Geriatric Medicine in South Africa - a Cinderella subspecialty?

Abstract

Population ageing is a worldwide phenomenon and follows a decline in birth and death rates. Longevity and a greater number of people living to an advanced age are a major achievement for humankind. However, a consequence of the demographic shift is an escalating demand for health care as a result of increases in chronic and age-specific diseases and disabilities. The transition is more rapid in developing countries, which also have fewer resources than the developed countries to meet the challenges of an ageing population.