The G-word (geriatrics) is not a bad word! NEXT AGE episode 6

Let’s discuss the dreaded G-word – geriatrics – and clear up common misconceptions about that medical specialty and why it’s important for healthy aging.

For many, it conjures images of decline, disease, and – well – dying. But what if we take the view that geriatricians are experts in body and mind maintenance for late-model humans? That’s the focus of this episode of our monthly series, NEXT AGE, where we’re reframing aging.

The goal of modern geriatrics is to help our health span match our lifespan as more of us are living longer. We hear from experts in the care and maintenance of our aging bodies and learn why more people are actively seeking geriatric care early in their latter years.

There’s a growing effort to recruit and train more professionals in geriatrics and increase all of our appreciation and access to these specialists.

Our show is made possible, in part, by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and our series on aging is made possible by a grant from The West End Home Foundation — enriching the lives of older adults though grantmaking, advocacy and community collaboration.

This episode was produced by LaTonya Turner.

Guests:

• Jean Gauld-Jaeger, retiree & patient of geriatrician, https://artbyjaeger.com/
• Katina Beard | CEO, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center S.A.L.T.
• Deborah Lee, PhD, Director & Co-Founder, MTSU Positive Aging Consortium
• James Powers, M.D., geriatrician/researcher/professor, VUMC Division of Geriatric Medicine
• Stacy D. Smith, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, VUMC Division of Geriatric Medicine