Originally lodging houses were designed to accommodate younger labourers who came to town to find work but were unable to travel to and from their own homes. Gradually the population changed to include an increasing proportion of older men, particularly pensioners.
Marjory Warren created the first geriatric unit in the UK. She systematically examined every new patient. Having separated the sick from the healthy, the old from the young, she instituted medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Early publications on geriatric medicine; the origin of the word 'geriatrics' and first mention of a 'geriatric giant'.
In medieval times, sick people were cared for in monasteries. Some religious orders built hospital wings where elderly and infirm patients received better food and received special care. Later, convents adopted a nursing role.
Advance care planning (including end of life discussions) is being promoted as part of the NHS end of life care strategy. Such discussions require great care. The BGS with others have prepared guidelines on advance care planning which we summarise here.
What to consider when thinking about doing research, including a personal perspective from a new researcher. The key decisions you'll have to make, and the benefits to you, and to medical science.
Ian Philp of the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust examines a model of integrated car which has seen reduced admissions of older people for acute hospital care and a significant fall in deaths of older people in hospital.
More older people are undergoing surgery, but postoperative outcomes are worse than for younger patients. This case study looks at the Proactive Care of Older People undergoing Surgery (POPS) team at Guy's and St Thomas's.
How Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has concentrated on engaging with its staff to help them focus on the essentials of caring. It has come up with simple effective solutions to help improve the treatment, dignity and care of older people.
Guidelines from NICE and Public Health England on prevention of falls and fractures, and the diagnosis and management of hip fractures.
Read our international journal publishing refereed original articles and commissioned reviews on geriatric medicine and gerontology