The gerontologist or geriatrician is a specialist doctor who works with the elderly to offer them personalized care, with the aim of offering them the best possible quality of life. 

Gerontology is the study of old age and aging. It brings together all the disciplines relating to aging: sociology, psychology, anthropology, biology, demography, etc. The gerontologist is a specialist in aging and its specific physical and psychological pathologies.

In theory, gerontology is complementary to geriatrics which is the medicine of old age. The latter includes preventive, curative and palliative care. Geriatrics is part of gerontology. 

In practice, the terms gerontologist or geriatrician are used to designate the specialist of the elderly. The purpose of geriatrics or gerontology is to improve or preserve the functional capacities of the elderly, despite their health problems. 

It is advisable to consult a geriatrician or gerontologist in the event of disorders and diseases related to age or more frequent with age: deafness, visually impaired, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, undernutrition, memory disorders, difficulty in reading. walking, balance disorders, fall, neurological diseases …

The elderly without pathologies but suffering from ailments linked to old age (loss of appetite, incontinence, etc.) can also benefit from the skills of the geriatrician. 

People aged 75 and over may be referred by their attending physician to the gerontologist or geriatrician for a comprehensive pediatric assessment. 

The gerontologist or geriatrician works with the elderly. Its work aims to promote their well-being by providing them with personalized care that allows them to have the best possible living conditions. 

The gerontologist begins by establishing the needs of the elderly and making a diagnosis. He then sets up a treatment for diseases or disabilities in order to relieve the suffering of the elderly.  

He may be specialized in a field (cardiology, oncology, etc.), a type of care (resuscitation for example) or a type of patient (Alzheimer’s patients for example). The oncongeriatrician therefore offers appropriate care for the elderly with cancer. 

A health check can be carried out by the geriatrician or gerontologist during a day of hospitalization. 

This overall geriatric assessment includes an assessment of autonomy, balance, nutrition, bone capital, memory, current treatment, and the psycho-socio-family environment. 

To become a gerontologist or geriatrician, it is necessary to have a Bac +9 or 10 in medicine with specialization in geriatrics or gerontology thanks to the DESC (Diploma of Complementary Specialized Studies).

Gerontologists or geriatricians work in hospitals, private care centers, nursing homes. 

Before your appointment with the gerontologist, make a list of the conditions you have, any illnesses and treatments taken. Prepare a file with your recent X-rays, analyzes and additional examinations, as well as your latest prescriptions.