine benefit caregivers?
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) address the needs and concerns of caregivers who often shoulder responsibilities of caring for both their parents and children. Resources such as education and training programs are available to help caregivers deal with the stress and challenges relating to the day-to-day care of an aging parent or relative and to support both caregivers in the home as well as those who work in treatment facilities.

What is the AGS doing to meet the needs of a growing aging population?
The AGS is actively engaged in public policy initiatives to promote a health care delivery system that is organized and financed in a way that provides high quality care to an increasing number of older Americans. The AGS proactively participates in issuing legislative updates for its members, congressional testimony on aging and health related issues, positioning statements, research reports and educational forums.

How can I find a geriatrician?
The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) provides a physician referral service at no charge to the public. All physicians participating in the referral service are members of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS). You may call the FHA at 1-800-563-4916 or submit a request via its website. The FHA is a non-profit organization launched in 1999 by the (AGS).