This text represents the most practical reference available covering ambulatory care of the geriatric patient, with a focus on patient management rather than on discrete diseases and disorders. This new second edition has been extensively revised, containing 50% new text and 25% new illustrations. It covers all major aspects of elderly patient management for both well and disordered patients, with a timely orientation toward the ambulatory setting. Helps physicians understand essential clinical, social, and administrative differences between the adult patient and the geriatric patient. Begins each chapter with "Key Points," highlighting important concepts for rapid retrieval of information. Formats all chapters on disease management in a similar, easy-to-follow manner: clinical relevance, clinical manifestation, diagnostic approach, intervention. Provides suggested readings in addition to references for further study on a particular topic. Presents authoritative, reliable information from national leaders and experts in geriatrics and gerontology. Includes the most current findings and management strategies for Alzheimer's disease, falls, prostate cancer, osteoporosis, and hypertension; also covers important topics such as advanced directives, dying at home, preventive interventions, exercise, and weight loss.

This text represents a reference on ambulatory care of the geriatric patient, with a focus on patient management rather than on discrete diseases and disorders. This second edition has been revised, containing 50per cent new text and 25per cent new illustrations.

As the first of the nation's 78 million baby boomers begin reaching age 65 in 2011, they will face a health care workforce that is too small and woefully unprepared to meet their specific health needs. Retooling for an Aging America calls for bold initiatives starting immediately to train all health care providers in the basics of geriatric care and to prepare family members and other informal caregivers, who currently receive little or no training in how to tend to their aging loved ones. The book also recommends that Medicare, Medicaid, and other health plans pay higher rates to boost recruitment and retention of geriatric specialists and care aides. Educators and health professional groups can use Retooling for an Aging America to institute or increase formal education and training in geriatrics. Consumer groups can use the book to advocate for improving the care for older adults. Health care professional and occupational groups can use it to improve the quality of health care jobs.

This issue of Clinics in Geriatric Medicine is devoted to Palliative Care. Guest Editors Thomas Smith, MD and Madeline Leong, MD have assembled a group of expert authors to review the following topics: Palliative Care in the Era of Healthcare Redesign; Communications to Patients; Communications by Professionals; International Palliative Care; Public Health and Palliative Care; Culturally Relevant Palliative Care; Spirituality, Religion, and Healing in Palliative Care; Alternative, Complementary and Mainstream Therapies in Palliative Care; Symptom Management in the Older Adult; Interaction of Palliative Care and Primary Care; Palliative Care in the Ambulatory Geriatric Practice; Choosing Cancer Therapy Based on Geriatric Assessment; and Emergency Medicine and Palliative Care.