ABSTRACT
The term geriatric generally refers to individuals who are over 65 years of age. The World Health Organization and United Nations refer to this age group as “older persons” or “older people”. This has been described as the most heterogeneous population, as it constitutes a spectrum from independent, fi t, physiologically healthy patients, to extremely frail, debilitated patients in long-term care facilities (LTCF). This entry details the diversity of challenges in dealing with the geriatric population, noting such considerations as physiological changes that occur as a result of aging and the complications that can arise when these challenges are not considered when dosing medication.
