Geriatric medicine as a speciality looks into complete holistic care of the elderly. Aging leads to various changes in the body. With increased longevity, chronic and degenerative disease is on the rise. The health needs of older adults are different from younger people owing to reduced functional reserves of the body. They have atypical presentations of common medical illness and are prone to drug interactions and side effects of multiple medications. In geriatric medicine, physical illness, psychological health, and social- environmental needs are simultaneously managed while treating patients for any acute illness or continuing with chronic disease management. Treating a geriatric patient is essentially multidisciplinary team work. Family and caregivers’ role is equally important in deciding and following the treatment. Thus it’s a person oriented approach and not only treating a particular disease. Whatever the illness is, the aim is to improve functional independence and eventually quality of life.

Psychosocial health is of paramount importance while we take care of elderly. Family members and caregivers have a major role in this. Due to retirement, loss of spouse, change of housing, transportation issues, elderly feel more isolated and left out. Relatively reduced mobility due to pain, illness, memory issues aggravate the problem. Isolation, loneliness, fear, neglect and in few cases even abuse of old people can go unrecognized. If unattended can lead to severe depression and suicidal tendencies. Social participation and engagement in community activities can prevent these psychosocial complications.