The geriatric patient presents a challenge to the primary care provider. Negative attitudes and stereotypes that have been imposed by society are a major block to the successful care of the elderly and need to be examined and changed. The teaching of geriatrics in medical and nursing schools and schools for health-related professions may prevent some of these negative attitudes in the future. The elderly often present with many problems, which are the result of physical changes and multiple losses. These problems are physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. The possibility for resolution of each of these needs should be investigated using a holistic, multidisciplinary team approach, with no need being dismissed simply because of the patient's age. Interventions are directed toward assisting the elderly patient to achieve self-actualization or self-fulfillment and attain and maintain the highest possible level of health, functioning, and quality of life. The physiologic changes that occur with aging result in a deviation from normal in the presentation and progression of disease, in the effects of medications, and in laboratory test results. There are alternatives to institutionalization, and these should be actively sought utilizing community supports. When institutionalization is chosen, rehabilitation should be the goal, if at all possible. Availability and therapeutic listening on the part of the primary care provider are invaluable. More time, energy, and giving of self are needed in order to successfully provide care to the geriatric patient; the challenge is great but the rewards are also great. The elderly are a wise, warm, and wonderful people.
老年患者给初级保健提供者带来了挑战。社会所施加的消极态度和刻板印象是成功护理老年人的主要障碍，需要加以审视和改变。在医学院、护理学院以及与健康相关专业的学校中开展老年医学教学，可能会在未来防止一些此类消极态度的产生。老年人常常存在许多问题，这些问题是身体变化和多种丧失的结果。这些问题涉及身体、情感、社会和精神层面。应该采用整体的、多学科团队方法来研究解决这些需求的可能性，而不应仅仅因为患者的年龄就忽视任何一种需求。干预措施旨在帮助老年患者实现自我实现或自我满足，并达到和维持尽可能高的健康水平、功能状态和生活质量。随着年龄增长而发生的生理变化会导致疾病的表现和进展、药物效果以及实验室检查结果偏离正常。有替代机构养老的方式，应利用社区支持积极寻求这些方式。如果选择机构养老，那么只要有可能，康复就应成为目标。初级保健提供者的随时可及和富有治疗性的倾听是非常宝贵的。为了成功地为老年患者提供护理，需要更多的时间、精力和奉献精神；挑战巨大，但回报也丰厚。老年人是睿智、热情且出色的群体。
