Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1497813
AS the world's population con- tinues to age, gerontological and geriatric issues are becom- ing increasingly important. Gerontology is the study of ageing, while geriatrics is the medical specialty that focuses on the health care of elderly in- dividuals. Both fields are crit- ical to understanding and ad- dressing the unique needs and challenges of older adults. The importance of geronto- logical and geriatric issues is undeniable. According to the World Health Organization, the num- ber of people aged 60 and over is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050, up from 900 million in 2015. This demographic shift will have significant implica- tions for health care systems, social policies, and the econo- my. One of the key challenges of an ageing demographic is the prevalence of chronic diseases. As people age, they are more likely to develop conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. These conditions can have a profound impact on a person's quality of life and their ability to live independently. Geriat- ric health professionals play a critical role in managing these conditions and helping older adults maintain their health and independence. Another important aspect of geriatric and gerontological care is addressing the social and emotional needs of older adults. Many older adults ex- perience loneliness and social isolation, which can have neg- ative effects on their physical and mental health. In addition to medical care, gerontological research is also essential to understanding the ageing process and developing new interventions to improve health and wellbeing in later life. Research in this field is very broad and can span finan- cial and economic aspects to the biopsychosocial impact of abuse on older persons as well as help identify risk factors for age-related conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, and devel- op new treatments to prevent or manage these conditions. Gerontological and Geriatric care is also becoming more in- terdisciplinary, with a focus on a team-based approach to ad- dressing the complex needs of older adults. This may include working with social workers, physical therapists, occupational ther- apists, and other health care professionals to provide com- prehensive care. However, despite the growing importance of gerontological and geriatric issues, there are still significant gaps in our un- derstanding of ageing and how to provide the best care for old- er adults. Additionally, there is a need for more research on social de- terminants of health that affect older adults, such as poverty, social isolation, and access to transportation. To address these challenges, there is a need for increased funding for gerontological and geriatric research, as well as initiatives to promote the re- cruitment and training of ger- iatric health care professionals. Policies that support older adults, such as affordable hous- ing and transportation, can also help improve their health and wellbeing. The importance of gerontological and geriatric issues cannot be overstated. As the global population ag- es, it is essential that we have a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges of older adults. Geriatric health professionals and gerontolo- gists play a critical role in ad- dressing these issues and en- suring that older adults can age with dignity and independence. Through continued research, education, and policy initia- tives, we can work towards a future where ageing is a posi- tive and fulfilling experience for all. As the global population ages, it is essential that we have a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges of older adults. 12 OPINION maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 APRIL 2023 Dr Christian Borg Xuereb is head at the Department of Gerontology and Dementia Studies Facing the demographic time bomb: the urgent need for action on gerontological and geriatric issues Dr Christian Borg Xuereb