Council on Aging - Answers 2024-25 - 14

COUNCIL ON AGING - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Why See a
Geriatrician?
n Lisa M Gibbs, MD and Sonia Sehgal, MD
SeniorHealth Center, UCI Health
Few would argue that the best healthcare for
children is with pediatricians. Likewise, the best care
for older adults is provided by geriatricians. Geriatrics
is a specialty in medicine. The physicians who
become geriatricians have additional clinical training
to address the unique issues that arise during the
aging process. They are experts in healthy aging
as well as the complex care required in the oldest
decades of life. Even though our culture has defined
'seniors' as those over 65 years of age, geriatricians
consider age as just a number. Geriatricians work
to manage chronic conditions with a focus on
independence and maintaining function.
Geriatricians provide high quality, compassionate
care for patients, their families, and caregivers.
Their holistic approach is guided by attention to
the Age Friendly Health Systems 4 M's - Mind,
Medication, Mobility and What Matters Most. They
focus on Mind, observing for changes in mood and
memory, such as depression, delirium, and dementia.
Medications are reviewed in detail at every visit.
When patients see multiple specialists, medication
lists grow longer, and duplications, side effects and
unnecessary prescriptions need to be assessed.
Geriatricians are specialists who enjoy DEprescribing
- taking away unnecessary medications, including
those that are over-the counter. Mobility is impacted
by many conditions, including arthritis and falls.
They work to prevent falls by identifying risks,
improving physical strength and endurance,
and advocating for appropriate assistive devices.
Finally, they believe in shared decision making
with an emphasis on our patients' goals, literally
What Matters Most to them. These important
tenants of care impact every aspect of one's life and
are addressed at every visit. Geriatricians naturally
care for patients in this way and provide leadership
14
Answers Guide 24/25
to healthcare systems so that every patient receives
this level of care.
The later decades in life are filled with multiple
major changes, which are often underappreciated.
Oftentimes, the growth and development of
childhood, young adulthood, parenthood, and
careers are highly recognized in our society, while
retirement is viewed as one long uniform period of
leisure activities. The reality is that the 'golden years'
are often spent helping families raise grandchildren,
managing chronic conditions and disability,
relocating, and dealing with a series of losses as
spouse, partners and friends pass away. Every
decade after 65 years brings new challenges as well
as opportunities to continue to live fully, even in the
face of adaptation. Geriatricians help pave the way
for successful change and promote resiliency which
allows us all to age well.
Aside from being medical specialists who do both
primary care and consultative work, geriatricians are
advocates and promote a healthy and positive view
on aging issues. They recognize that ageism exists
in medicine, and they help patients make the best
decisions for themselves with regard to medical care.
Age is not a reason to avoid medical treatment, but at
the same time, geriatricians help to weigh the risks
as well as the benefits. They are experts, especially
in Orange County, in addressing elder abuse and
neglect. They promote the needs of patients by
participating in organizations that help prepare
this county for older adults.
Why see a geriatrician if you are over 65? Because
they are experts with advanced knowledge about
aging and they focus on keeping you well. The focus
doesn't end with management of your medical
needs-they promote optimal aging by focusing on
what matters to you, and your medical, social,
and psychological wellbeing.
For more information visit UCI Health-Senior
Health Center at www.ucihealth.org or call
714-456-7007.
Lisa Gibbs MD specializes in Geriatrics and Family
Medicine at UCI Health
Sonia Sehgal MD specializes in Geriatrics and
Internal Medicine at UCI Health
COUNCIL ON AGING - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IS A 501 (C)3 NONPROFIT CORPORATION. TO DISTRIBUTE ANSWERS FREE OF COST, WE MUST SELL ADVERTISING SPACE. WHILE WE APPRECIATE THE PAID LISTINGS IN ANSWERS, THEIR
INCLUSION DOES NOT IMPLY A RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES BY COASC. ALWAYS BE A VIGILANT CONSUMER. VERIFY INFORMATION AND SEEK REFERENCES WHERE APPROPRIATE.
HEALTHCARE & WELL-BEING

http://www.ucihealth.org

Council on Aging - Answers 2024-25

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Council on Aging - Answers 2024-25