Geriatrics

/ˌdʒɛriˈætrɪks/ noun

A branch of medicine that focuses on the health care and diseases of older adults.

From Greek *gēras* “old age” + *iatros* “doctor.” Coined in the early 1900s as life expectancy increased and doctors recognized that older patients have specific medical needs. It parallels *pediatrics*, which focuses on children.

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