There aren’t enough geriatricians – here’s how older adults can still get the right care

Geriatricians are trained to look beyond individual illnesses that older adults may face, and instead to look at the bigger picture of aging. MoMo Productions/DigitalVision via Getty Images

More than 70 million baby boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964 – are alive today. In 2026, the oldest of them are turning 80.

With longer lives often comes more complicated health needs: multiple chronic conditions, long lists of medications, balance problems that can increase the risk of falls, and changes in memory. Many older adults also begin relying more on spouses, children or other family members to help manage medical decisions.