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CONCEPT OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS
Yusupov Kamoliddin Sokhibjanovich
Bostan Technical School of Public Health named after Abu Ali Ibn Sino
Abstract:
This article explores the fundamental concepts of gerontology and geriatrics,
highlighting their definitions, classifications, historical development, and roles in addressing the
health and social challenges of aging populations. It emphasizes their importance in modern
society, particularly in the context of increasing life expectancy, chronic disease management,
and the global push toward healthy and active aging.
Keywords:
gerontology, geriatrics, aging population, chronic diseases, elderly care,
active aging, health policy
In the context of global population aging, the disciplines of gerontology and geriatrics
have gained increasing significance in both scientific research and practical healthcare. These
two closely related fields play a crucial role in understanding the biological, psychological, and
social aspects of aging, and in improving the quality of life of elderly individuals.
Gerontology is the interdisciplinary scientific study of aging and the problems that
elderly individuals face. It covers the biological, psychological, and sociological dimensions of
aging and seeks to understand the processes that contribute to aging and age-related decline.
Gerontology does not only focus on the elderly, but also examines the aging process across the
human lifespan.
The main branches of gerontology include:
Biogerontology
– studies the biological mechanisms of aging.
Social gerontology
– focuses on the social roles and changes that accompany aging.
Psychogerontology
– explores the cognitive and emotional changes that occur with age.
Environmental gerontology
– studies how physical environments affect the aging
process and well-being.
Gerontology is often used to inform policies on elderly care, retirement, social security,
urban planning, and healthcare services.
Geriatrics, on the other hand, is a medical specialty focused on the health care of elderly
people. It aims to promote health by preventing and treating diseases and disabilities in older
adults. Geriatricians are physicians trained to diagnose, manage, and treat the complex health
needs of aging patients.
Key characteristics of geriatrics include:
Multimorbidity management
: Treating multiple chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes,
hypertension, arthritis) simultaneously.
Polypharmacy monitoring
: Ensuring the safe use of multiple medications to avoid
adverse drug reactions.
Functional assessment
: Evaluating an elderly patient's ability to perform daily activities
and live independently.
Cognitive and mental health
: Addressing age-related conditions like dementia,
depression, or delirium.
Palliative and end-of-life care
: Ensuring quality of life in the terminal stages of chronic
illness.
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The significance of gerontology and geriatrics in the modern world cannot be overstated.
The global population is undergoing a profound demographic transformation characterized by a
rapid increase in the number and proportion of elderly individuals. According to the World
Health Organization (WHO), the global population aged 60 years and over is expected to reach
2.1 billion by 2050, up from 1 billion in 2020. This demographic trend, often referred to as
“population aging,” has far-reaching implications for public health, economics, social policy, and
healthcare systems. Here are the differences between gerontology and geriatrics in the figure:
Advances in medicine, public health, and living standards have contributed to a
significant rise in life expectancy across the world. While this is a testament to global
development, it also results in a growing elderly population that requires targeted health services
and social support systems. Countries with aging populations – such as Japan, Germany, Italy,
and increasingly China and the United States – are facing mounting pressure to reform
healthcare delivery, pension systems, and long-term care infrastructure.
However, gerontology also highlights the economic opportunities of an aging society.
This includes the emergence of the “silver economy” – a market sector focused on products and
services tailored to older adults, such as assistive technologies, age-friendly housing,
telemedicine, and elder tourism.
Moreover, older individuals represent a valuable resource of experience, skills, and
knowledge. Through policies that encourage active aging, societies can harness this potential via
volunteerism, part-time employment, or mentorship programs.
Recent advancements in
digital health, artificial intelligence, and wearable devices
offer
promising tools to support elderly care. Telemedicine, for example, enables remote consultations,
reducing barriers to access for elderly individuals with mobility limitations. Smart home systems
can monitor daily activities, detect falls, and alert caregivers in emergencies. Gerontology
researchers and geriatric practitioners are increasingly involved in the design, testing, and ethical
deployment of such technologies.
Conclusion.
The growing demographic shift toward an aging global population
necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the fields of
gerontology
and
geriatrics
. While
gerontology provides a broad, interdisciplinary framework to study the biological, psychological,
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and sociological aspects of aging, geriatrics focuses specifically on the medical care and clinical
needs of older adults. Both fields are complementary and essential in addressing the multifaceted
challenges posed by aging societies.
The increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses, cognitive decline, functional impairments,
and social isolation among elderly individuals highlights the urgent need for integrated
healthcare services, age-sensitive policies, and community-based interventions. In addition, the
economic and social implications of aging require long-term strategic planning supported by
research in gerontology and guided in practice by geriatric principles.
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