The elderly population in the U.S. has surged, with over 55 million individuals aged 65 and older. However, the number of geriatricians has drastically declined, dropping from 10,000 in 2000 to just 7,400 by 2022. This shortage is detrimental to elderly care, as aging bodies require specialized knowledge. Most medical schools lack comprehensive geriatric rotations, neglecting crucial training on age-related health differences. The 4Ms model of geriatric care focuses on medication, mentation, mobility, and patient priorities, advocating for a more patient-centered approach to treatment decisions, which is vital in an increasingly older population.
Between 2010 and 2020, the number of Americans over the age of 65 grew faster than it has in more than 100 years.
The number of board-certified geriatricians has fallen from about 10,000 in 2000 to barely 7,400 in 2022, demonstrating a significant care gap.
Geriatrics emphasizes a patient-centered approach, prioritizing medication, mentation, mobility and considering patient preferences in treatment decisions.
Medical schools neglect to sufficiently educate future doctors in geriatrics, limiting understanding of age-related medical differences and impacting care for older adults.
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