Geriatrics, Prevention, and the Remodeling of Medicare

Abstract

Geriatric medicine has focused primarily on the management of acute and chronic diseases in frail older persons, with much less emphasis on the promotion of health and the prevention of disease than there is in health care for children or middle-aged adults. A growing body of knowledge about disease prevention in later life, including important research by Inouye et al.¹ that is reported in this issue of the Journal, provides a valid basis for strengthening efforts in preventive geriatrics. Given its mission and responsibility, the Medicare program is well positioned to lead such an effort on a national level.Inouye . . .