Gerontology and Geriatrics
Ageing research is a relatively new field of medical investigation embracing topics from the disciplines of geriatrics and gerontology.
The term geriatrics derives from the Greek word geras, meaning ‘old age’ and atrikos, denoting ‘that which concerns the art of medicine’. Geriatrics is the study of the diseases of old age. Many of the diseases of old age also occur in patients in other age groups, but the aged respond differently to disease and treatment.
Gerontology stems from the Greek words geron, meaning ‘old man’ and logos, meaning ‘study’. Gerontology is the study of the ageing process.
Ageing research seeks to map the processes of ageing, and the insights it provides can be applied in designing social and health care provisions to prevent debilitation in the aged.
Ageing research thus also embraces fields from the health sciences, the humanities and social sciences.