My interest in geriatrics began during my first job as a hospitalist physician, where most of my patients were over 65 years old. I enjoyed spending time with elderly patients and wanted to address issues specific to their age group more effectively. ❤️

✍️ To improve my skills and knowledge, I completed a year-long geriatric fellowship. After finishing it, I started working as a geriatrician in a teaching program. This role exceeded my expectations in terms of career satisfaction, though it also highlighted the challenges within the field.

⚠️ One major challenge in geriatrics is the general lack of awareness and appreciation for this type of care. This issue affects a wide range of people, including healthcare trainees, professionals, and the broader society, as well as the healthcare system itself.

🏨I often had to explain what geriatrics involves when consulting on geriatric cases at the hospital. There are also societal stigmas and misconceptions about geriatrics. For example, a patient in her 90s, who was a retired nurse, once told me she didn’t see herself as a geriatric patient because she didn’t have dementia. It’s important to understand that seeing a geriatrician doesn’t necessarily mean someone has memory problems.

✅ Organizations like the American Geriatrics Society play a crucial role in addressing this knowledge gap through educational programs, conferences, and grants. Geriatrics divisions at major academic hospitals are also working hard to show how their involvement can improve care for older adults. However, awareness is still not as widespread as needed, and we must find more effective ways to raise it.

💯 I decided to explore engaging and impactful methods to reach our audience. There is a wealth of knowledge about geriatrics that isn’t reaching those who need it. Social media and the internet offer promising platforms to share this information in innovative and engaging ways, and my goal is to use my knowledge and experience to make the most of these tools.

🔆 Life after 65 is a significant and diverse stage of life, with many people spending a third of their lives in this period. There are various care systems and solutions available for the challenges faced during these years. Sharing knowledge and stories about these solutions can be a valuable resource for older adults and their families.

So, let’s make the most of it!🏌️‍♀️🏕️🩷