학회지

The population of the elderly in Korea is rapidly increasing. Most elderly people have complex and multifactorial medical problems and various social-economic situations. These problems usually result in various disabilities with physical and psychological aspects and lead to increased dependency. Therefore, the assessment and management of geriatric syndrome are also very important, and it is necessary to implement a geriatric comprehensive assessment. Comprehensive assessment should include information on functional status, comorbidity (endocrine, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, nervous system), nutritional status, polypharmacy, cognitive functioning, and socioeconomic status. The most important part is the evaluation of the frailty. Physical frailty is considered as a prognostic factor for functional recovery in elderly patients with fracture and cancer. To improve the state of frailty, rehabilitation therapy, including exercise and nutrition supply, are important. The process of managing geriatric syndrome is very similar to rehabilitation medicine, in comprehensive assessment and interdisciplinary approach. To develop geriatric medicine, active participation of a physiatrist is necessary.