Older people tend to experience new health problems associated with aging or those they already suffered from become chronic. Sometimes, more than one health condition and its corresponding treatments may even coincide simultaneously. That is why, before reaching this vital stage, it is important to know the guidelines and habits that help lead a healthy lifestyle to prevent and control the effect of these diseases. For this, the geriatrician is a specialist who can advise you.
Geriatrics is a branch of internal medicine focused on the prevention and treatment of diseases and health problems that affect older adults. This professional is also prepared to support the elderly during aging, understood as a process with medical, psychological and social repercussions. But when is the best time to visit the geriatrician for the first time? Below, we explain the factors, other than age, that you should take into account.
Age is the most useful reference when determining when you should see a geriatrician. It is recommended to make a first visit after the age of 65, although this may vary depending on your general health or your own risk factors. A geriatrician can help people with more than three recurring health problems and taking five different drugs mitigate the potential adverse effects of this interaction. If you have a family history of chronic diseases or any medical condition, you can advance your consultation.
People who deal with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis or osteoporosis will have an expert ally in the geriatrician to provide effective treatment. This specialist schedules periodic check-ups in which he advises his patients on nutrition, physical or mental exercises or vaccines with which to improve their medical conditions. Likewise, geriatricians periodically deal with patients over 80 years of age who present a decrease in their physiological abilities due to aging and who often require hospitalization, or who live in a nursing home.
Geriatricians are responsible for detecting and controlling the different pathologies of aging, including memory and cognition problems. Confusion, confusion or a decrease in mental abilities can be the prelude to a major cognitive problem, such as dementia or Alzheimer's. The specialist can help you detect these diseases early and prescribe the corresponding treatments.
On a physiological level, falls become more frequent with age and loss of mobility becomes a constant. The geriatrician can identify the underlying causes and suggest personalized exercises to improve balance and regain autonomy.
