NEWS & RESEARCH
What Is the Difference Between Gerontology and Geriatrics?
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EveryNurse Staff
- Last Updated: 04/18/2022
Gerontology and geriatrics are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference between the two. Gerontology is the study of aging, while geriatrics is the study of illness and disease of the elderly.
Gerontologists study the physical, mental, and social changes in people as they age. They may work in research, education, or direct service settings. On the other hand, Geriatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the care of older adults. They focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of age-related diseases and conditions.
What Is Gerontology?
Gerontology is the study of aging. It encompasses all aspects of the aging process, from the cellular level to the societal level. Gerontology is a multidisciplinary field that draws on knowledge from psychology, sociology, anthropology, biology, and medicine. In the context of healthcare, gerontologists work to promote healthy aging and improve the quality of life for older adults.
As with many disciplines, gerontology has several subfields focused on specific aspects of the aging process. These include:
Biological Gerontology
Biogerontology is the study of aging at the cellular and molecular levels. Researchers in this field seek to understand the changes in cells and tissues as we age. They hope to identify the mechanisms underlying age-related diseases and develop interventions to prevent, delay, or even reverse the underlying processes of aging.
Social Gerontology
Social gerontology is the study of aging in a social context. It focuses on the relationships between older adults and their families, caregivers, and the wider society. Researchers in this field seek to understand how aging affects social roles and relationships. They also work to develop policies and programs that improve the quality of life for older adults.
Environmental Gerontology
Environmental gerontology studies the interaction between people and their physical and social environments. Researchers in this field seek to identify environmental factors that contribute to healthy aging. They also work to develop interventions to improve the built environment and make it more age-friendly.
What Is Geriatrics?
Geriatrics is a medical specialty that focuses on the care of older adults. The elderly have unique needs and are more vulnerable to illness and disease due to the aging process. The changes that occur in cells, tissues, and organs as we age can make us more susceptible to chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Clinicians specializing in geriatrics are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent age-related diseases and conditions. They also provide care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. This may include helping patients manage chronic diseases, addressing issues such as frailty and falls, and providing support for caregivers. Additionally, geriatric health care providers may provide hospice and palliative care for patients with terminal illnesses.
Key Differences Between Gerontology and Geriatrics
While geriatrics and gerontology are two distinct fields, they share a common goal: to improve the quality of life for older adults. The main difference between the two is that geriatrics focuses on the medical care of older adults, while gerontology is a multidisciplinary field that studies all aspects of aging.
A clear example of this difference is the training required for each field. To become a geriatrician, one must complete medical school and complete a residency in geriatrics. In contrast, there is no one “path” to becoming a gerontologist. Professionals in this field come from various backgrounds, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, biology, and medicine.
While geriatrics and gerontology are concerned with aging and overlap between the two fields, they take different approaches to studying this process. Geriatrics focuses on the individual, while gerontology takes a broader view. Geriatrics seeks to understand the aging process to treat age-related diseases and conditions. On the other hand, Gerontology studies aging from multiple perspectives to understand the aging process from social, psychological, and biological perspectives.
The Importance of Geriatric Nurses in ElderCare
The American Nurses Association (ANA) recognizes geriatric nursing as a specialty practice. The ANA defines geriatric nursing as “the practice of promoting health, preventing disease, and caring for older adults.” Geriatric nurses are a vital part of the health care team, providing care and support to older adults and their families.
Eldercare requires specialized personnel trained to deal with the unique challenges of caring for the elderly. Age-related illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging to manage, and geriatric nurses are specially equipped to adapt their care to meet the needs of each patient.
Additionally, geriatric nurses play an essential role in promoting healthy aging. They provide patients with information on how to maintain their health and prevent age-related diseases. They also work to create an age-friendly environment in long-term care facilities and the community.
Geriatric nurses also play a significant role in providing support to caregivers. The physical and emotional demands of caring for an aging loved one can be taxing, and caregivers need all the help they can get. Geriatric nurses can provide respite care, which gives caregivers a much-needed break, and they can also offer support and advice on how to care for an aging loved one.
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