title: Geriatrics and physical medicine and rehabilitation: common principles, complementary approaches, and 21st century demographics.
abstract: The demographic changes occurring in the United States transcend the capabilities of any specific medical specialty to provide optimum care for the elderly. This commentary discusses a statement of principles drafted by representatives of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation who collaborated with members of 9 other medical and surgical specialties. In this commentary, we argue that geriatrics and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) share common principles and complementary approaches. We urge physiatrists and other rehabilitation professionals to address the needs of elderly patients and recommend that these principles be incorporated into PM&R practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. dale_strasser@emoryhealthcare.org
authors.forename: Dale C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Strasser
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Solomon
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Burton
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003710:Demography; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D010810:Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine; D012046:Rehabilitation; D014481:United States