Gerontology and geriatrics: care and context. Towards integration

Gerontology, the multidisciplinary study of ageing within the wider social and cultural context and geriatrics, which focuses more on the medical care of older people, are often seen as very separate and distinct. Both focus on improving the lives of older people, but have differing origins, philosophies and practices. Yet the impact of both on society and on the older person themselves is not always easily distinguished. In reality, the difference between the two might represent a false dichotomy and by bridging the (oft false) gap between the two disciplines and creating an integrated model of ageing may lead to improvements in the lives and care of older people.