Geriatric Clinical Skills for Trainees

Introduction

America’s population is aging. For the first time in US history, older adults are projected to outnumber children by 2034, with 77 million turning over 65 years old. This increase in older adults will significantly impact our health system and Medicare program. Furthermore, the older population will be the most diverse the nation has ever seen, with more education, increased longevity, widely dispersed families, and more racial and ethnic diversity. Their needs will be much different than previous generations. This highlights the importance of improving geriatric training and education to be better prepared to meet the needs of a growing elderly population.