Geriatric care initiatives focus on maintaining autonomy for older adults

The Hospital Especializado San Juan de Dios in Piura, Peru, has launched a Comprehensive Gerontology Center operating as a day center. Designed for older adults who require specialized follow-up without needing inpatient hospitalization, the service allows patients to return to their homes daily, maintaining family connections. The center utilizes a multidisciplinary team including geriatricians, psychologists, nutritionists, and physical therapists to provide cognitive stimulation, memory workshops, and art therapy.

In Mexico, specialists from the National Institute of Geriatrics (INGER) are emphasizing the importance of preventing physical and cognitive decline to preserve autonomy in the elderly. Experts warn that falls, loss of muscle strength, malnutrition, and cognitive impairment can accelerate dependency. Recommended preventive measures include muscle-strengthening exercises, aerobic activity, adequate protein intake, and regular monitoring of blood pressure and glucose levels to ensure aging does not result in a loss of rights or independence.