As we age, our bodies go through a lot of changes — from head to toe. That usually means more visits to the doctor. In fact, about 30% of older adults see five or more doctors a year. These may include specialists like cardiologists, urologists, neurologists, ophthalmologists and geriatricians.
So, for clinicians, it’s essential to understand:
- What changes happen with age
- What health issues might follow
- How to explain these changes and treatments to patients
- How to communicate caringly with older adults How to manage and treat age-related conditions
Let’s break that down.
Aging and Geriatric Care: A Clinical Perspective
Doctors, nurses, therapists and other clinicians working with older adults must help patients understand that many conditions aren’t necessarily “diseases” but simply part of getting older. Whether through medication, therapy or surgery, clinicians help manage these changes and any more serious conditions that may develop. They should speak with patients in clear, supportive and empowering ways throughout every step of care.
What Physical and Physiological Changes Happen as We Age?
Human body systems undergo many natural, age-related changes that clinicians must understand. Here are a few of the areas most impacted by aging:
Heart and Circulatory System
Over time, our heart muscles thicken and arteries become stiffer, which can slow our heart rate and raise blood pressure.
Digestive System
As we age, our digestive system slows down, and it becomes harder to absorb key nutrients like vitamin B12. Appetite may also decrease.
Musculoskeletal System
Normal loss of muscle and bone mass can affect our balance, mobility and independence — especially if paired with weight gain or frailty.
Brain and Nervous System
It’s normal to become a little forgetful, but more serious cognitive decline can also occur as we age. Brain shrinkage and reduced blood flow are contributing factors, but early intervention can help.
Sensory Organs
Our eyes, ears and taste buds can change with time. Eye lenses may become rigid and less able to focus, ear hair cells deteriorate and taste buds and nasal nerve may lose sensitivity.
The Upside to Aging: Some Things Get Better
There’s a silver lining to aging! Older adults often show better emotional regulation and decision-making skills. They may also manage stress more effectively and have stronger immune responses and higher pain tolerance.
Age-Related Health Conditions to Watch For
While aging is a natural process, some conditions require extra care from clinicians to preserve quality of life. Here are a few common conditions that call for medication, therapy, surgery or palliative care in advanced age:
- Heart disease (the #1 cause of death in older adults)
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Alzheimer’s
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Injuries (especially from falls)
How Can Clinicians Provide Better Geriatric Care?
A clinician’s role changes as patients age and their health needs evolve. Doctors, nurses and therapists each provide different but equally crucial treatment. Clear, compassionate communication is central to any care for older patients, who may have hearing, vision or memory challenges.
Here’s how geriatric clinicians can provide essential services with an empathic, aging-focused lens:
Education and Prevention
Clinicians help older patients understand what’s happening with their bodies and what they can do to stay healthy, whether it’s moving more, eating better or managing stress. Providers might recommend vitamin supplements to address dietary deficiencies or over-the-counter medications for everyday aches and pains.
Medication Management
Older adults often take multiple medications at once, and managing the increased risk of side effects and drug interactions can be hard, especially for patients with cognitive decline. That’s why medication therapy management is so important.
Clinicians should focus on clear communication, simple dosing and non-drug therapies when possible. Regular check-ins can help you spot problems early and adjust care.
Referral and Coordination
If an older patient needs more specialized care, clinicians should connect them with the right expert, whether that’s a neurologist, physical therapist or dietitian. Coordinating care ensures each patient gets the support they need at every stage of aging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s what clinicians need to know about aging and geriatric care:
- What changes happen as we age?
Aging affects pretty much every system in the body. Organs shrink, cells slow down and functions like eyesight, hearing, digestion, memory and balance may decline.
- How does medical care change as we get older?
Older adults often need more doctors, more medications and sometimes more intensive interventions. Geriatricians help these patients manage this phase of life and coordinate care.
- What conditions are most common in older patients?
Common concerns include heart disease, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, osteoporosis and injuries from falls.
- How can clinicians treat aging patients more effectively?
A good clinician will educate and empower their older patients, promote healthy habits, treat age-related conditions and manage medications. These providers must work as a team to help older adults stay healthy and independent.
Prepare for a Career in Aging With an Online Degree or Certificate
You can help older adults live healthier, happier lives! Learn how to deliver exceptional geriatric care in these University of Florida programs:
- Online Master’s Degree in Innovative Aging Studies (30 credits)
- Online Master’s Degree in Medical Physiology and Aging (30 credits)
- Online Graduate Certificate in Aging and Geriatric Practice (15 credits)
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Sources:
https://www.theheritagelcs.com/blog/9-things-that-are-better-with-age/
https://www.apa.org/pi/aging/resources/guides/older
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7495268
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8080300
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2024/0600/editorial-holistic-approach-geriatric-care.html
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/help-for-managing-multiple-medications