ISSN:
1573-7306
Keywords:
Aging
;
Aging kidneys
;
Aging population
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The `demographic imperative' of a progressively aging society willplace unprecedented demands on the health care system in the 21stcentury. Although improved education, public health measures,personal lifestyles, and health care will result in a large proportionof those born surviving to old age in robust health and vitality, thesheer numbers of `baby-boomers' who will become the elderly and theinevitable association between aging and the associated multiple,especially chronic diseases and physiological impairments of oldage will require more efficient and more effective systems of healthcare to meet the needs of the aging population. Generalists, specialists,and medical and surgical subspecialists will play important rolesin meeting these needs, often in the multidisciplinary mode.Geriatricians will directly provide but a small minoritty of thecare, focusing upon education, research, and consultation and indelivering primary care to the frail elderly and especially inlong term care. Collaboration with subspecialists will be frequentin all these domains. Nephrologists, who already practice multidisciplinaryteam care of frail, complicated, chronically in patients with end-stagerenal disease, have much to contribute as their patient populationprogressively grows in numbers and age. Hence geriatricians and nephrologists have much to learn from and contribute to each other in addressing the `age wave' of the 21st century.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1008318131066
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