Preface

This eBook will provide a one-of-its-kind comprehensive examination of recent advances in geriatric medicine. The field of geriatric medicine has expanded exponentially in recent decades due to the increase of the world-wide aging population. According to the National Institute of Aging (www.nia.nih.gov) there are now more than half a billion people over the age of 65 across the globe. This has led to an increase in the need for medical and psychiatric care on a scale unprecedented in history. In light of this change in the population the field of geriatric medicine has become multidisciplinary.

One of the unfortunate consequences of a large multidisciplinary field is that advances that occur within a specific discipline are not always readily conveyed to the other disciplines within geriatric medicine. The growth of highly-specialized journals has made research and advances far more insular. Because of this insular nature within disciplines there have been more problems in large complex settings such as nursing homes which utilize varied professionals of geriatric health.

This eBook will provide a novel approach by highlighting recent advances in geriatric medicine across different disciplines. This will enable clinicians not just to understand what new treatments/discoveries there are, but to allow them the comprehensive understanding necessary to work as a team in a new 21^st century approach to geriatric medicine.

Another point where this eBook will break ground on new important issues is the approach it will take in providing insight into the various living conditions of older adults. As the aging population increases so do the diverse living conditions of older adults increase as well. Large numbers of older adults are living independently within the community. However, the population in assisted living residences and nursing homes is increasing. The ability of older adults to contribute to their well-being and interaction with health care professionals is directly linked to their housing situation.

This eBook will attempt to provide a thorough and pervasive cross-section of this issue in order to provide the audience with a versatile understanding of each issue and how it is affected by older adults’ housing circumstances. The diverse array of fields that are addressed in this book along with the broad issues, from dementia to stroke to physical therapy, will provide a valuable reference for the next generation of professionals.