Geriatri, Branch of Science that Helps Deal with Disease in the Elderly

The word geriatrics is derived from the Greek word geron, which means parents, and iatreia, which means treatment of disease. In the medical world, geriatric health is a branch of health science that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of certain diseases and health problems due to aging. The elderly population (elderly) over 60 years is expected to increase quite high in the next few years. The elderly category in Indonesia is over 60 years old. This age group is more vulnerable to health problems than other ages. Based on the 2016 Indonesian Health Profile issued by the Ministry of Health, the number of elderly population throughout Indonesia reaches around 22.5 million.

Getting to Know the Geriatric Doctor's Duties

Geriatric doctors will help the elderly maintain health as a step to prevent disease, while also helping to overcome health problems that arise. Generally geriatric doctors will be assisted by a medical team, including nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, therapists and psychiatrists who are specially trained to help the elderly. Various conditions and diseases in the elderly can cause vision and memory problems, difficulty holding back bowel movements, the body getting weaker, or experiencing health problems due to side effects of certain medications. Not infrequently, the elderly have difficulty in carrying out daily activities, including eating, bathing or dressing. The role of the geriatric doctor is to help deal with the condition. Geriatric doctors and medical teams, generally understand that the handling of the elderly needs to be done thoroughly. Starting from evaluating illnesses that have been suffered to the right treatment plan, in collaboration with family or caregivers for the elderly.

Various Diseases in the Elderly

Here are some of the major health problems that are often experienced by the elderly that can be treated by geriatric doctors:

• Heart disease

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the elderly over 65 years with risk factors such as hypertension and high cholesterol. Eating healthy, balanced nutritious foods, exercise and adequate rest are the main ways to manage this chronic condition.

• Arthritis

Some elderly people over 65 years experience arthritis (arthritis) which can make their activities disrupted. It is important to consult a doctor so that you get the right treatment.

• Cancer

Cancer risk generally increases with age. More than 20% of elderly people over 65 years live with cancer. The condition can actually be treated with early cancer detection through examinations such as mammograms or colonoscopy.

• Dementia

It is not uncommon for some elderly people over 60 years to experience mental or nervous disorders, including demesia. Dementia can cause memory, thinking, and behavior disorders which then affect daily activities.

• Obesity

Obesity is closely related to chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and gallbladder disease. Reducing consumption of sugar and saturated fat foods is one of the main keys to preventing and managing obesity.

• Osteoporosis

Decreased bone mass and osteoporosis are experienced, starting at the age of 50 years and over. A healthy lifestyle such as exercise, not smoking and consuming alcohol, limiting foods that are high in acid levels, and consuming enough foods that contain calcium can help the elderly manage this condition.

• Respiratory disorders

Respiratory disease can be caused by several things such as asthma, heart disease or lung disease, especially in smokers.

• Diabetes

As we get older, controlling blood sugar levels becomes increasingly important. In the long run, the effects of diabetes that may have appeared since a young age began to be increasingly felt, such as heart disease, kidney failure, foot tingling, to blindness.

Maintaining a normal weight is one of the main steps to prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. By managing a healthy lifestyle as early as possible, the elderly can still live comfortably and productively in old age. To maintain the health of the elderly, you can consult with a geriatric specialist.