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Two thirds of older people have two or more long-term medical problems (multimorbidity). [8] This makes determining the cause of any deterioration more difficult, and thus deciding the best treatment plan is also challenging, since it depends on accurately diagnosing the underlying medical problem.
According to a published uniform definition from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention, elder abuse is “an intentional act or failure to act by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult.” [36]
Monitoring of medications and ongoing medical problems. For example, people with polymyalgia rheumatica often take long-term steroids, leading to osteoporosis. Research in the UK has also suggested that these people would benefit from a falls assessment when first diagnosed, and regular treatment reviews. [22] [23]
Geriatrics, or geriatric medicine, [1] is a medical specialty focused on providing care for the unique health needs of the elderly. [2] The term geriatrics originates from the Greek γέρων geron meaning "old man", and ιατρός iatros meaning "healer".
According to recent studies, a significant proportion of older adults experience musculoskeletal pain. This pain can be localized (e.g., back pain, knee pain) or widespread (e.g., fibromyalgia). The prevalence tends to increase with age, affecting a substantial portion of the elderly population. [34]
Frailty or frailty syndrome refers to a state of health in which older adults gradually lose their bodies' in-built reserves and functioning. This makes them more vulnerable, less able to recover and even apparently minor events (infections, environmental changes) can have drastic impacts on their physical and mental health.
Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass, micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue leading to more porous bone, and consequent increase in fracture risk.
Physical therapy addresses the illnesses or injuries that limit a person's abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. [3] PTs use an individual's history and physical examination to arrive at a diagnosis and establish a management plan and, when necessary, incorporate the results of laboratory and imaging studies like X-rays, CT-scan, or MRI findings.