A History of Geriatrics and Gerontology

Abstract

There are several reasons why medical history is important. It helps us put the present into perspective. If we do not study our history, we will be condemned to repeat it. It can give us wisdom, a broad view, and humility when we realize that our discoveries may have already been made by our forebears. We do not often proclaim the fact that Geriatric Medicine is one of the great success stories in western medicine – something that we should celebrate. Knowing something about our origins should make us proud of our chosen discipline. In this brief overview of the historical development of Geriatrics and Gerontology, I will trace the evolution of understanding of ageing in health and diseases from prehistory to ancient Greece, ancient Rome, ancient Egypt, Arabia and Middle ages before dealing with the first advance in the scientific area. The input of the major actors of the dawning of clinical geriatrics will be detailed: Marjory Warren, Laza Lazarevic, Jean-Martin Charcot and Ignatz Nascher, who a century ago coined the word “Geriatrics” to define the medicine of old age. Geriatrics is a recent science but one that is growing in stature. A study of its history reveals several recurring messages: 1) diseases may present differently in old age; 2) the dangers of medications; 3) benefits of a healthy lifestyle (particularly diet and exercise); 4) harm done to old people by unfortunate political interference and ageism and 5) importance of a speciality dedicated to ill old people.