Gait, Gadgets & Getting Older: Tales of a Geriatrician

Board-certified UCI Health geriatrician Lisa Gibbs, MD joins the podcast to discuss the unique aspects of the UCI Health Senior Health Center, highlighting its comprehensive team-based approach to geriatric care. Gibbs shares insights on the importance of fall prevention, the impact of footwear on fall risks, and the center's focus on both clinical and preventive care for older adults. Tune in to learn how UCI Health is making strides in geriatric medicine and improving the lives of seniors in Orange County.

Topics discussed:

• Falls are a major focus: one-third of older adults fall each year, and a fall often triggers a cascade of health declines, including loss of independence and increased mortality.
• Risk identification (e.g., gait assessments, reviewing footwear) and preventive interventions (e.g., physical therapy, safer mobility plans) are prioritized to stop that one life-altering fall.
• The overuse of over-the-counter medications and supplements, aiming for medication regimens that are simpler, safer, and sustainable for older adults.
• Geriatric consultation benefits patients in fields like oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, trauma surgery, and even otolaryngology, ensuring treatments align with functional goals and quality of life.
• UCI Health is embracing digital medicine: integrating home health data into electronic medical records (EMR) and using apps and wearables for chronic disease management.