한국 노인의학 교육과 진료의 현황과 발전 방향

The Current Status of Korean Geriatric Education and Clinic and Suggestions for Its Advancement

The growth of elderly population accompanied by their chronic diseases and medical expenses following the extension of life expectancy may cause huge problems and conflicts in the family and socioeconomically. Furthermore, geriatrics is gaining stronger ground as measures for aging, frailty and geriatric syndromes. Geriatrics need to be strengthened in classes and clinical rotations at medical schools as well as in residency trainings and fellowships. Professional geriatricians should be cultivated by the cooperation of the current geriatric academies and associated organizations. The importance of long term care and assisted living facilities for management of geriatric chronic diseases are being noted, by which continuous and integrated care should be sought. For this, systematic improvements and perceptional changes in the society need to be made. Now is the time for discussions, in-depth analyses and self-evaluation to come up with measures, such as regular family doctor system, to improve the quality of elderly lives.