Indian Academy of Geriatrics

The demographic transition and a consequent rise in the older population has become a challenge to the society especially in developing countries with limited resources. In India, 50% of older people have chronic diseases and 2/3rd have more than one illness (NSSO data 1995). This reflects the increased morbidity associated with old age and hence an increased utilization of health care systems. Health problems of older people are complex, many are on multiple medications and health professionals require special skills and training for management of these patients. Older people also have varied health, social and psychological needs which have to be specifically addressed. Hence there was an urgent need to develop Geriatrics in our country to improve the scientific knowledge and quality of healthcare provided to older people.

With this aim, the professional body “Indian Academy of Geriatrics” was formed on 26th April 2002 with Prof. V. S. Natarajan, Prof. A. Venkoba Rao and Prof. R. Sivaraman – the pioneers in the field of Geriatrics in India as patrons. The Founder members were:

– Prof. B. Krishnaswamy, Chennai (Secretary)
– Prof. A. B. Dey, New Delhi (President)
– Prof. I. S. Gambhir, Varanasi (Vice-President)
– Prof. Arvind Mathur, Jodhpur (Editor-JIAG)