BOOK

1.1 Gerontology
● From the Greek geron, meaning “old man”
● Gerontology is the scientific study of the process of aging and the problems of
older adults; it includes biologic, sociologic, psychological, and economic
aspects.
1.2 Geriatrics
● From the Greek geras, meaning “old age”
● Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the diseases and problems of
old age. Viewed by many nurses as having limited application to nursing because
of its medical and disease orientation, the term geriatrics is generally not used
when describing the nursing care of older adults.
1.3 Gerontologic Nursing
This specialty of nursing involves assessing the health and functional status of
older adults, planning and implementing health care and services to meet
identified needs, and evaluating the effectiveness of such care. Gerontologic
nursing is the term most often used by nurses specializing in this field.
1.4 Geriatric Nursing
N/A
2. Trace the historic development of Gerontologic Nursing as a specialty
Burnside (1988) conducted an extensive review of historical materials related to
gerontologic nursing. Researching the years between 1900 and 1940, she found 23
writings with a focus on older adults that covered such topics as rural nursing,
almshouses, and private duty nursing, as well as early case studies and clinical
issues addressing home care for fractured femurs, dementia, and delirium. An
anonymous American Journal of Nursing editorial in 1925 is thought to be one of
the earliest calls for a nursing specialty in older adult care (“Care of the Aged,”
1925).

Similarly, Stevens (1994), examined journal articles between 1903 and 1990,
looking for those with a focus on nursing care of the older adult, health concerns
of the older adult, or other issues facing older adults. Between 1903 and 1950,
only one article was published. Between 1960 and 1990, a steady increase in
literature with a focus on the older adult was noted.
 INTERNET

1.1 Gerontology
Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of the aging process and its associated
physical, psychological, social, and cultural aspects. It encompasses the scientific
exploration of the aging population, the factors influencing aging, and the various issues
affecting older individuals and their quality of life.

1.2 Geriatrics
Geriatrics is a medical specialty that focuses on the healthcare and well-being of
older adults. It involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and health
conditions that commonly affect elderly individuals. Geriatric medicine aims to optimize
the physical, mental, and emotional health of older adults and improve their overall
quality of life.

1.3 Gerontologic Nursing

Gerontologic nursing, also known as gerontological nursing, is a specialized
branch of nursing that focuses on providing care to older adults. It involves assessing,
planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care for elderly patients. Gerontologic
nurses address the unique healthcare needs and challenges faced by older individuals,
emphasizing holistic care that considers their physical, psychological, and social
well-being.

1.4 Geriatric Nursing

Geriatric nursing is a broader term that encompasses the care of older adults but
may not necessarily involve specialized training or education in gerontology. While
gerontologic nursing focuses on the comprehensive care of older adults and often
requires additional training, geriatric nursing may refer to the care of older patients
within various healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and
home healthcare.
2. Trace the historic development of Gerontologic Nursing as a specialty
● Early 20th Century: As life expectancy increased in the early 20th century,
healthcare professionals began to recognize the need for specialized care for
older adults. Nurses working in hospitals and nursing homes provided care to
elderly patients but often lacked formal training in gerontology.
● Mid-20th Century: In the mid-20th century, gerontological nursing started to gain
recognition as a distinct field. Pioneering nurses and researchers, such as Myrtle
K. Aydelotte and Vera H. Skaggs made significant contributions to the
development of gerontologic nursing by conducting research and advocating for
better care for older adults.
● 1970s: The 1970s marked a pivotal period for gerontologic nursing, with the
establishment of educational programs and the publication of textbooks
specifically focused on gerontological nursing. This helped formalize the specialty
and provided nurses with specialized training.
● Late 20th Century and Beyond: Gerontologic nursing continued to evolve and
expand throughout the late 20th century and into the 21st century. Nursing
organizations, such as the National Gerontological Nursing Association (NGNA),
played a crucial role in advancing the field by providing resources, education,
and networking opportunities for gerontologic nurses.