1. Assessment and risk factors in geriatric patients:
Comprehensive geriatric assessment is essential to identify medical, functional, cognitive, and social conditions in older adults. This population presents unique clinical features, such as atypical disease presentations, multiple comorbidities, and polypharmacy. Common risk factors include falls, cognitive decline, malnutrition, immobility, and depression. Frailty is a key syndrome that increases vulnerability to adverse events. Functional assessment tools and cognitive screening (such as the MMSE) provide a structured approach. It is also vital to assess the social environment and family support. Infections, such as urinary or respiratory tract infections, may present subtly, for example with delirium. Social isolation, poverty, and functional dependence worsen these risks. A multidisciplinary approach improves the identification of risk factors and allows timely interventions.

2. Importance of geriatric care :
Geriatric care focuses on improving quality of life, maintaining functionality, and increasing the autonomy of older adults. This approach promotes comprehensive care that considers not only illness, but also the patient’s environment, emotions, and values. In the context of an aging population, it is essential to adapt health systems to meet their specific needs. Proper management prevents hospitalizations, reduces complications, and avoids polypharmacy. It also strengthens shared decision-making, respecting the patient’s wishes. Geriatric care fosters healthy and dignified aging. The inclusion of multidisciplinary teams enables a holistic approach. It is also crucial for identifying and addressing issues such as abuse, loneliness, and dependency. Ultimately, specialized care improves both clinical outcomes and overall well-being.

Bibliographic reference:

1. American Geriatrics Society. (2020). AGS Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 68(4), 659–698. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.16274

2. Rubenstein, L. Z., & Bylow, K. (2019). Comprehensive geriatric assessment: An overview. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 35(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2018.09.001

3. Fulmer, T., Reuben, D. B., Auerbach, A., Fick, D. M., Galambos, C., Johnson, K. S., & Terraza, E. M. (2021). Actualizing Better Health and Health Care for Older Adults. Health Affairs, 40(2), 219–225. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2020.01470