geriatrics
(dʒɛrɪˈætrɪks)
[f. Gr. γῆρας old age + ἰατρικός (see iatric a.), after pædiatrics.]
The branch of medicine, or of social science, dealing with the health of old people.
| 1909 I. L. Nascher in N.Y. Med. Jrnl. 21 Aug. 358/2 Geriatrics, from geras, old age, and iatrikos, relating to the physician, is a term I would suggest as an addition to our vocabulary, to cover the same field in old age that is covered by the term paediatrics in childhood. 1919 M. W. Thewlis (title) Geriatrics. A treatise on senile conditions, diseases of advanced life, and care of the aged. 1939 Nature 25 Nov. 902/2 Courses in geriatrics should be established in the medical schools to give future physicians a better understanding of the effects of mental attitudes on the bodily ailments of the aged. 1967 New Scientist 19 Jan. 160/2 There is in Britain only one university chair in geriatrics, and none in gerontology. |
Hence geriaˈtrician, an expert in geriatrics.
| 1934 in Webster. 1968 Guardian 9 May 7/2 Most progressive geriatricians now want to keep old people out of hospital beds at all costs. |